by Jordan Baker
"I see." Nathas scratched the stubble on his cheek. For a moment he thought Draxis cared for the welfare of those he commanded, but it seemed the only thing that mattered to the young half-Darga was winning his own glory. His concern for the lives of the Darga and the soldier was clearly limited only to their usefulness in battle, but just to be sure, Nathas decided to push the question a little more. "I hope we will defend one another on the battlefield and find victory together."
"Victory is a word that pleases me," Draxis said with a toothy smile.
"Carry on, then. We move tomorrow at first light," Nathas told him, then walked away, knowing that even though Draxis and his Darga would be on the field with them and tens of thousands more soldiers were at their back, he and Kaleb, along with the men and women who would fight along side them, would be alone on the field, in an unjust battle, attacking a people who were defending their families and their home. Nathas felt his stomach turn and, for the first time in his long career, he truly regretted becoming a soldier.
*****
Boric walked down the wide, stone staircase into the vaulted underground chamber underneath the palace. Light streamed in from an opening at the far end of the cavern that he knew led to a rift among the rocky crags that rose up behind the palace. In the center of the cavern he saw his brother, Eric, the King of Kandara, sitting cross-legged on the dusty ground, with a golden circlet sitting crooked upon his head and his robes stretched out around him. Other than the crown and his wild, white beard and hair, he looked like he did when the two of them were boys, which seemed like so very long ago.
"Eric," he called and his voice echoed in the cavern. The old king turned his head.
"Boric," he said with a smile. "Come to visit an old man, have ye?"
"You're barely older than I am," he replied, "though you've become an old man."
"It's the heart that grows old, brother," Eric said, then he held up his gnarled hands and looked at them. "This is but a shell."
"How long will you grieve? How many years has it been?"
"Six, by the count of the people, though it seems an eternity."
"Six years. That is how long your boys have been without a father, and this land without a king. I have done what I can to guide them, but I am not you."
"You should have been king, Boric. You're much more kingly than I am. You always were."
"That power was never mine. You wear the crown, and you took the oath."
"A crown is but a piece of metal." Eric pulled the jeweled circlet of gold from his head and spun it around on his finger then let it fly. The crown landed in the dirt. "It is too heavy. You can have it."
"It is a symbol of meaning, Eric, but your son, Elric has taken the mantle of Kandara. He has been named king should you fail to uphold your duty."
"Oh, that's a relief. Let him be king instead. Perhaps he will learn to be less of a coward."
"He's barely more than a boy, Eric," Boric growled. "Your sons are still young and they may not be able to defend this land and its people. What will you do if Kandara falls?"
"If Kandara falls? All is lost."
"Yes, brother. That is why we must defend the kingdom. You are the king. It is you duty. You took an oath."
"Yes I took an oath. I took another oath and death took my oath away. Perhaps death will take this one away as well." Eric's echoed sharply against the walls of the cavern.
"Do you long for death?" Is that it?" Boric asked.
"I do not know, Boric," Eric said with a frown, his voice now low and dry, almost a whisper. "Perhaps death longs for me."
Boric did his best to restrain his frustration. He had long hoped that his brother would emerge from the madness that had taken hold of him since the death of the queen, so many years ago, but even the threat of war, an army at the gates of Kandara, did not appear to be enough to shake him from his stupor.
"Brother," Boric growled, then he took a deep breath and decided there was no point. Nothing he had said to Eric over these past years seemed to have gotten through. "I will leave you to your ramblings."
"Boric," the king said. "Do not doubt me. I will fulfil my oath if that is what is required, but I am done with the petty problems this world."
"I wish you would reconsider that last," Boric said. "There is a reason for our oath. There is much to love about this world, and many things that are still worth fighting for."
*****
Ariana followed Laurana through the broken trees, along with Keira, the members of the Elven Court and Quenta, who trailed behind them. A contingent of the Queen's Guard followed, carrying the tree that Ariana had made from Quenta's wooden sword, its roots bound in damp, coarse fabric. The tree, with its bright red leaves, the color of the dyed paste that had been applied to the sword, was a patch of color among the faded, grey wood in the clearing. They reached the center point and Laurana waved her hand over the hard, stony ground where the earth had been scoured away by the mage's fire. Vines and shoots from the young trees that had begun to grow in the clearing dug into the ground, pulling away at the melted rock and packed earth until a hole was made then they retreated. Next, the guards brought the tree forward and Laurana began to unwrap the heavy cloth from its roots as the elves gathered around.
"This tree is a symbol of fire," she said. "It will be planted here and grow for many generations to remind us of the tragedy of this place, and also to remind us that hope is not lost so long as we remain firm in resolve and do not succumb to despair. It is proof that after the flames have died, new life might spring from the ashes."
