Awakening (Telindell Book 1)

by Darren Lee

  Draken sat next to her and eyed her beautiful body intently.

  Roxees bit her lip. “Now, I’m sure you did not burst in here just to stare at my breasts… or did you?”

  Draken took a deep breath and stuttered, “Uh… as lovely a sight as they are, no I did not.”

  “That’s a shame…” she said. She lightly caressed her nipple with her fingers. “What is your concern, my lord?”

  “It is… the King. He is gathering our forces, but he dismissed my claims of the Elves or that you are a sorceress. He sees the dragon as a beast to be slain. The dragon attacked the castle, and his men reported that they injured the dragon and chased it away. He claims it can be beaten,” said Draken.

  Roxees moaned a bit and moved closer to Draken. “Interesting, but very unwise. This dragon cannot be defeated by any conventional means. Even if his army could manage to destroy it, it is magic.” Roxees stretched her arms above her head. “The Elves would simply conjure another.”

  Draken’s eyes were fixated on her breasts. He hesitantly laid his hand upon her abdomen. “My thoughts exactly.”

  Roxees closed her eyes and slowly licked her lips. “It is alright. You may touch me.” She opened her eyes and looked upon Draken. “Kynlynn needs a strong and wise King, one who knows to listen to wise counsel.”

  Draken slowly moved his hand towards her breast. “I agree.”

  Roxees breathed deeply. “You, my lord, would be such a King.”

  Draken moved his hand in between Roxees’ breasts. “I’m not even in the line of succession. The only way for me to become King is if the current King’s heirs are killed.”

  She moaned a little louder. “What of the other two Lords?”

  Draken slowly cupped one of her breasts in his hand. “One of us must call a meeting in which we would decide upon which of us would ascend to the throne.”

  “Mmm, that is interesting,” said Roxees. “Maybe the dragon will do us a favor.”

  Draken took a deep breath and caressed her nipple. “Maybe… Maybe it will.”

  Roxees quickly rose up and pushed Draken’s hand away while she smiled. “Now what would Ellana think if she could see this?”

  Draken stared at Roxees’ body. “Ellana will not know of this.”

  Roxees gave Draken a mischievous smile. “Indeed she won’t, because it will not happen…”

  Draken closed his eyes out of disappointment. “No, indeed it won’t.”

  “In due time, my lord. In due time,” she said.

  “Time for what?” asked Draken.

  Roxees smirked. “Until you will no longer be my Lord, but my King.”

  “If we may only be so fortunate,” said Draken.

  “Indeed we may. Now, is that all?” asked Roxees.

  “Yes, Lady Roxees,” said Draken. “Will I see you at court in the morning? I would value your counsel in all matters, not just those concerning the dragon.”

  Roxees batted her eyes and grinned. “I would be honored…” she raised her eyes to Draken’s and whispered, “My King.”

  Chapter 10: Growing Pains

  Lian gasped and rose up in his bed quickly. He was once again plagued with nightmares of his escape. More than three years had passed and yet he still could not truly escape. Lian remained in silence with only the darkness keeping him company. He slowly dropped his feet to the cold marble floor. Lian slumped over and rested his arms upon his knees. He glanced to the window, where only the dim light of the outside torches shined through. Lian slowly nodded his head and stood. He was no longer the scrawny child from Dawn’s Grasp. He had grown tall and packed on muscle mass. The young man wasn’t bulky, but lean and agile.

  Lian walked across his dark room and entered a candlelit washroom. He peered into the mirror and the stubble sprouting along his jawline. Lian looked down at a bowl of water that rested upon a table. He splashed the water on his face and grabbed a small dagger. He ran the blade’s edge along his face slowly, removing the hair. Lian placed the dagger back on the table and noticed the bruising on his knuckles and hand. His body was riddled with bruises and whelps.

  Lian donned his training attire, a simple sleeveless shirt, loose-fitting cloth pants, and simple boots, all black. He tightened the belt around his waist and latched it. Lian quietly walked through the halls of his home. He looked into the room closest to the entrance. His mother, Lyssa, was sound asleep with Kane curled up at her feet. Lian whistled lightly, so as not to disturb his mother. Kane’s ears flicked, and his head snapped up to look at Lian. Lian motioned for Kane to come. The wolf quickly jumped from the bed and joined him.

