by Rick Brown
"There is a rumor," Stiven said, "that Dommeran is gathering troops in the west. It would seem they do not share your peaceful outlook on the situation."
"I am not aware of any such thing, and if they did, I am sure it would be for purely innocent reasons."
“Innocent reasons?” asked the king. “What could possibly explain the massing of troops so near the border?”
“Likely to quell the outlaws that you are so concerned about. Indeed, that is just what a good neighbor would do.”
"I've faced those ‘outlaws,'" I commented. "They are trained military with a command structure. They wear Dommerian uniforms. They are no mere thieves."
“They probably stole the uniforms. My apologies, Your Highness, but you were only a captain on the front. There was much going on with those in higher stations that you may not have been aware.”
“Be that as it may,” Stiven said. “I have had the privilege of spending much time with King Eberon. I have found him to be quite insightful. I would trust his opinion.”
“Of course,” Lord Hannen smirked. “I am just doing my duty to the crown. As my role as advisor, it is my responsibility to give the king my educated advice.”
To whose benefit, I wondered.
“Enough of this,” the king said through clenched teeth. “To resume what we were discussing. The ball for King Eberon is next week. At that time, we will have an opportunity to meet with many of the nobles.” He gave me a meaningful look.
“Yes, your majesty. My people are looking forward to it.”
“A ball next week?” Hannen said surprised. “I haven’t received my invitation yet. How will I prepare in time?”
“Prepare Hannen?” The king answered. “What is there to prepare? You haven’t received your invite yet because you are in the city and would not require as much time as those elsewhere.”
“I see,” Hannen responded.
“It will be a joyous occasion indeed,” Stiven said with a smile.
“We have much to do then,” Arthur said. “May I be excused so I can prepare?”
“Of course,” I nodded to him.
“Yes,” Kendrick added. “We should all prepare. King Eberon. Could I have a private word with you?” I nodded and kept my seat as others started to rise.
“Shall I stay, your majesty?” Lord Hannen asked as he took Stiven’s chair, as if to sit.
"No, this will just be a friendly chat. You may leave." Hannen looked grimaced as he made his way out the door with the others. Once everyone was gone, King Kendrick turned to me. "I am sorry to give you short notice, but after the incident with Lord Francis, we have decided to move up the timetable. I have requested that each of my most trusted lords bring a large military retainer with them, without further explanation. We will have to make our move the day after the ball. I do not trust our enemy with more time."
“I understand. In that case, my people will need to prepare.” I said thoughtfully.
“Excellent. I must say I am worried. This will be the biggest maneuver I have performed as king. It must go according to plan.”
“I believe you are doing the right thing. They may be off balance after what happened at Lord Faluth’s. No reason to give them more time.”
“Our thoughts exactly.”
“Then if you will excuse me, I will need time to organize my people.”
“Of course,” he said with a nod.
Chapter 26
(Lee)
I stormed down the hall lost in thought, my guards trailing behind me. A week. There’s so much to do. As I entered the room, Arthur was standing next to Max.
“Your Majesty, I told Max you might like to see him when you came back,” Arthur explained. Bless the man.
“Indeed I do. Max, I am sorry I haven’t given much time, but have you considered the offer?”
“Yes Sire,” He answered in his drawl. “I’ve been speakin’ with Captain Whilhoit. He told me all about what happened at Lord Faluth’s. There can be no doubting you be the king. I accept your offer.”
“Good, because I will need your help immediately. Our allies need our help. Arthur, gather everyone in the conference room.”
He nodded. “I have already sent a runner for your friends. They went to practice. I have also ordered food and drinks. They will be here shortly.”
I had to smile at his foresight. “Thank you, Arthur.” I made my way to the conference room followed by Max.
“Ok Max. Here’s what we are up against,” I started as I sat down. I went on to explain the ledger and the coup taking place. I also filled him in on my fight with Captain Hannen. As we were discussing the past, everyone else filed into the room. As well as some servants bearing snacks and wine.
"So," I said once everyone had arrived. "Now you are all up to speed, time to fill you in on what will be happening. The ball to present us to the Lord's of the land will now be the trap for Hannen and his conspirators."
“So soon?” asked Barad.
It was Max that answered. “It makes sense. They just had an arse kickin’. No reason to let them recover. Good tactics to take advantage. Still, doesn’t give us much time. With your permission, Your Majesty, I’d like to start recalling guild folk. We’ll be needing ‘em.”
“Your right about that. Please do so. Kendrick’s ordered his most trusted lords to come prepared. Hopefully it will be enough. In the meanwhile, we will have a ball to attend. Max, for now I would like your role with us to remain secret. No reason to show our hand yet. Can you return to the guild and get back here in a week?”
“Using a fast horse there and a barge on the way back I can, and I’ll be bringing everyone I can get my hands on.”
“Then do so. The rest of you, go shopping. We will need to look our best when we are presented at the ball.”
As everyone was filing out of the room one of the pages entered. "Your Majesty. You have received guests."
“Oh, who?”
“Councilor Nenelin and Envoy Farloc, of the Elves.”
I froze mid-step. "Elves?"
