“That is fascinating news…too bad it has nothing to do with us. I have told you time and time again that we are safe. If we do not get involved in the elementals’ sorted affairs, we will be left alone.” He resumed his eating and did his best to ignore his general. He took a long swig of the newly arrived wine as though it were some hard liquor.
“I have sat by these past few months and defended your decisions to the army and the people because it was my duty. I have not agreed with any of your recent edicts and will not support your inaction any longer. The army will prepare for the defense of our beloved country from the drugars. I believe that another military entity will follow those furry beasts, so we will need to be prepared for a lengthy siege.” He turned to leave so as to make it clear he did not care what the king thought. He also wanted to make a show that his power was waning. I will save us without his help or his blessing!
“Do not presume to give orders general! I am king and I alone will decide what the best course of action is! Guards…take General Chad into custody.” The king’s guard who had remained in the shadows stepped into the light, but they did not move toward the general. They were looking at Chad as though they were waiting for his orders. The king looked around at his protectors in disbelief. He began to bristle in his seat and look at the soldiers with an ever increasing degree of hatred. How dare they side with that treacherous Chad!
“I am afraid your authority is temporarily suspended until you come to your senses. I am acting on behalf of the people of Ennis. Guards…take the king to his chambers. Make sure he is comfortable, but do not let him leave his room unattended. He is to have a watch over him every hour of the day until this threat has passed.” He turned away this time and began to walk away resolutely as though he had somewhere urgent to be.
“You cannot do this…I am king! You have no authority…” the king blustered as his guards grabbed him by his arms and began dragging him away. As the king struggled the dwarven guards tightened their already vice like grip on the monarch’s arms.
“You will understand in time…I am acting in the best interest of the people. Call for me if you have a change of heart.” He waved dismissively to his enraged king. He will understand when the fighting begins…at least we will be ready this time.
The Silver Anchor
A tall hooded figure approached the small town of Belva in the dead of night. The residents were in their homes or taverns at this time of night. Torches were lit along the main thorough fare which cast odd shadows as the lights flickered. The stranger meandered slowly down the center of the road and did not look right or left. The Silver Anchor was at the end of the main street and was the source of the night time sounds drifting through the chill fall air. This was by far the most popular tavern in the west and it was clear that this traveler was heading directly for it. The air had a salty taste to it, which was not unexpected for a port town.
Some of the residents peered out their lantern lit windows at the unusually tall visitor. They had not seen someone that tall since the elves stopped trading with their town decades ago. They huddled together and watched the dark figure walk resolutely toward The Silver Anchor. Some were worried that it was an orc because of the person’s physique. They usually had to deal with a few dozen of those foul creatures every winter. This hooded stranger had a stocky build of an orc, but he was slightly taller than any they had seen before in Belva. After the person had passed their windows, they bent their heads closer together to discuss who this mysterious traveler could be.
The tall figure seemed to glide as he made his way past the rows of modest homes along the main road. The buildings were constructed of some of the finest timber from neighboring Tansanee Forest. Silver and gold were etched into beautiful carvings which were difficult to see in the twilight but still cast ominous shadows in the fire light. This port town was home to a wide variety of people…even southlanders. Visitors from the north came to this port town during the winter months, so there were none in town when this stranger came to call during the waning months of the fall season.
The light from within the tavern was bright as the outsider approached the thick wooden doors. The tall stranger peered through the panes of glass at the very top of the double doors. There were several tables scattered throughout the spacious inside of The Silver Anchor that were peopled by a wide variety of rift raft. They did not appear to be any females amongst the different races and the air was thick with smoke from the lamps and pipes the patrons were smoking. As the doors opened inward, a dank foul smell filled the nostrils of the tall dark visitor. He stepped into the light where his face was clearly visible for the first time. The noisy bar went deadly still at the sudden appearance of the mysterious stranger.
“Who you looking for mate?” grunted the bartender. The big beefy man had a black patch over his left eye and his teeth were yellowed from years of smoking. His face did not show any kindness or tolerance for fancy strangers. He did not even bother to look at the newcomer. He was too busy cleaning a tankard to take any special notice of anything out of the ordinary.
“I am looking for Xuzien…where can I find him?” asked the fearsome looking stranger. His white hair contrasted his tanned skin which added to his mystic. His hood still hid his eyes.
“Why should I tell ye anything? I have never seen the likes of ye in these parts before. Who the blazes are ye?” asked Ofular the bartender. He had a quizzical look on his face as he looked up at the unwanted visitor with his one good eye. He nodded to someone in the crowd without taking his eye off the unexpected guest.
A dwarf and a thick set man stood up after the gesture from the bartender. They made their way toward the tall figure that was draped in midnight blue robes with his hood pulled up over his head. He had crystal blue eyes that focused on the pair which caused them to halt their approach. The white goatee twitched as the stranger smiled at the fear in their eyes. He lowered his hood to reveal a mane of brilliant white hair and skin that was dark brown from prolonged exposure to the eastern sun. There was a collective intake of breath when the patrons realized who this person was.