The guards gently placed the roots of the tree in the hole and, at Laurana's command, the roots of the surrounding trees pushed the dirt around it. Ariana stepped up to the tree and placed her hand upon its trunk, calling forth the power she had used before, pulling energy from the forest that circled the clearing, letting the trees aid her in her task. The small tree that was once a wooden sword began to grow, its trunk thickening and its branches growing long and sprouting new leaves. Ariana closed her eyes and let the power of the forest flow into her as the trees gave of themselves and she felt the earth vibrate as roots pushed new paths beneath her feet. The pain in her ribs sharpened as the exertion sapped her strength but Ariana continued. She wanted it to matter, to be a statement that she hoped would restore the faith of the elves in those who were not born of Elvanar. The trees whispered their pleasure at the healing of the forest and their strength flowed to her through the ground, the roots, the grass and the moss, until, finally, Ariana was exhausted and could do no more. She let go of her power and took her hand from the trunk of the tree then she opened her eyes and saw what the others had witnessed.
The tree now stood tall, shooting high into the sky with strong branches that reached out towards others just like it that had formed from the broken trunks of the trees that had died. Where the clearing had once been a desolate grey with patches of grass and a few young trees struggling to grow, it was now green with grasses and small ferns like the rest of the forest and many new trees filled the space. The trees were not as large as those that had grown in the forest for so many years, but they were strong and vibrant with life and Ariana heard their song, like the chatter of children and the whispers of the forest joined in, welcoming them. These new trees were different, as was she, for they were born of fire and sorrow, but they were not afraid of either, for they were young joyful.
"These shall be known as the burning trees and may their color remind us that they were born of fire, passion, and determination," Laurana said then she turned to Ariana. "Thank you for helping to restore the forest, Ariana. Though the burning of the trees was neither your fault, nor your responsibility, you have done a great part in healing a wound that has scarred our people for far too long."
"I am glad," Ariana said.
The elves bowed their heads and, one by one, they walked up to the three and lay a hand on it for a moment then returned to their places. Quenta was the last to approach the tree
. He put his hand on the tree and held it there for a long moment then he turned to Ariana and he bowed deeply and removed his mask as he rose. She was surprised to find that, beneath the mask, he had a kind looking face that was almost serene to look upon.
The planting ceremony complete, they made their way back to the palace and, along the way, Ariana saw many elves heading toward the burning trees. She was exhausted from using the power the way she had, but she was truly glad to have been able to do something to help the forest that, in such a short time, had almost become home. As tired as she was, there was much to do and, upon their arrival at the palace, they headed straight for the royal court, where Laurana and Quenta took their seats on their thrones and the members of the court assembled on the benches before them. Keira took up a position at the edge of the dais and Ariana began to follow her when Laurana called out to her.
"Ariana," she said, gesturing to the empty throne next to her. "Please take your seat."
"I would not presume, Queen Laurana," she said.
"You do not presume. It is your rightful place."
Ariana glanced at the members of the court and she saw Rolan nod at her. She looked to Quenta, who stared back at her impassively but not objecting, so she stepped up to the dais and walked between the members of the court then sat upon the empty throne.
"I call this session of court to order," Laurana said. "We must discuss the matter of our treaty and our duty to the Order of Rangers."
"Queen Laurana," Rolan said, standing from the bench and stepping forward to face the three thrones. "We have received word that the Maramyrian Army has laid siege to the city of Kandara. Cerric is allied with the army of Queen Calexis of Xalla and warriors of the Darga clans."
"What are the recommendations of the members of court?" Laurana asked.
"We are split, my queen," Rolan said. "A third of our number have voiced dissent regarding the treaty and feels that this matter does not involve our lands, would vote that we should not respond." There were some whispers and low voices among the members and Rolan walked to the benches on either side of the dais and conferred with them. "Forgive me my queen, it seems several have revised their opinions. A few remain in dissent, but the majority agree we must respond to this in some way."
"What has been requested and what proposals have been discussed?" Laurana asked.
"Duke Boric of Kandara has sent a direct request for the support of the Rangers and any aid the court of Elvanar might offer."
"Why does King Eric not make the request?" Quenta asked.
"Apparently he is unwell," Rolan said. "His son Elric has assumed the throne in his stead. However, Duke Boric has taken the oath and, with regards to requesting aid, he is the appropriate member of the Kandaran court to do so."
"Fair enough," Quenta said. "You may continue."
"Among those in favor of support, we propose sending a contingent of the royal guard, mounted and a hundred strong," Rolan said. "This number would be in addition to any Rangers among our number who would also heed the call, whether the court agrees to send aid or not."
"The Rangers would go either way?" Laurana asked.
"It is part of their oath," Rolan said. "As you know, once a Ranger has worn the ring for a year, an oath is required in order to be inducted into the order. It is an ancient oath requiring that aid be given when asked and it is an oath no Ranger will break."
"Do the elven Rangers know of the war in Kandara?" Quenta asked. "Perhaps if they did not know of the war, they would not feel obliged to run off and get themselves killed."
"Word has already spread, Prince Quenta," Rolan replied. "The Rangers of Kandara spoke to the trees as soon as they reached Elvanar."
"How many Rangers have heeded the call?" Laurana asked.
"Over two hundred," Rolan said.
"Three hundred elves against how many soldiers?" Quenta asked.
