The Sword of Light

by Andrew G. Wood

Eventually, a knock came at the door, and a man wearing the Royal livery of the Palace instructed them to start heading down to the Main Hall. Finley grumbled it was about time, but did so under his breath to avoid his mother hearing him. Following the man down the corridor, before being led down the central staircase, they then moved into a part of the palace Finley had not seen before. It looked little different to the rest, with bright walls and colourful pictures hanging from them. The same plush carpet ran under their feet and here and there were white stone plinths with vases of flowers that added a particular floral scent to the air. Whether having them was the norm, Finley was unsure, but he thought it might be because his Mother was a special guest and those in the palace had made an effort to accommodate her comforts. Elves liked the outside life, especially the bright, colourful flowers, and Finley thought it a nice touch for them to make.

  The walk was only a short one as they once more came to an abrupt halt outside a set of large white doors. Two Elite Royal Guards stood on duty, although none made any move to stop them. “We need to wait to be called in,” Galdrac whispered over to him, noticing Finley was wondering why they had stopped. No sooner had he spoke when they heard a voice from within doing just that.

  The doors were opened and revealed a large open, airy room. At the far end was a low dais on which the members of the Royal Family were all sat, and draped on the wall behind them were the flags of the King’s colours. A row of Elite Royal Guards all wearing full uniform stood along each of the side walls and congregated in the centre, all sat on rows of benches were the audience. The low noise of quiet chatter stopped abruptly as the King stood, “Please enter!” he exclaimed loudly and motioning his hand for them to proceed to the front.

  Leyna and Galdrac led the way as they walked down the narrow gap between the benches to the front, where seating had been reserved for them. Akeev, who clearly had no idea what was going on, walked alongside Mazen, while Karesh and Finley brought up the rear of the small group. As they walked, Finley was surprised to see one or two faces among the audience he recognised. Near the back were the young men that made up Prince James’ group of soldiers and just a row from the front was Leyna’s Mother and Father.

  They were shown to a row of seats to the front and asked to sit down. No sooner had they done that when the King asked for the doors to be closed before welcoming everybody. At first, Finley found it easy to listen as Willem explained to his audience of how close they had all come to being defeated by the forces of the Darkness. However, Finley felt the man did over dramatise it somewhat and had to force himself to stifle a yawn after almost ten minutes of constant talk.

  Finley let his eyes wander and looked at James who it seemed was also staring out into space as his father prattled on. He then moved on to Imogen and immediately smiled as he noticed her looking directly at him. She gave him a smile before turning her gaze away, causing Finley to feel a little disappointed as he heard the people behind him starting to clap. He glanced down the line and noticed his mother and Galdrac doing the same and as he hadn't been listening to what was being said, thought it best to copy what they were doing.

  The King’s focus then turned to those sat at the front, and as he explained to his audience the reason they were all there. “Firstly I would like to thank the Dwarf Mazen and Troll Akeev,”

  “Akeev!” came the reply as the troll heard his name mentioned and decided to say it aloud. There were a few laughs and chuckles from the crowd, and the King even saw the funny side of it. Both were asked to stand and make their way to the dais, although Mazen had to manhandle Akeev to get him to move. “In recognition of your courage and bravery, I award both of you the King’s Cross,” Willem proclaimed handing each a small open box containing a highly polished gold cross with a single sapphire set at its centre. Mazen bowed his head in thanks and nudged Akeev to do the same, although it was evident the troll didn’t know why.

  Next up was Leyna, who was also gifted a medal but in addition to a somewhat surprising offer. “The links between our races had barely existed when the troubles hit, and if not for her assistance in keeping them together, we would have been defeated,” Willem told them all. While Galdrac was probably more to thank for that part, the Old Mage didn’t seem to mind Leyna taking the credit. “I would like to offer you the position of Ambassador to the Elves,” Willem explained that while he was aware, that role would have typically been carried out by a human, having an Elf working for him would certainly allow things to run more smoothly between the two people.

  Finley watched as his mother stepped down from the dais, before glancing over his shoulder to look at the reaction of his grandparents. Both clapped enthusiastically, and he thought even his Grandfather appeared pleased, something that apparently didn’t happen very often.

  Galdrac followed, again being given a medal, but also the offer of a new home, although it was not mentioned where that might be. Finley applauded as Galdrac actually smiled as he made his way back down to his seat, thinking that was quite some gift. Karesh though appeared shocked as he was next to be asked to stand and make his way up to the Dais. Again he was awarded a medal but was then asked if he would consider a special position in the capital. “I have conversed with Coltas, Leader of the Orcs, and he is happy for you to act as our Ambassador to his people. I know you are young, but both he and I think you have proved yourself more than worthy.” It was evident Karesh wasn’t sure what to make of it, and so did what every boy his age would have done, and looked to his mother for guidance. Finley smiled up at his brother and joined the clapping although he had just realised something terrible.

