The fire lit, Tonelia put a pot of water on to boil some dried meat and went in search of herbs. When the meat was tender, she chopped the herbs and tossed in rosemary, some wild oregano, wild garlic bulbs, and nice young slices of a red steak-like mushroom she’d discovered beneath a scraggly bush.
When she turned again to the pot, she was shocked to see the reflection of a beautiful young woman staring at her. She looked up to see the lady behind her, but there was no one there. The vision chilled her, realizing the men were still out searching for firewood. Alone, she scanned the cave, but there was no person there. Again, she looked in the pot and saw the gentle woman’s reflection staring back at her.
“I’m sorry to have startled you, my dear. You mustn’t eat the stew,” the reflection said in her mind.
“Who’re you? Where are you? What do you want?”
“I’m right here beside you, my dear.” Tonelia felt the warmth and spun around. No one was there. Only the light from the fire flickered on the walls.
“Where are you? Who are you?” Scared, Tonelia raised her wooden spoon.
“Look again at me, my dear. Don’t you recognize me?” The face was sad, her smile weak.
“Don’t be ridiculous! How would I recognize you? I’ve never seen you before.”
“It was a long time ago.” The lady looked down, biting her lip.
Tonelia lowered the spoon. “I’m sorry if I offended you, but I don’t know you. Who are you?”
“You were very small when I left. You mustn’t eat the stew.”
“What’re you talking about, woman? None of this makes sense. I’m not going to have someone that isn’t here telling me what to do.”
“The mushroom isn’t a beefsteak mushroom. It’s a mimic, a mushroom of remembrance. You’re seeing me now because you licked your fingers after cutting it up, and you’re remembering me. If you and your friends eat the stew, you’ll all be fondly remembered.”
“Why should I remember someone I never saw before, and how do you know what I put in the pot anyway?”
“Look again in the water, think back to when you were a very small girl. Don’t you remember seeing me before?”
Tonelia looked again at the woman in the water and concentrated. Little girl… Hmmm ... Then, the vision came to her.
“Mother!”
The woman beamed and said in a soft, loving voice, “Yes.”
Long suppressed anger surged through Tonelia. “I was six when you left. I loved you, and you left me. Over the years, my pain turned to anger. I realized later you had no choice in death, but as a child, I felt abandoned.”
“Your anger led to your independence as a child. It made you stronger.”
“Yes, and made me rebellious toward Father’s authority. Mother, how can you just appear now after a dozen years?”
“The mushroom of remembrance is very powerful. It allows you to remember me and, by chance, to see my reflection from the next plane on the water’s surface. Remember, I was a sorceress. Your father didn’t like me using magic, but I did, and I taught you a few small tricks as well, you’ll remember.”
“I remember you, Mother.” Warmth washed over Tonelia like ripples on a smooth pond. She tossed the stew out of the cave. “How long will you stay with me?”
“I was able to warn you threw the mushroom’s touch. That’ll wear off by morning, and I’ll be gone. You must live your life, child. I must go on with this existence, too, but I had to warn you about the mushroom while I could. I’ll be with you always in your memories, my child.”
“I was very angry that you abandoned me.” Tonelia stared at the cave floor.
“I couldn’t help that child.”
There was a long silence, as Tonelia released the long-smoldering wounds in her heart, laying them to rest.
“Go get the mushroom, and dry it. Never eat it, or you’ll not wake up. Keep it with you, and should you need me, rub the mushroom between your fingers. We both have our own roles to play in different worlds now. Use the mushroom sparingly. Remember that I love you always. We’ll be together in our hearts.” With that, the woman faded, just as Bodrin was entering the cave.
“Excuse me.” Tonelia darted past him, recovered the mushroom lifting it with leaves, and placed in on a high ledge to dry. Only then, did she turn to the befuddled Bodrin and smile a warm welcome. “Don’t touch that mushroom and tell the others not to, either.”
Mother’s at peace, she thought.
Puzzled, Bodrin thrust up his arms and backed up. “Not on my life.” He watched her but got no explanation. She hugged him, and that was sufficient.
“Not on your life, indeed.”
Tonelia washed the pot carefully and made a tasty dinner. While the group was eating, Tonelia thought again of her mother and then her own childhood. The mushroom was still working its magic.