  The two walked through the Telinlight outpost. Dawn was still more than an hour away. The only activity was the Elven guards patrolling the ramparts. Lian and Kane came upon an open area next to the barracks. He spent every morning there. Lian glanced around the still, dark area.

  Lian looked down to Kane and smirked. He looked around once again. “Come on,” said Lian. “I know you’re here.”

  Kane whined a bit as he yawned. Lian shook his head. “This hasn’t worked on me in over a year. Just come out so we can get started.”

  Lian’s request was answered with silence. He sighed and crossed his arms. Then, he felt a sudden blow against the back of his knee. Lian dropped to one knee and felt a hand grab his hair. The tip of a wooden sword slowly pressed against his back.

  Elinar chuckled as he pressed the sword against his pupil. “Never let your guard down.”

  Lian groaned and closed his eyes. “I had to get you to come out somehow.”

  “You’re early,” said Elinar. “Trouble sleeping?”

  “Almost always,” said Lian.

  Elinar shook his head slowly, lowering the wooden sword. “The same nightmares?”

  Lian quickly grabbed Elinar’s arm and shifted to the side. His powerful grip twisted Elinar’s arm and forced him to release Lian’s hair. Lian pulled and sent Elinar tumbling to the ground, then quickly stood and raised his fists.

  Elinar rolled across the ground and rebounded to his feet with a smirk. “Your strength is most impressive.”

  Lian smirked. “Not my fault you’re so weak.” Then, he nodded. “Mostly the same. Sometimes the faces change, sometimes the setting.”

  Elinar drew a second sword and tossed it to Lian. “Tell me more.”

  Lian caught the sword with his left hand. “Sometimes it isn’t the Elder, or Eva, or--”

  Elinar quickly leapt towards Lian and swung the sword. “Who is it?”

  Lian brought his sword to meet Elinar’s. The smack of the wood echoed through the early morning air. Lian gritted his teeth while fending off each of Elinar’s attacks.

  Elinar continued his relentless assault. A smirk was present upon his face the entire time. “Answer my question,” said Elinar in a calm voice.

  Lian met Elinar’s attack once again. He moved in and brought his knee to Elinar’s abdomen. Elinar quickly jumped back and avoided Lian’s blow.

  Elinar smiled at Lian. “Calm yourself.”

  Lian glared at Elinar. “You know,” said Lian, “being calm isn’t exactly easy while you’re attacking me and demanding that I have a conversation while you do so.”

  Elinar chuckled a bit. “I’m just trying to help you defeat your own weakness.”

  Lian shook his head and snarled. “My weakness?”

  “Yes, your weakness,” said Elinar. “You’re faster than me, stronger than me, yet I still beat you nearly every day.” Elinar charged at Lian and thrust the wooden sword toward him.

  Lian quickly stepped to the side and deflected the attack. “Why?” he shouted.

  Elinar spun away from Lian and quickly attacked once more. Their swords met in a deadlock. Lian pushed his sword against Elinar’s and started to overpower him.

  Elinar smirked. “Your movements, your concentration, and most of all, your temperament.”

  Lian shook his head and continued pushing Elinar back. Elinar continued to smirk, sta
ring into Lian’s eyes. He spun to the side and swung the wooden sword against the back of Lian’s leg. Lian let out a scream and fell to the ground.

  Elinar pushed the tip of the sword into Lian’s back again. “Your movements have no grace. Your concentration is limited to a linear path. Those things are affected by your temperament.”

  Lian looked to Kane, who was watching with great interest. Kane simply nodded his head. Lian nodded his head and stood. “Explain.”

  Elinar lowered his sword. “When I attacked, you became angry. You could no longer focus on our conversation, only our conflict. In that anger, you plunged forward like a battering ram. Predictable in every sense.”

  Lian shook his head and turned to face Elinar. “What’s your point?”

  Elinar smiled. “If you remain calm, you will be able to clearly focus on more than our conflict. Things around you will be clearer.”