  Galdrac being given a home, Karesh and his Mother both ambassador jobs, and this surely meant his family was systematically being pulled apart. While it was true he had not yet decided what to do with his own future, he had not thought about what the others might do. Now it seemed their futures were being set out before them, and he would be left alone to make up his mind.

  The room fell silent as the King held up his arm. “Of course there were many other men, women and children to who we owe our gratitude. Not just Human, but Elven, Dwarf and Orc as well,” Willem told them. Finley’s mind was so intent on wondering about where his future should lie, he never even realised no mention had been given to him.

  The audience clapped once more before Willem raised his hand again to silence them. Rather than stand in one position as he had done throughout the ceremony the king started to pace from side to side. His voice also changed from one of a public speaker to a calmer, almost fatherly sounding one. His change in demeanour suddenly had Finley wondering what was going on, and his attention once more averted to the King.

  Stopping suddenly, Willem turned to face the audience before him, “There is one amongst us who made the ultimate sacrifice, yet still lives to tell the tale. Yet I know he has little interest in titles or riches, but I am going to give them nonetheless.”

  Finley felt Karesh give him a nudge, “That’s you,” he whispered, which only earned him a stern stare from his mother sat a few places further down the line. It took Finley a few moments to realise that he was the one being asked to stand and step up to the dais.

  Noticing Imogen again looking at him, he noticed her beautiful smile and felt his heart just flutter ever so slightly. With his mind a blur as to what was going on, Finley nodded and smiled when he thought he should and although he could hear the King’s voice and the clapping of the crowd, his mind was captivated by the princess. Although he was aware he was being spoken about and all in a good way, what was being said never really sunk in.

  Only afterwards when all the pomp was over, did Finley sit down and think about what had been said. Galdrac laid a map out on the table, holding the corners down with four small brass weights to stop it from coiling back. “Whitebridge is here, and as far as I am told your lands stretch out to here and here, and several miles to the east, although most of that is just forest at the moment.” Finley nodded as the Mage pointed
out the area that now apparently was his new home. Being given the title of Lord Finley of Whitebridge had come as a surprise, at least to Finley. The fact that he was also given, not only the entire village but dozens of others that fell within the area being singled out by Galdrac, had left him somewhat gobsmacked, to say the least.

  A knock at the door to their quarters was duly answered and in stepped the young Prince. Clearly excited the young royal immediately made his way over to where Galdrac and Finley were looking at the map. The Old Mage bowed his head, and Finley did likewise, remembering the correct protocol. James merely waved it away and told them it was not necessary, “I have a few more details now.” Finley had no idea what the Prince was talking about, but it seemed Galdrac did as he nodded.

  Apparently, Whitebridge was getting an expansion of some proportion. “My Father says this area here can be cleared for Lord Finley’s home, and the Academy can be built in this area here.” The fact James referred to him as Lord, would certainly get some getting used to. Moreover, as a nobleman, people were now to refer to him as such when in conversation. Finley listened as Galdrac and James discussed the new additions and marked them on the map. The fact he already had a home in Whitebridge appeared to have fallen on deaf ears, as he was apparently getting a bigger one regardless of what he thought.

  The Academy was apparently something new being tried. A school which was free to youngsters selected, teaching not only reading and writing but also the arts and crafts; a project being funded personally by the Queen. For too long had she seen money spent on military training, garrisons and barracks, and now thought it time for some to be utilised on the finer things that life had to offer. Moreover, the Queen was also requesting that those accepted into its ranks came from all walks of life and that those unable to ordinarily afford for their children to have an education could now also apply.

  James enquired about the family home he had inherited and asked if he had any plans for it. Finley just shrugged, everything was moving along so fast he wasn’t even sure of who he was anymore never mind where or what he was supposed to be doing. “I hope you don’t mind Lord Finley, but I assume as we are building a new home to better suit your status, you would be happy to sell the property?”

  Again Finley shrugged, “I hadn't really thought what to do with it in all honesty.”

  “Well, we have a potential buyer lined up if you are willing to sell.”

  “Really? Who?” Finley asked again surprised at how everything was seemingly moving along.

  Galdrac stood there grinning, and Finley actually laughed at the prospect of the Old Mage wanting to live in his old house. “I thought you were going to get a new one built?” Finley asked.

  “From what I’m told you have a nice little plot that will suit my needs perfectly. And I have to be in Whitebridge, so it makes sense to take advantage of it.”

  “So you want to live in Whitebridge?”

  “Somebody has to stay nearby and check you’re not making a fool of yourself,” Galdrac replied with his typical brash comment.