Through the mushroom, she remembered her mother making a finger-torch. She regained the knowledge, if not yet the skills, of a novice sorceress.
Tonelia chuckled. She said her mother’s phrase, flicked her thumb and finger, and poof. A small blue flame appeared perched on the tip of her thumb. She rocked back laughing; the others stared.
The next morning, the group set out again across the hilltops. By late morning, from dry, rocky peaks, they saw a lush valley between the ridge they were on and the parallel ridge to the north. A sparkling stream bubbled over rocks through the valley and then spilled out down toward the lakes before disappearing into the ground.
In the valley, the rich green of hemlocks and pines contrasted sharply with the dusty gray rocks around them. Trees were laden with fruit. Wild grapes scrambled here and there, dangling their ripening clusters in the autumn sun. The weary travelers stood in awe atop the dreary peaks.
“Wonder why the Tashians haven’t settled around such a productive place,” Saxthor said. Then he remembered what King Ahkenspec told him of the elves’ ability to hide their forest oases from the avarice and envy of man. “I’m thinking elves, Tournak? We may be looking into another elfin enclave. If they, too, know of our coming, they made this vision possible. Let’s go down and greet our hosts.”
“He learns fast,” Bodrin said in passing.
Tonelia gaped at the two young men. “I have no intention of moving until someone does a lot of explaining.”
Tournak, shaking his head, patted her on the shoulder, and the two of them followed Saxthor and Bodrin down into the valley.
“Of all the people in the world, I had to run off with these crazies,” Tonelia said. “I had a secure future in the Hoyahof dungeons, but no, I had to escape with people to fight monster crickets, eat poisonous mushrooms, and encounter elves.” Her head hung shaking.
Bodrin hugged her. “Resigned to your fate?”
Tournak entered. “What’s this about poisonous mushrooms?”
“Don’t ask.”
“Sorry.”
Near the bottom, a forest elf named Icktak from the Talok-Tak Kingdom met the troupe. The elves took them to a large audience hall in the oak trees as honored guests. The great hall was some thirty feet off the ground, built on the massive oak branches of four trees. The walls were open during the day, except for handrails, and woven living tree branches formed the roof. Saxthor observed every detail.
“What an elaborate structure for these desolate mountains,” Saxthor said.
“What’re these, again,” Tonelia said to an elf beside her. She helped herself to another bite of refreshment. “Baked squash with honey and walnuts? I never had winter squash before, and very few nuts make it to the Dungeon Keeper’s table, let me tell you. What a delicious fall harvest you elves have.”
Bodrin watched as she savored the squash, her dreamy eyes almost fluttering. He showed appreciation for the meal’s perfection by trying to eat every one of the countless items offered to him.
Saxthor was enjoying the elves’ grace and elegance. What beautiful people they were. He looked over at Tonelia, trying to convince herself the elves were re
al. “Have some more squash, Tonelia.”
“Why, thank you.” With a nod and wink to her hosts, Tonelia leaned forward and served Bodrin and herself another portion.
King Mendentak of the Talok-Tak Kingdom was quick to engage his guests following their sumptuous feast. He extended greetings from his elves and Memlatec.
“How does Memlatec know we’re here?” Saxthor asked.
“The scattered elfin kingdoms still communicate,” Mendentak said. “Our pigeons are as close to us as dogs are to men.” He patted Delia as he spoke. She wagged her tail and smiled, her raised-lip-dog-smile acknowledging his affection. “Being less conspicuous than the great eagles, hawks, and owls that wizards employ, pigeons usually pass unnoticed by those who’d intercept messages. Memlatec knew if you got this far, our elfin oasis would be a beacon drawing you here. He sent word to expect you and to extend our hospitality and assist you however we can.”
Saxthor amused his hosts with tales of their travels. The cave cricket story, in particular, thrilled the elves. The prince could tell a great story, and the elves appreciated a good storyteller. He entertained his forest hosts late into the evening.
“We’ve suspected there were evil creatures somewhere in the hills west of here, but we seldom venture into the exposed mountain peaks to investigate,” King Mendentak said.