  “Why?” Lian asked “Why should I be focused on anything other than my enemy?”

  Elinar looked to Kane. “Kane watched our entire conflict. If he chose to attack, I dare say that you would not have noticed until you felt his teeth tear into your flesh.”

  Lian’s eyes widened. “I… I understand.”

  Elinar looked to Lian and smiled. “You must be aware of your surroundings. If you enter battle, it won’t be one on one. You may have many foes. With a clear mind, you can fight with an advantage. Don’t be the predictable battering ram. Be the cunning warrior that is always one step ahead of his foe, no matter how powerful they may be.”

  Lian smiled slightly. “I still have a lot to learn, don’t I?”

  “Not as much as you think,” said Elinar. “You grow stronger and faster each day. It is truly remarkable. Within one year, you had already rivaled me in swordsmanship, and I have had hundreds of years to practice.”

  “But you beat me,” said Lian.

  Elinar chuckled. “Because of the reasons I just stated. There is no doubt in my mind that you could defeat nearly any opponent set before you. Once you rise above your weakness, no elf, no human, no mage or sorceress will be able to stand against you alone. And with the sword…”

  Elinar trailed off and paused. Lian took a step back. “With the sword?” he asked. “What will happen with the sword?”

  Elinar looked away to the horizon, the light of dawn now presenting itself. “I can only tell you of the accounts of my father, who fought alongside your ancestor.”

  “What would happen?” said Lian.

  Elinar looked to Lian. “Your ancestor would change, transform.”

  Lian raised an eyebrow. “Into what?”

  “Physically, he wouldn’t change very much,” said Elinar. “The sword would glow a crimson red. His energy would manifest around his body. My father described it as if lightning had struck and constantly circulated around him. His speed and strength reached immeasurable levels. My father said at times, he would move so fast it was as if he could vanish.”

  Lian dropped his sword and looked down at the palms of his hands. “And… and I’m capable of that? How could someone with such power be defeated?”

  Elinar slightly smiled. “If anything my father says is true, yes, indeed you are. You defeated the Dalronian that pursued you as a child. You are a Telindell.” Elinar then looked back to the rising sun with a worried expression. “The bulk of the Dalronian forces were no match for your ancestor, but--”

  “But what?” asked Lian.

  “Their leaders,” said Elinar. “They were far more powerful than any of the forces they commanded. My father said that your ancestor left the combined forces of Zaneen and faced down their Lord Commander. He was not powerful enough to defeat them, but only to banish them from our world at the cost of his own life.”

  Lian shook his head. “How am I to defeat them, then?”

  Elinar’s smirk returned. “I believe you are to be far more powerful than your ancestor.”

  “Why do you believe that?” Lian asked.

  “Because of your progress,” said Elinar. “Even without the sword, soon you will be stronger and faster than any being in this world. I believe the power is yours. The sword is merely a tool to help you harness it. The stronger you become without it, the stronger you will be with it.”

  Lian shook his head and took a step back. He slowly sat down upon the ground and stared at his hands. “Any news?”

  “Of?” said Elinar.

  “The Dalronians,” said Lian. “Anything really.”

  “No activity from Dawn’s Grasp,” said Elinar. “None that we can see. My scouts cannot get very close to the valley. There is a lot of unusual turmoil in Kynlynn.”

  Lian looked up to Elinar. “What’s happening?”

  Elinar shook his head. “Dragon attacks. Rumors of a sorceress now taking residence with Allendale’s lord. My scouts can only get so close and rarely interact with any of the humans along the outskirts.”

  “Dragons?” said Lian. “Sorceress? And your scouts are actually speaking with humans? I bet your council didn’t like that.”

  Elinar chuckled. “They don’t know. Only my father.”

  “Only your father?”

  “Yes,” said Elinar. “There is a lot of pressure in Alinshahar. The council is divided. My father and Councilor Stala agree with much of the populace and want to repeal the Seclusion Act that limits our right to have offspring and forbids expansion and interaction with the outside world. On the other side, there are Councilors Adanna and Manat who think it is better to stay hidden despite the will of the Elven People.”

  Lian shook his head. “The Dalronians are back. They should end their seclusion and join with the humans.”

