Shadowbane: Age of Aelfborn

by Paul Francois

  “You will, especially after the coronation,” Megildur replied.

  This surprised Zabrina. Servitude was all she ever knew, not having people waiting on her. Zabrina was just ecstatic to be in such a majestic place that she did not even question why. “I only hoped you, Lord Megildur, might offer me a station working close to you. I am certain anything you have to offer will be more than I ever dreamed possible.”

  “I already have something in mind for you,” Megildur replied.

  Marie quickly dismissed herself and departed the room, leaving the two alone. Marie waited outside in the corridor just in case they summoned her. She had a wonderful feeling that something miraculous was about to occur, but she kept it to herself.

  Megildur took Zabrina by the hand and guided her to the balcony outside her room. Megildur’s voice trembled, overlooking the valley below, “The All-Father himself laid my destiny before me to reclaim Shadowbane and to lead Aerynth out of darkness, as the High King. However, I do not wish to take this path alone.” He turned to face Zabrina and knelt down on one knee. Megildur opened the intricate wooden box he carried and revealed a shimmering ring. The gem was a square cut diamond, but the glowing effect was from an image below the diamond. Three interlocking circles formed the image with an almost magical aurora to them, the symbol of the All-Father. The same image Megildur had on his shoulder.

  Zabrina gasped, “Oh that’s beautiful. I have never seen anything like this. Are you asking…?”

  “Zabrina,” Megildur took a deep gulp. “Will you marry me and be the Queen Aerynth deserves? You saved me once in the desert. My life was in danger. Save me once more by accepting this ring.”

  Zabrina was finally able to catch her breath. She looked deep into Megildur’s eyes and wept, “I accept, but it’s you who have saved me.” She wrapped her arms around Megildur and kissed him. She was so excited she almost knocked Megildur over. She then knelt down beside him. He removed the ring from the box and slipped it onto her finger. Zabrina felt a surge of energy run up her hand and deep within her soul, causing a warming sensation that traversed her body.

  Megildur fretted, “Are you alright? What happened?”

  Zabrina reassured, “I am alright, I think. I guess this was more excitement than I am used to.” She was a bit dizzy but regained her composure.

  There was a knock at the door but before Megildur could stand to reach it, the door opened a bit. “My Lord, may we approach?” Sir Adelard requested before entering the room. He knew he might have interrupted something, but he felt this was important.

  “Yes,” Megildur replied. Zeristan, Sir Adelard, and Marie proceeded inside the room.

  Sir Adelard proclaimed, “The invitations have went out, the coronation will commence in one week from today.”

  Megildur boasted, “Perfect! That will allow enough time to prepare for our wedding!” With a smile beaming from ear to ear, he wrapped an arm around Zabrina and pulled her closer. Marie squealed and ran to Zabrina’s side to see the ring.

  “This will make me your Lady-In-Waiting,” Marie told Zabrina.

  “Congratulations to both of you,” Sir Adelard commented. “This will not allow enough time to invite guests for the wedding.”

  “We will have the wedding just after the coronation,” Megildur proclaimed. “All of Aerynth should witness this event.”

  Sir Adelard looked concerned. A wedding would require much more planning and he was uncertain about how the inhabitants would perceive a new Queen as well. The new High King being an Aelfborn already agitated most. He knew he could not sway Megildur from this decision. “Very well My Lord, I will make the necessary arrangements.” The High Steward left the room, followed by Zeristan and Marie, leaving Megildur and Zabrina alone, again.

  Zabrina stepped out onto the balcony to admire the ring against the light of the setting sun. Megildur enjoyed just gazing at her beauty with the backing of the sunset, until Zabrina looked up to see his admiration of her. She walked back inside to Megildur, who was now blushing. She proceeded in caressing his face with her soft gentle hands, working her way down to his chest. Unbuttoning his shirt, she exposed his chest and began kissing his skin. Wanting to help her in any way possible, Megildur removed his own shirt and then started helping Zabrina off with her clothing. With the fire of their passions elevating, she guided him to the bed and left nothing of their newfound love unexplored. They spent the rest of the night enjoying each other’s company and forgetting the world around them. Neither of them knew true love before this moment but they found it tonight, in the arms of each other.