Next morning, the king called for Saxthor when the adventurers went to pack. “We’ve seen wraiths searching by moonlight around the lakes in the last few weeks. We saw wraiths as recently as three days ago. Whatever they’re searching for, they haven’t found it yet. You must be especially careful out on the plain and around the lakes now.”
“Wraiths again,” Saxthor said.
“We know there are at least two wraiths out there. One is large and especially powerful. We were successful in extinguishing a lesser one. The more powerful one got away. We don’t think it realized we were pursuing it. To be so powerful, The Dark Lord created him, especially for this search. His maker is watching his efforts too closely for us to reveal our presence. You mustn’t let the great wraith learn of your whereabouts.”
“What should we do if we encounter him?” Saxthor asked. “If we’re looking for the same thing, or if he searches for us, we’ll be in the same locations and most likely will run into each other.” Saxthor’s hand tightened on Sorblade’s hilt.
“You have in your possession an extremely powerful wand,” the king said. “Draw a veil around your band, should you see the wraith, and wait for him to pass. The veil won’t only hide you; it will void your energy trace from the shade.”
“Wand?”
“Weren’t you given a magic wand about the length of your forearm, made of ivory cut in a spiral with a powerful golden rune inlaid in the handle?” Mendentak’s eyes widened as his face scrunched.
Saxthor thought about his possessions. Puzzled, he turned up his hands.
“Wand, I have no magic wand.”
Mendentak searched Saxthor’s face. “Memlatec recently confided to the Council of Elfin Kings that the heir to the Crown of Yensupov was moving across the peninsula. We offered to provide you, Saxthor, with the Peldentak Wand to aid you in your search. We did so. I hope we didn’t entrust it to the wrong man.”
“I’ve no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Mother!” Mendentak summoned the guards. “Find Queen Merritak at once.”
The guards rushed from the hall.
“The wand’s loss would be catastrophic to us,” Mendentak said.
The beautiful Queen Merritak swept into the room with a butterfly’s grace and virtually floated over to Saxthor and her son, the king.
“Greetings, young Saxthor,” the radiant queen said in a silken tone that soothed his very soul. The queen turned to her son, “You commanded my presence, my son?” The queen’s golden hair seemed to draw the sunlight into the room and radiate from her. Her elegance carried warmth that flowed around Saxthor like a summer breeze.
“Wasn’t this the man to whom you gave the Peldentak Wand?” Mendentak asked. His agitation was stark.
The puzzled queen looked to her son. “It is he.”
They both looked at Saxthor, who was at a loss for words, shuffling foot to foot. I’ve never seen this unforgettable lady before, he thought. Having seen her now, I could never forget such radiance in my life.
“Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I’ve never seen you before.” Saxthor bowed low. “I can assure you I couldn’t forget anyone so regal.”
The queen’s face cocked slightly, her brows arched. She raised Saxthor’s bowed face and smiling, transformed before his eyes into a stooped-over old lady wrapped in tattered clothes. Her smile rekindled Saxthor’s memory.
“Why, yes, Your Majesty, the harbor at Botahar! I hid the Peldentak Wand, still in its case, in the bottom of my satchel. To tell you the truth, I’d no idea what it was.” Saxthor felt his face flush and wished he could hide his sheepishness.
The king and dowager queen now returned to her regal form, held hands, and smiled at Saxthor.
“We’re much relieved. Show Saxthor how to use the wand, Mother,” King Mendentak said, laughing. “It’ll do him no good in the satchel.” He turned to Saxthor and bid him a safe journey, then left the hall.
“Go to Prince Saxthor’s chamber and bring his satchel,” the queen told her attendant. The queen drew Saxthor to high-back oak chairs. They sat and talked of his journey from Botahar until the attendant hurried in with the haversack. Saxthor retrieved the long-forgotten wand case, and, triumphant, presented it to her.
“You see; I didn’t lose it.”
She put her delicate hand on his.
“It’s our fault you didn’t know of the wand’s significance. The misunderstanding is excusable and forgotten. We hadn’t realized you wouldn’t be familiar with wands.” The queen took the case and held it to herself in both hands. Her face relaxed, her eyes closed, and she took a deep breath. Only then did she look at Saxthor and then lovingly looked again at the case.