"The Rangers estimate the Maramyrian, Xallan and Darga forces to number close to fifty thousand."
"That many?" Quenta was surprised.
"They also believe that if Kandara calls, King Cerric may turn his attentions to other lands, including Elvanar."
"Rolan," Ariana said. "It is small point of order, but can we please just call him Cerric. He is not a king."
"Yes, of course. Forgive me, Princess Ariana."
"It does not change the fact that Cerric has fifty thousand at his command," Quenta said. "If he intends to attack Elvanar, perhaps it would be in our best interest to fortify our own defenses while he loses numbers at Kandara, rather than fight his army at its full strength on terrain that is not to our advantage. I move that we wish the Kandarans luck and focus on fortifying our own borders."
"And the Rangers who intend to answer the call?"
"Let them," Quenta said. "If their oath is stronger than their loyalty to the throne, then they are little more than traitors."
"Rolan," Ariana said. "Please explain this oath. I knew of the Rangers when I was at Maramyr, but I did not know there were members among the elves."
"As I am not a Ranger, nor am I a noble of a ruling house, I do not know the exact nature of the oath."
"Perhaps we should ask a member of the order," Laurana said. "Keira, please approach the dais."
Keira walked up to the edge of the dais and looked at the queen.
"What can you tell us about the oath?"
"It is an ancient and solemn oath, my queen," Keira said. "I cannot recite it to you, for it is forbidded to repeat the words to any other than another member of the order. However, I can tell you its history, its meaning and our obligations."
"How wonderful," Quenta said, sarcastically. "A history lesson."
"Please continue, Keira," Laurana said.
"The oath has been passed down for many generations and it is believed to have originated at the end of the third age, when the gods left the living world. There are many parts ot the oath covering many things that might arise. It is an oath taken by the elder peoples to preserve the peace between them and the younger peoples. The oath is also taken by many rulers of the lands, an oath that was taken by her majesty's husband when he sat above the dais. The oath does not mean disloyalty to one's own land or people. If anything, it means greater loyalty, for it is an oath of peace. The oath also means aiding one another if under attack or duress, but the oath does not mean aiding those who would attack others unprovoked. In the case of this request, Kandara is under attack and has requested aid, of the Order of Rangers and of the Throne of Elvanar, both of which are subjec to the oath, though none of its current members have taken it. That is all I will say about the oath."
"Thank you, Keira," Laurana said.
"One more question," Rolan said. "Who were the last members of the ruling house to take the oath?"
"King Quoren, Princess Aria and Prince Talen all took the oath, and every ruler of Elvanar since the third age has taken the oath, save for the current members."
"Why did I not hear of this oath?" Laurana asked.
"It would be improper for me to answer that question," Keira said.
"I would like to know," Quenta said, perking up with interest. Keira stood silently at the edge of the dais as Quenta prompted her further. "Go on, answer the court, or is your allegiance with these Rangers more important than your loyalty to Elvanar?"
"The oath was broken and trust was lost," Keira said. "That is all I will say."
From the corner of her eye, Ariana saw Quenta lean forward and she had a feeling that he was going to keep pushing Keira and she had a sneaking suspicion from something Keira had said to her that he was the one she was protecting. Keira was right, Quenta was a fool, but she felt foolish herself for having raised the question of the oath, for it seemed to have gotten her friend in a little bit of trouble.
"Keira," Ariana said, interrupting before Quenta said anything more. "If I understand correctly, this oath is about maintaining peace and defending one another against attack."
"It is," Keira said
.
"And Rolan, you say there are two hundred elven Rangers ready to aid Kandara?"
"Yes, Princess," Rolan said.
"If a member of the royal house were to travel to Kandara, how many of the guard would normally be assigned to such a detail?"
"Fifty would be the number during peacetime," Rolan said, with the flicker of a smile crossing his lips. "However, during times of war, a guard of at least a hundred would be the minimum escort required."
"Then I will go to Kandara," Ariana said.
"You will go?" Quenta leaned forward and looked at her.
"If I understand the oath correctly, it is my duty as a member of the House of Solari to respond to Kandara's request for aid. It is also my duty as Queen of Maramyr to tell my army to stop attacking Kandara and to arrest my uncle for repeatedly trying to kill me," Ariana said. "Rolan, have the Rangers reported the reason Maramyr attacks Kandara?"
"It is said they seek retribution for the murder of Ariana Coromyr, heir to the throne of Maramyr." Rolan smirked as he recounted the reason the Maramyrian kingdom had gone to war.
"Do I look dead to you?" Ariana asked.
"No, Princess," Rolan said with a slight chuckle. "You look very much alive."
"Good," Ariana said. "Then it's settled. I will leave for Kandara at once."
"It is not settled," Quenta snapped at her. "I would like to know more about this oath."
"The time for history lessons has passed," Laurana said. "I move that we aid Kandara with two hundred of our bravest warriors, in addition to Princess Ariana's guard of one hundred and the two hundred elven Rangers. We will send five hundred to Kandara."
"I agree," Ariana said.