  CHAPTER 39: The Ceremonies

  The week progressed quicker than either of the two new lovers preferred. They enjoyed using this time to become acquainted with each other. Preparations for the wedding took much of their time. Clothing, flowers, and food were just a few of the items needing their approval. In between, they were able to find brief moments to be together.

  Vanya, Honoria, and Scyleia arrived in Mellissar the day after Megildur proposed to Zabrina. The engagement surprised his mother, but even more surprising was how soon the wedding was to commence. On the other hand, the engagement did not surprise Honoria. She knew Zabrina was all Megildur could think of during his quest for Shadowbane.

  The eve before the ceremonies was upon them. One ceremony to crown Lord Megildur the new High King. The other, to bind the love between Megildur and Zabrina, then she can take her rightful place as the High Queen of Aerynth. This shall be a celebration that Aerynth will never forget.

  Honoria and Gaal met the two young lovers entering into the castle, after a late afternoon walk in the nearby forest. The plan was simple, the Bard and the Thief would separate the lovers and give them one last night to celebrate before they locked themselves in matrimony.

  Honoria greeted the royalty, “M’Lady, you need to come with me. M’Lord, you can go with the rest of the livestock.” She brushed him aside, taking Zabrina’s arm and guiding her deeper into the castle.

  Megildur grumbled, “Livestock? What did she mean by that?” He turned to Gaal.

  Gaal chuckled, “Come with me, Lord Monogamy. We must celebrate before they shackle you to just one woman. Follow me.” The Shade guided Megildur through a dark corridor and down some stairs. He opened an iron cell door and Sir Adelard, Sir Mardiock, Atreus, Bowen, Thaddaios, Maethorion, Turwaithion, and Zeristan greeted them.

  Megildur exclaimed, “What’s this? Why have we gathered in the dungeons?”

  Zeristan uttered, “Reelaxmeeboy. Thiis ceelibration iss fer u.” Megildur could tell the elderly Wizard began drinking without him.

  Gaal announced, “Yes, the old drunk is correct. We are here to enjoy one last night of festivities before Megildur plummets into a life of servitude. And let me guess, my new profession for the new High King shall be the Court Jester!”

  Zeristan blurted out, “Iweel driiink too thaaat!”

  Bowen handed a mug of ale to Megildur. Gaal forced the Aelfborn into a chair in the corner. A creaking sound emanated through the room and the others separated so Megildur could see the iron door that just opened. A red skimpily dressed Irekei woman slinked out of the open cell door and toward Megildur. She began dancing close to Megildur, rubbing up against him. She exposed more of her crimson flesh.

  “You should enjoy this!” Gaal proclaimed. “Every man knows Irekei women excel in dexterity and aggressiveness in the bedroom!”

  Megildur exclaimed, “Let’s have the host of this party enjoy some of what he arranged!” He stood from the chair and forced Gaal to sit in his place. The Shade was shocked at first, but the Irekei woman started rubbing against him and he lost all thought of Megildur’s needs. The Aelfborn snuck to the side of his friends and then around behind them. Due to the ale, or dancing, nobody noticed Megildur sneak out an exit near the back of the dungeon.

  Meanwhile, Honoria took Zabrina to a secluded room in the castle where she greeted Marie and a mass of other women she did not know.
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  Honoria declared to the room, “Ladies, we are here tonight to celebrate Zabrina’s last night of freedom.” She took a glass of wine for herself and handed another to Zabrina. “Long life to our future High Queen!” All of the women toasted Zabrina, she sipped from her goblet of wine. “Now bring in the entertainment!” Honoria bellowed.

  A Human male walked into the room and began dancing around the crowd of women. He wore tight leather clothing and they all seemed to enjoy him thrust himself against the excited females in the room. Zabrina withdrew to the back of the crowd with sheer panic in her eyes, which Marie observed.

  Marie admitted, “You know M’Lady, there’s another door behind us which leads out into the hallway.”

  Zabrina smiled, “Thank you Marie. If anyone notices, just tell them…” She was unsure what excuse she should use.

  “I will advise them you were not feeling well from all the excitement and needed to retire for the evening,” Marie added.