“At the Wizard Wars’ end … You’re familiar with the Wizard Wars?” she asked, looking up at him.
“Yes, I studied them with Tournak.”
“At the Wizard Wars’ end, there was a great battle involving the armies of wizards, elves, mountain dwarves, and men against the Dark Lord and his orcs, ogres, saber-wolves, and rock-dwarves. In the battle, the Dark Lord mortally wounded King Peldentak, king of all the Eastern Forest Elves. Our elves brought him home here before he died.”
“I’m sorry for your loss,” Saxthor said.
The queen cast him a gentle smile, and Saxthor blushed.
“The king commanded that the master carver, Ozzentak carve a wand from the king’s most precious possession, a unicorn’s ivory horn.”
“A unicorn?”
“Yes, a unicorn. As the king lay dying, he allowed his powerful elfin blood to flow into the wand’s hollow core. The power of his blood’s magic is great, indeed. The handle’s gold rune seals in his blood and its magic.” The queen glowed as she spoke, pausing to look up at Saxthor.
“King Peldentak was my husband and Mendentak’s father. As we sat with him on his deathbed ages ago, he commanded that we hold and protect this wand until such time as one would come to lead the next battle against the Dark Lord when he rose again. Mendentak and I agreed that you, as the crown’s apparent inheritor, should have the wand to aid you on your journey. That’s why I sought you out in Botahar.” Merritak held the precious wand to herself for a moment and then extended it to Saxthor.
Saxthor felt goosebumps run over him. At that moment, the energy radiating from the queen’s love for her husband’s memory was almost overwhelming. He hesitated to take the wand, understanding Merritak’s connection to it. Then he realized only the need for extraordinary power to fight the evil could induce the queen and her son to part with such a treasured icon. Saxthor recognized the gift’s significance and the pride she felt in sharing it with him. He couldn’t refu
se it even if it added to his burden. He looked at the lady as she extended the case. He took it in both hands, feeling love’s warmth that came with it. They both looked at it for a moment in silence.
“Let us show you how to use it and what it can do,” Queen Merritak said, breaking the silence.
Saxthor handed the wand to the dowager queen.
Merritak then thrust her arm out straight, so the wand took aim at a bowl on the room’s center table.
Saxthor watched the bowl and waited for the result, but nothing happened. He looked at the queen. She smiled again, then handed him the wand.
“By Peldentak’s command, the magic of this wand will only activate for the one who comes to lead the armies against the Dark Lord,” she said. “For all our magic, we can’t release the wand’s power. You try it.”
Saxthor was puzzled and again looked at the queen. “I’m neither an elf nor a wizard; I’ve no power to command the wand. I’m but a man.”
“You don’t yet know your own power, Saxthor. You do have enormous power. You just haven’t learned how to use or control it yet. It’s time you began to discover who you are. I sense that you command the great dragon Yamma-Mirra Heedra’s power through the dragon ring you wear. That power is great, indeed. Now try the wand.”
Looking at the ring, Saxthor remembered that he’d used its power to shatter the iron ring shackling Habbernee in the rock-dwarves’ chamber. He took the wand, placed his thumb over the golden rune that felt warm to the touch. He thought of the rock crystal bowl and thrust his arm out, directing the wand’s aim at the bowl. A blue spark shot across the room; the bowl glowed, then disappeared. They stared at where the bowl had been.
“Ah, it seems you are the wand’s rightful master.”
Saxthor could say nothing. The sudden realization the wand could’ve vaporized him, and all his companions stunned him. It had been rattling around in the bottom of his satchel since they left Botahar. The chill subsided when he finally adjusted to the vision. He turned to the queen.
“Thank you. I don’t know what else to say.” He reverently placed the wand back in its case.
“Aside from obliterating physical forms, the wand can also draw a veil around you, rendering you invisible to your enemies should you get into a tight spot. Just turn your hand down at the wrist, and draw the veil line while thinking of a veil of invisibility. Also, it can function as a shield if you hold your hand and wand straight with your elbow bent to hold your forearm, hand, and wand across your chest.”
The Neuyokkasinian Arc of Empire Series: Books 1-3 Box Set High, Epic Fantasy on a Grand Dragon Scale! Kindle Edition Page 41