“I’m sorry me lord…I did not realize it was ye” said a quaking Ofular. He bowed hastily and began to fumble around for a clean glass. He poured a clear liquid and held it out for the visitor to take. He trembled slightly as he held the drink. He seldom was nervous or afraid of anyone; however, having a god-like person in your tavern changed that. He had enormous respect for the white haired old man.
“It is quite alright Ofular…I am grateful for your hospitality” replied the dark stranger as he took the strong drink from the shaking bartender. He downed it in three huge gulps and placed the glass back down on the bar. There were many in the establishment that raised eyebrows at how easily he downed such a powerful drink. Some mumbled grudging respect from someone who could down the strong drink.
“Attention ye raucous bunch of thieves…this here is the fella that saved our ancestors from those damnable demons! He be the one that kept those eastern war mongers from entering yer lands. This be the guardian himself!” bellowed Ofular with an even more ridiculous prostration. Cheers rang through the smoke filled air as well as many thumping the table with their fists or tankards. There was one person who did not bow or join in the cheering. The bent figure stood slowly and made their way to where Lord Adair stood at the end of the bar.
“You filthy scum…you wretched traitor…you piece of bat droppings! You’re the murderous villain that is the cause of the bloodshed in middle Tuwa and if you do not leave now, that war will follow you here!” hissed the stooped figure. The person wore a tattered cloak with the hood pulled way over its head. The room fell silent as everyone in the bar waited for the guardian to reply. It was as though all time stopped and no one breathed for what seemed an eternity. The outburst was such a contrast to the warm welcome the guardian had just received that the room was immediately tense. Stunned silence permeated the bar.
“Ukegry…death waits
for you my old friend. Why do you come here in disguise? Are you afraid these fine folks would dispose of you if you revealed yourself to them?” Adair turned to face his antagonist. His visage darkened as he looked at the stooped figure.
“You do not care for these people! You are merely trying to cover your backside!” retorted the hooded figure. The creature straightened its back and stood tall as he faced down the powerful elemental. He began to grow in height until the tattered cloak was rent and fell away to reveal a reptilian beast. Shouts of anger and revulsion erupted at the appearance of the hated Godok. There was such an outburst of the choicest sailor swear words at this unwanted revelation that even Adair flinched slightly. He thought he had heard it all, apparently he was wrong.
The Godok were creatures that were reported to be able to change their size to suit their needs. They had scales that mimic their surroundings while being hard enough that no weapon could penetrate their scaly hide. The only thing that could kill one of these beasts is a powerful brand of magic. The people of the west did not possess any magic and did not tolerate those who possessed it. The guardians and druids were the exceptions to that long standing rule. The people who lived west of the Burian did not know anything about the politics that has ravaged the rest of Tuwa. As a guiding principle, they typically did not care about what went on east of the giant’s home land.
Ukegry and his kind live along Lake Tallulah and on the Wesh peninsula. They frequently quarreled with the giants and preyed on hapless travelers that crossed into their territory. The giants had hunting parties that had almost annihilated this race of vicious beasts, but due to their lack of unity before the current war of the races they had been unable to destroy the pestilential lizards. The Godok loved to feed on the flesh of those that have the use of magic. The dark lord had used these creatures to finish off the Eldar centuries ago. The guardian council did not banish the creatures because they had been forced to do Drogan’s bidding. This was one of the main reasons the elementals and the druids grew apart.
“Hold yer tongue yer vile piece of…” began Ofular heatedly. He was pointing a sausage like finger at the lizard man. His sense of rage was shared by the others in the bar. There were several who stood to rush the beast while others also broke bottles to use as weapons.
“There is no need to waste your breath on this worthless creature. I take it you are in the service of Kana. What did she promise you in return for your services?” asked the guardian knowingly. I thought she would resort to using these foul creatures to eliminate the elves. She still does not realize that the Seda are working for me now. They would love to see the Godok again. Adair smiled inwardly at this happy thought. He smirked at this happy thought.
“I do not have to answer to you…I answer to the true master of Tuwa! I am here to deliver a message to you. My mistress wishes me to tell you that she knows what you are up to and that she looks forward to the time when she sees you face to face again. I personally think that the next time you see her that it will be the last thing you ever see!” The scaly lizard laughed mirthlessly as he towered over the lord of the guardians. His greenish scales shimmered ominously in the dank light of the tavern. There changing scales and size alteration is what led to many calling these beasts shape shifters.
“I think we have all heard enough from you. Clearly you have no idea of what is really going on. Say goodbye to Ukegry everyone” said Adair easily. With a wink of his left eye the Godok burst into smokeless flames and was gone. A pile of ash was all that was left of the foul smelling beast. It was very satisfying to what the arrogant creature be snuffed out of existence with such great ease.
“Thank ye me lord…I had no idea that be what he was. My apologies for the rude interruption” Ofular said with a sideways look at the pile of ash that represented what was left of the wretched beast. The bartender could not help but sneer at the ashes. He leaned over and spat into the neat pile that was Ukegry.