  Karesh and his Mother would reside in Carison, which wasn’t such a bad thing, although both would inevitably need to travel back and forth to their respective lands acting in their new Ambassadorial roles. It was evident that Leyna was proud of her position and even more so that Karesh had been given a similar role despite his youthful age. Coltas, Leader of the Orcs, had apparently requested Karesh be given the role and had been impressed by the young Orc’s tenacity and bravery in battle. At least with his Mother and Brother in Carison, if Finley lived in Whitebridge, his family would only be a short distance away.

  Another knock sounded at the door to their suite and James suddenly changed the subject. “Ah your special guest is here,” he said with a grin that suggested to Finley that he was up to something. “I have spoken again with my Mother and Father, and as you are now a nobleman Lord Finley, they do not have a problem with you courting my sister Imogen,” James explained as the door was opened. Imogen was standing there, her long silky hair neatly tied at the back with a ribbon and a smile that made Finley think everything else was superfluous. “I thought you might like to accompany me for a walk around the gardens, Lord Finley,” Imogen said as she stepped over to where he was standing.

  Undoubtedly, a little shocked, Finley looked over to Galdrac before doing likewise to James. The young prince apparently thought it funny, and it was Galdrac who for once gave him some guidance. “Seems to me a beautiful young lady is requesting your company, best not keep her waiting Lad,” he said with a wink and a nod of his head. Without any further delay Finley held his arm out, and Imogen linked her own within it as the pair walked out of the door and down the corridor.

  Epilogue.

  Two years had passed by as Finley gazed out from the balcony of his home on the outskirts of Whitebridge. Looking out over what had been a small insignificant village he pondered over the many changes since his return. The Academy had been built and funded by the Queen as promised and for the past few months had seen scores of pupils being admitted to it.

  The knock-on effect of having such an establishment had quickly seen the village expand at an accelerated rate. With more jobs in the area, what was once a mish-mash of small holdings and cottages was now a vibrant and growing town. As suggested, Galdrac had also taken up residence in what had once been Finley’s home, and now apparently taking life a little easier in his later years.

  Significant areas of the surrounding forest had been cut back to make space for the all the homes that were needed, and dozens of shops and stores had sprung up as the need for supplies grew. The farmers in the area were also now better off as they could now sell any excess produce at Whitebridge’s weekly market. However, the one building that dominated all the others around it was the very one Finley now resided in. Built mainly from stone, with a large walled garden surrounding it, the main house boasted seven bedrooms, two dining rooms, an office, a private study, a large Kitchen and three further reception rooms. Attached to the main building was the slightly less impressive home of the dozen or so workers that helped keep the place ticking over. Moreover, it also boasted a stable block and even its own small garrison building, something the King had insisted on when the plans had been drawn up.

  The house had all seemed overly big and although it was nice and beautifully decorated had felt very stale and lifeless. That was until a few weeks ago when Finley’s wife had moved in with him. Love had blossomed quite quickly between Imogen and himself, and while it was apparent the King was still a little unsure, the man had willingly given his permission for a grand wedding to take place.

  Carison had been alive with festivities as the crowds had gathered to watch the princess marry the young man that had saved them all. The King had made it well known just who it was that had been responsible for saving the people, having it recorded in the history books so it would forever be remembered. The people had actually taken quite a liking to Finley, and the fact he was now the husband of the Princess was seen as a link between the common folk and those who led privileged lifestyles. The fact Finley was one of them and had risen to greatness meant they saw him as some kind of talisman figure.

  The lands to the west had started to heal within just a few days of them defeating Abalyon and cleansing the area when at Beseklin. Where once the elves had been pushed back and large areas had been little more than sickly looking trees and Gorse Bushes, new life had sprung up. Saplings were once more sprouting, and what was dry, arid land had now turned into lush green fields. Within a few months of it happening, dozens of Elves who had lost homes to the Darkness were venturing out in this new land to build new ones.

  However, the greatest transition had been the area known as The Wastes and former home to the Trolls. Although still very much a work in progress, hundreds had made the short journey from the islands they had called home since their demise and back onto the mainland. Several small communities had settled and were slowly expanding, as a
id from their neighbouring races slowly allowed the trolls to rebuild their villages and towns. Akeev had been seen as a pioneer in making the break from the Islands and as a result of his links with the other races had found himself a troll in demand.

  While the troll elders still held sway of who or what went where, Akeev was seen by many as the one in charge. This was not only the case with his own people, mainly the younger trolls of society, but also the other races who used him as their point of contact.

  As for Abalyon and the forces of Darkness, they had seemingly been wiped from existence. Not a single sighting of a balgraf had been reported since Finley, and the others had defeated the hordes at Godsill. While Finley for one knew that Abalyon was a god and hence immortal, it appeared, for now, the others were keeping him in check and letting the world and people they had created live as they had originally planned.

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