  Zabrina smiled once more and slipped out. She entered into a hallway and found her way to the main hall, where she met her future husband walking up the stairwell.

  Zabrina burst out, “Megildur, thank the All-Father it’s you! Those women were getting crazy! They were bringing in some guy to dance for all of us.”

  Megildur admitted, “That’s nothing. They escorted me down to the dungeons and had an Irekei woman trying to seduce me!” Zabrina glared at Megildur. “Don’t worry. Before she made any progress, I pushed Gaal in front of me so he could enjoy her company.” Megildur pulled Zabrina close and kissed her, “You are the only exotic woman for me.” He looked around the hall for a place to hide away with his soon-to-be-bride before the big day. “Now, where can we go?”

  “If you are through with the dungeons, there’s a nice view of the moon from the cathedral steeple,” Sir Adelard advised, appearing from a side doorway. He then vanished from sight.

  At first, the elderly knight’s sudden appearance startled the two lovers, but afterwards they rushed off to the steeple to be alone. After some romantic, and passionate, embraces they both leaned back into each other’s arms and enjoyed the full moon. They were sure that their friends were having a good time in their absence.

  Megildur did not understand why the others, such as Gaal, thought of marriage as a life of servitude. All he could think of was spending his life with Zabrina. His one regret was that he could not provide his mate with offspring. Unfortunately, he was sterile due to the curse transferred upon his race by the Elven Queen Silesteree Allvolanar. The Aelfborn High King would just enjoy his time with his newfound love and try to accomplish what the All-Father expected of him in one lifetime.

  The moon soon disappeared behind the surrounding hills and the sun rose up behind the slumbering couple, who were still in the cathedral tower. Inside the castle, many others were searching for the bride and groom. They needed to prepare them for the ceremonies. Marie found Sir Adelard.

  Marie pleaded, “Sir Adelard, have you seen Lord Megildur and Lady Zabrina?”

  Sir Adelard grinned and walked on, “I have not, but if I wanted to get away from people I might visit the cathedral steeple.”

  Marie understood the High Steward’s not so subtle hint and ran for the cathedral. She opened the small door to the tower and found both of them still asleep. She was glad they found happiness together, but she needed to hurry. “M’Lady, we must get you dressed.” Megildur and Zabrina both awoke at the same time. “You must dress as well, Sir.”

  The three of them hurried back to the castle and found everyone running around. Aedan and Vanya were guiding the guests to appropriate seating in front of the castle steps, Aranel accepted the wedding gifts. One of the items she received was a glowing box that sloshed from side to side as the young Aelfborn walked. Aranel set down the container and began to open it, Zeristan placed his hand on top of the box.

  Zeristan warned, “I would advise against opening that box, little one.”

  “Why?” The curious Aelfborn asked. “What’s inside?”

  “It’s a sea creature from your mother’s tribe, the Gwaridorn Elves,” Zeristan educated Aranel. “They filled the box with a suspension fluid, so that once someone pours the creature from the box into water, it will grow…fast.” Aranel’s eyes grew big. The old Wizard laughed at her expression and noticed more guests had arrived. “I think you have more gifts to receive.” He patted her on the head and went off to find Megildur. The Wizard tracked him down inside his room, still getting dressed in his royal attire.

  Megildur scoffed, “This outfit is dreadful. Sir Adelard insisted I must wear this! I would prefer to wear the armor that Maethorion gave me.”

  “You’re receiving the High King’s crown and getting married, not sieging a fortress,” Zeristan replied. “You represent all of Aerynth as the High King, not a mere knight, no offense Sir Adelard.” The aging knight glared at the Wizard. “Now, are you ready to stand on the steps of the castle and address your guests?”

  Megildur gasped, “Address the people? Stand on the steps of the castle?” He took a deep gulp. “I thought we were having the ceremonies inside the cathedral? And why should I address the guests?”

  Zeristan asserted, “The cathedral cannot hold over a thousand guests and you must address them since you are assuming the role as High King over all of Aerynth.”