“There is no need to apologize my friend. I want to assure all of you that the war that is raging in middle Tuwa will not reach your lands. I will keep you safe from this power struggle. It is true that one of the elementals have fallen prey to the same delusion that the dark lord had many centuries ago. The guardians and the druids are working with the free peoples to end this threat. Now, I really do need to talk with Xuzien.” His calm demeanor helped everyone to recover from the quick incident. Usually such uncomfortable confrontations end in a nearly destroyed bar.
The dwarf and the man who had been advancing on the guardian swept up the lifeless ashes and took the remains outside. The bartender gave a nod to a man at the other end of the bar. The fellow slid off his stool and went into a back room as though he was retrieving something. The room was still deathly quiet after the display of powerful magic by Adair. The people had a deep mistrust of anyone who uses magic, but they were fiercely loyal to the guardians. These two beliefs were causing internal conflicts that could not be easily resolved. The air had become tense as the minutes went by without the return of the messenger.
The fellow who had left earlier returned to the bar slightly out of breath. He motioned for Ofular come to over to him. He whispered in his ear and then sat down on his stool. He took a long drink from his glass of ale and then wiped his mouth hastily. He did not look at the guardian and was staring fixedly at an insect making its way across the bar in front of him. The bartender shuffled over to the powerful elemental and relayed the message to him in whispered tones.
Adair gave the barman a wry smile and a genial wink. There was a loud crack and the guardian was gone. A silver blue mist swirled momentarily and then vanished. There was a collective sigh of relief at the abrupt departure. They all respected the guardians, but that did not mean that they liked being in their presence. The tavern came back to life as everyone picked up their conversations and games where they had left off. The only one who seemed to be concerned about what had just happened was Ofular. He had not moved and was still staring at the spot where the elemental had been just moments ago. He had a faraway look in his eye as though he was seeing something hidden.
***
Xuzien stood on the rocky island of Laikra watching the mist gather along the shore at Logan Bay. He was absent mindedly coiling up a rope he had used the night before to tie down his shelter. He glanced over his shoulder toward the west and saw black clouds billowing up from the sea, or so it seemed. That looks like a strong tempest that one. I hope I have not come out here for nothing…I do not want to get caught on this island of rock when that powerful storm hits. He was so consumed with his own thoughts that he did not notice the sudden appearance of the most powerful elemental right next to him. The usual cracking noise was drowned out by the noise of water crashing against the rock island.
“Xuzien…my old friend…how are you?” asked Adair loudly. The wind had picked up considerably as the storm neared the rocky island. The winds buffeted the two figures on the rocky surface of Laikra. Both had cloaks that billowed impressively around them as the wind hit with great ferocity.
“Master…how be ye?” asked an unafraid Xuzien. He eyed the guardian with his gray eyes and gave a half smile as he turned to face his guest. He was accustomed to the tempests along the western coast. He did not usually meet his master at such a hostile location. He knew that this meant something bad was happening and he was about to hear the pitch for taking part in one of Adair’s schemes.
“I am doing as well as can be expected during a time of war. I assume you know of the unrest in the heart of Tuwa?” asked Adair as he pulled his cloak closer to his muscular frame. The wind continued to swirl about them. Debris flew at them but never seemed to find its mark.
“So, an all-out war that involves practically every race and creature in all of Tuwa is considered unrest? The people of the east must have a different understanding of the common tongue than I. So, why am I graced with yer presence? It has been many years since ye last spoke to me…I am assuming that things are not
going as well as ye would like.” His tone was respectful while ensuring that the guardian knew that he was in no way thrown off by his presence or the news of war. He wanted to make sure that Adair understood that he was in the know still. He had many sentient spies and almost everyone trusted him. That is why he was always so well informed about what was going on.
“Too right you are. The battle effort is rather precarious and I am going to have a difficult time keeping this violent confrontation from entering the west. However, I am here concerning a different matter.” He motioned to Xuzien to take a seat on some nearby rocks so that they could continue their discussion with support against the ever increasing winds. Again their cloaks billowed out once more as they marched toward the rocks.
“I do not understand…if ye are not here regarding the war, then what can I help ye with?” He was a little perplexed…he was sure that he would be recruited to fight for the guardians. His years of serving as a boundary warden usually got the attention of anyone entering a fight. Most sought his valuable services before any open conflict broke out.
“I feel that I am duty bound to make you aware of some things that have transpired during the course of my recent travels that may directly affect you. I, of course, am referring to your parents.” Uncomfortable silence followed this. That was the only area of his life that no one talked about. He did not talk about his parentage with anyone and no one was dumb enough to ever bring it up.
“What about them?” Xuzien asked sharply. His countenance fell considerably at the mention of his paternal units. He did not talk to anyone, except Adair, about his parentage. Even though the guardian was the exception to the rule, he was never pleased when talk turned to them.
The Guardian Chronicles: Book 03 - The Dark Tide Page 7