  Elinar nodded. “Indeed they should, but my father will not force a vote. He could cast the deciding vote in the event of a draw, being head of the council. He fears division and unrest just as much as he fears the Dalronians.”

  Lian sighed. “I don’t think I’ll ever want to be involved with politics.” Elinar chuckled lightly at Lian’s remarks. “What of this sorceress, and do the humans know Elves exist?” Lian asked.

  Elinar shook his head. “No, under the cover of night, and hoods, the humans have yet to notice our ears.”

  Lian laughed. “Surely all the proper speech would give it away?”

  Elinar gave Lian a smug look. “Even some humans have poise in their words. It is most common in those higher in a hierarchy, but even you have a small amount.”

  Lian smiled. “I guess so.”

  “Rumors,” said Elinar. “The sorceress has to be a rumor. If there is truth to it, I fear for us all.”

  “One sorceress should have us all fearful?” asked Lian.

  Elinar nodded. “No human alive can wield magic. If a sorceress has indeed emerged, I fear she, the dragon, and the Dalronians are all connected.”

  “Have you taken that theory to your father?” said Lian.

  Elinar nodded once more. “I have. He wants to give it time. To see how things develop before acting.”

  Lian shook his head. “I suppose. I think I hate politics.”

  Elinar smiled. “Not a bad thing to hate.” Elinar approached Lian and extended his hand. “Come. I’m sure your mother will have breakfast for you soon.”

  Lian grabbed Elinar’s hand and stood. “You’re probably right.”

  Elinar patted Lian’s shoulders. “I’m sure Teelia has something for me as well.”

  Lian gave him a knowing grin. “I’m sure. With all this talking to humans behind the council’s back and what not, how long before there is a little you on the way?”

  Elinar smirked and began to walk away. “Go eat.”

  Lian laughed and looked to Kane. “Come on, Kane. Let’s go.”

  Morning sun lit the land and birds chirped wildly in the surrounding forest. Lian and Kane approached their home just as Lyssa emerged. Lyssa smiled at her son, who was now taller than she was. Kane jumped toward Lyssa playfully and stood against her.

  Lyssa smil
ed and rubbed Kane’s head. “Good morning, furball.”

  Lian walked to his mother, smiling. “Good morning.”

  Lyssa gently pushed Kane down and embraced Lian tightly. “It never gets old.”

  Lian held his mother. “What never gets old?”

  Lyssa pulled away, smiling. “Having you here with me, of course.”

  Lian chuckled and shook his head. “It doesn’t seem real, does it?”

  “What doesn’t?” Lyssa asked, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow.

  Lian tilted his head and looked around. “Just all of it.”

  “Meaning?” said Lyssa.

  “Oh, I don’t know,” said Lian while he began to grin. “We’re the descendants of an ancient hero, Kane is a wolf who is smarter than most people, and my mother--”

  “And what about your mother?” asked Lyssa, interrupting Lian with an intimidating glare.

  Lian shifted his eyes and looked away. “Nothing.”

  Lyssa continued to glare. “I am your mother, and if you want to eat, I strongly suggest you open your mouth.”

  “As you wish, mother.” said Lian while he smiled. He stepped in to Lyssa and picked her up, causing her to gasp. Lian chuckled lightly. “My mother hasn’t aged a single day since I found her, and I love her more with each passing day.”

  Lyssa giggled and struggled against Lian, forcing him to put her down. “What am I to do with such a strong and mischievous son?”

  Lian looked to Kane and raised an eyebrow. “Feed him, and his faithful best friend?” said Lian, looking back to Lyssa hopefully.

  Lyssa smirked and shook her head. “Come in, both of you.”

  A few hours passed while the three ate, conversed, and laughed. Lian spent every moment he could with Lyssa, trying to make up for the twelve lost years. Lyssa stood and walked around the table collecting dirty dishes.

  Lian took a deep breath. “Mother, what was my father’s name?”

  Lyssa paused for a moment then took Lian’s plate. “We have spoken of this before.”

  Lian sighed. “Why won’t you tell me of him?”

  “Because,” said Lyssa, shaking her head.