  Megildur exclaimed, “A thousand people?” Zeristan put his arm around Megildur and walked with him. They proceeded down to the grand hall, leading to the outside steps of the castle. He gave him a reassuring look and a hand upon his shoulder, just before the doors opened.

  Lord Megildur walked out of the castle and the crowd cheered. He took his position at the top of the stairs. He gave a timid wave, since this was his first time before so many people. Megildur turned back to look at the front of the castle and could see Maethorion standing there in full ceremonial robes.

  Megildur leaned over to Zeristan and whispered, “Why is Maethorion in those robes?”

  Zeristan whispered back, “Well, you need a Priest to marry you. Who better than the High Priest of the Church of the All-Father?” The Wizard smirked at Megildur and returned to standing upright next to the groom.

  Maethorion bellowed out over the cheering, “I now have the honor of crowning our new High King of Aerynth, Lord Megildur.” The cheering from the crowd diminished and the guests returned to their seats. Megildur turned to face Maethorion, the High Priest continued. “Please kneel and commit to the oath.” He pulled out a book that had the mark of the All-Father. “Will you solemnly swear to govern the people of Aerynth, and the realms within, according to the statutes set forth by the All-Father, and establish new laws and customs of the same?"

  Megildur replied, “I solemnly swear.”

  Maethorion continued, “Will you, to the best of your power, cause Law and Justice, in Mercy, to execute in all your judgments?”

  Again, Megildur replied, “I will.”

  Maethorion took the crown Sir Malorn had recovered from Cambruin’s remains and placed it on Megildur’s head. Maethorion bellowed, “Rise and face your people as High King Megildur!” He rose and turned to an energetic crowd praising his name. All except a limited few who will bide their time and detest the new Hierarchy. Letting the applause continue for a few moments, Megildur raised his hand to silence the crowd.

  The murmurs from the crowd diminished when the music began to play. Megildur looked out from the steps to see a pure white horse approaching with a vision of beauty riding atop of a stallion. It was Zabrina and she wore a golden gown that shimmered almost as bright as her blonde hair. Her veil consisted of some type of lace that looked like golden snowflakes. She arrived at the opposite end of the crowd and met Sir Adelard. The High Steward placed a stool beside the horse, to provide the bride with an easier dismount from the stallion. She took the left arm of the High Steward and proceeded down the aisle. All of the guests gazed at the exquisite bride. Megildur advanced down the stairs to meet h
er. Sir Adelard presented her hand, which the Aelfborn Lord gladly accepted. He walked Zabrina up the stairs to face Maethorion. However, before the High Priest could begin, Megildur turned to face Zabrina and reached for her veil.

  With a hastened whisper Maethorion advised, “High King Megildur, we do not unveil the bride at this time.”

  Megildur proclaimed, “I do not wish to shield my loves eyes from this event, nor do I wish to hide her beauty from the world.” Since nobody wished to defy the High King, he continued with lifting her veil. Now that he could see her face, Megildur turned to face Maethorion, “You may proceed.”

  The High Priest grinned and began with the ceremony, “People of Aerynth, we gather here today before the All-Father to join these two. Commanded by the All-Father to complete a perilous task, Zabrina saved Megildur during his hour of need. Now, they have found love in each other and wish to nurture that love by binding their souls in holy matrimony. If any person finds grounds to object to this union, speak now or forever remain silent.”

  No one dared challenge the All-Father’s chosen champion. The crowd remained silent. Maethorion continued with the ceremony by having the couple exchange rings and vows.

  Zabrina looked into Megildur’s eyes and recited her vows first. “Megildur, from the moment I met you I knew you were a true man. I have found love and security in your arms. You have given me more today than I ever dreamed possible. I will always love you.” She received Megildur’s ring from its bearer, Aranel, and placed it upon his finger.

  Megildur did his best to restrain his nausea, because it was his turn now. “Zabrina, the first time I smelled your sweet scent I knew I could not exist on this world without you. You are my heart, my soul, and my love. I will never let harm befall you again. I will always love you.” He too obtained the remaining ring from Aranel, gave her a slight smile, and placed it upon Zabrina’s finger. By this time, Zabrina was crying, along with all the women present. Gaal, being the emotionless Shade he was, just looked toward the tables full of food and drink.