I realized now the paged looked as shocked as I felt.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
I stepped past the envoy to find everyone still standing around the main room, staring at the door. There stood two strangers. The older man dressed in a robe and a younger one dressed in loose pants and a simple tunic. They were tall with slender builds and a slightly pale cast to their skin. I couldn't help but look to the ears that did really come to a point, just like all stories told. The two seemed unbothered with the attention they were receiving.
The older elf stepped forward as I entered the room. “Your Majesty. I am Councilor Nenelin of the elves. With me is my son, Farloc. Rumor has reached even our isolated land that the King of Alsselya has returned. The Elven council sent us to verify the veracity of this claim.”
“I understand,” I lied. “Please, let us go back to my conference room and discuss. Arthur, Ryan, and father Yagen. Please join us.”
Our smaller group filed back into the conference room and sat around the table. “Gentlemen.. err.. Gentle-elv.” I sat back and sighed. “I apologize. This is my first time to meet elves. I fear I do not know the etiquette.”
Nenelin smiled as he sat. “Do not over concern yourself. You are not alone. We rarely leave our lands, preferring our isolation. With our lives being longer than yours, we tend to move at a more sedate pace. Our people found the constantly changing society of men uncomfortable.”
“I would need to check our records,” Arthur stated, “but I have not heard of an Elven envoy coming to Vaelin in over a century.”
"No, I suspect there hasn't been. With the fall of Alsselya, our ties to man were weakened."
“Well, you say you’ve come to test my claim to the throne. How will you do that?”
"First by sight. The royal family and ours have intermarried. If you are the heir, then we are related. I can say now that you look like your great-great-grandfather or however far ba
ck it is with you humans. Your family’s traits always ran strong.
"The second is the most important," he said as he pulled out a bag. Reaching in, he pulled out a diamond the size of a man's thumb.
Yagen gasped. “Is that Alynon’s Tear?”
"It is. Your Majesty, this stone is tied closely to your family. They have used it as a receptacle for their magic. If it recognizes you, then there can be no doubt."
“What do I do?” I asked dubiously. This is the first I’ve heard of Alynon’s Tear.
“Just put a little of your power into it,” Nenelin answered.
Taking a breath, I looked into my energy and pushed a trickle of it towards the stone. At first, nothing happened. It was like I was holding a string and pulling it over the stone. Suddenly I felt the stone grab it and pull it into itself. As I watched the stone started glowing with a bright light. Nenelin leaned back in his chair, and his son Farloc gasped.
“So there is our proof. You are the true King of Alsselya,” Nenelin finally said.
“That was amazing, but I really am not sure what just happened,” Ryan stated.
“That makes two of us,” I added.
“Alynon’s Tear,” Yagen answered. “It was carried by the kings of Alynon. It was said to be magic.”
“The Tear was a gift to your family from Alynon,” Nenelin added. “It is capable of holding your unique magic. Much like a storage vessel. For centuries your family has added to it. The amount of magic it holds is incredible.”
“That’s amazing. I’ve tried to build my endurance, with magic, but I still tire easily.”
“Yes, this was the solution worked out with your family and Alynon many years ago.”
“So I can pull energy from it?” I asked.
“No. It would burn you out to try to pull it out directly. You need the rest of the royal sword to access the power. The tear fits into the hilt.”
“Where is it?”
"I do not know. We feared Gorath getting hold of the sword. The stone and the sword were separated and taken for protection. We elves have protected the stone. I do not know who was entrusted with the blade. For now, it is simply the tool that I could use for absolute certainty in identifying you, and I have." With that, he picked up the stone and returned it to the bag.
"What will you do with it?" Yagen asked. "That should be the property of the Alsselyian king."
“I think so too,” Nenelin stated. “But it is not mine to return. It belongs to the Elven council. We will have to appeal to the rest of the council that you are the rightful owner. You will need to come to Veluvian Mountains and give proof there that you are king.”
“The Veluvian Mountains? When could we find time to go there?” Yagen asked.
“We will need to go to Tiber once things are resolved in Vaelin. Maybe go by land and visit on our way?” Arthur suggested.
"That could add a month to the trip. You could just sail there in a few days." Ryan pointed out.
Yagen frowned, “Then I like the sound of stopping by mountains even better,” I smiled, remembering his dislike of boats.
“Regardless,” I said. “We cannot move until things are resolved here in Vaelin.”
“Did the King not accept you?” Nenelin asked.
I looked at the others. It wasn’t that I didn’t trust the elf, but he was a stranger. It would be best not to share everything. “He has, but we still need to convince his lords,” I explained.
"Well, there is much of your politics that I find confusing, but very well. I will return to the council and prepare the ground. When you arrive, we will see what can be harvested."
“You are leaving so soon?” I asked.
"I am. I would like to request that my son remain with you, as a new elven ambassador."
I looked at Farloc. He had not spoken since he arrived. “We would be honored.”
“Excellent, then if you could have someone escort me out?”
“Of course,” I agreed and nodded towards Ryan. He stepped out and signaled a page.
As Nenelin left, I turned to Farloc. "Well, Ambassador. Welcome to our little group."
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” He said with a raspy voice.
“Have you been an ambassador before?” I asked the quiet elf.
“No, this is my first time.”
“Well, it’s my first time as king too, so we can learn together.” Farloc smiled. At least he had a sense of humor. “In the meanwhile, Arthur can you find Farloc a room?”
“Of course, Sire. Ambassador Farloc, if you would follow me?”
The two left the room, and I turned to Father Yagen. "What do you think?"
“Well, if we weren’t the talk of the castle before, we are now. No one gets Elven visitors.”
“It will enhance your claim,” Ryan added. “Not even King Kendrick has an Elven ambassador.”
“Well, right now we have an ambassador, but no kingdom. Feels like we have the cart before the horse, but it can’t be helped,” I said as I rubbed my eyes. What a day. “Ok, let’s take a break for now. Ryan, make sure Ambassador Farloc gets invited to dinner.”
We gathered for dinner later that evening. I could tell everyone was excited about an elf joining us. I left a seat open next to me where he would sit. When he joined us, he was wearing a similar tunic to the one he wore earlier. As he did the servants started passing out food.
“Hello Ambassador How is your room?”
"It is," He paused for a moment to consider, "different. Father told me humans liked their comforts."
“It was different for me too. I hardly slept the first night I spent here at the palace. It was just over a year ago that I was fighting on the Plains of Alynon.”
He raised his eyebrows. “You were a warrior?”
“Yes, Barad and I served in King Kendrick’s army,” I said pointing towards Barad.
Farloc nodded. “I was a warrior. I would like to test myself against you men.”
“Then you should join us tomorrow,” Brianna jumped in. “We practice every day.”
Farloc smiled. “I would like that.”
“Who do the elves fight?” Father Yagen asked.
“The Dommerian’s. Now that they occupy Alsselya they are on our western border. We do raids on their soldiers. I’m afraid we are but a minor inconvenience.”
“I worry that is what we all will be unless we can unite every kingdom against them. They just have too many bodies they can throw at us,” I replied.
“So is that the plan?” asked Ryan. “You hope to gather all the kingdoms?”
"That's the plan," I answered.
"You must kill the Dommerian Head Priest," Farloc stated without looking up from his food.
“What do you mean?”
“The Head Priest. He has power enough to stop the army. He steals life force from every man he sacrifices to Gorath. It has made him powerful and he has had years to practice with it. The lives he steals also have allowed him to become unnaturally old.”
“He steals a person’s life force!?” Father Yagen asked aghast.
Farloc nodded. "He does not have the natural abilities that King Eberon has, but by stealing the energy of others, he can duplicate it. As Alynon gifted your ancestors Alynon's Tear, the High Priest has Gorath's Heart. A ruby in the dagger he uses to sacrifice. It hold's the energy from its victim in the ruby."
“Disgusting. How did you find all of this out?” Asked Father Pild.
“The soldier’s we capture. We try to intercept those leaving the capital and question them. Most know nothing, but we have caught a few that had rank. They all fear the Head Priest and his followers. The priests are all magic users and are trained specifically for torture and war. We have tried to question them, but they are too strong. We have lost many an elf trying.”
“That’s horrible,” Brianna moaned.
Farloc shrugged. “We have been in this fight a long time. Many lives have been lost. More will be still.”
“All
the more reason for our fight,” I added. “Farloc, we will be attending a ball in one week. I would like you to attend as my guest. It is our job to convince these lords that our battle is necessary.”
"For the first time, Farloc looked worried, "A ball full of humans?"
Lenux smiled, “In a land of human’s, it’s been known to happen.”
“Ryan here will stay near you at the ball," I said as I pointed to Ryan with my knife. "He is from a noble family and can help you out." Farloc still looked uneasy but nodded in agreement.
The wine was served, and the conversation changed to more mundane issues.
The next morning we all went to the exercise yard. I've been busy the last few mornings and was looking forward to working out again. Today Farloc joined us. He carried with him his bow and daggers. As we started to break into our regular groups, Brianna grabbed Farloc and took him to the hand-to-hand combat area. Barad, Lenux, and I sat back to watch. As she took her position across from him, Farloc smiled. “You fight in Chakaran style. It is good that it is remembered by your people.” He took an unfamiliar stance and waited.
Brianna struck, but Farloc blocked it so quickly I didn't even see him move. Just a blur. Brianna looked surprised at first then squinted her eyes in determination. Suddenly she shot forward with a flurry of attacks. None seemed to reach Farloc. When she stepped back, gasping for air, he stood there smiling.
“I thought fighting you humans would be boring, but this is wonderful! You are very fast,” he said to Brianna, “but your techniques are a little rough.”
“We learned from a book,” I explained.
"From a book?" He asked. "That would explain it. Your movements should be like water. I can help." With that, he and Brianna started going over the moves. Barad, Lenux, and I joined them. While Lenux and Bri did well, it quickly became apparent they were all technically far passed Barad and me. After a while, I grabbed a sword and started practicing with something that I could do. Soon after, Barad joined me.
“Well, looks like Bri is happy,” he said while wiping sweat from his face.
