“Ew. Fuzzy how can you eat those?”
Laughter from behind him caused Allistor to turn. Daigath emerged seemingly from nowhere, simply appearing between two trees at the edge of the clearing. “For a bear, young William, those are like candy. And they’re good for him, too. They’ll help keep his coat shiny and warm.”
Clearly not convinced, William held his tongue. When Allistor bowed to the old elf, William copied him. “Sorry to disturb you without notice, Master Daigath. A few things have come up that I wanted to ask you about.”
“A visit from my host is no bother, Allistor. Come, let us leave this scarred place. I have only just begun work on my new home, but there is a place we can sit comfortably and speak.” He led them out of the clearing, back the way he had come. Slightly uphill from the clearing, and across a small brook that trickled down a rocky path, he brought them to a giant old oak tree whose thick, gnarled roots rose up from the ground and formed several comfortable spots to sit. The elf motioned for Allistor to sit first, then he and William followed.
Looking up at the branches above, the lower ones being thicker than Allistor’s shoulders were wide, he asked, “Is this your sentient tree?”
Daigath chuckled, “No, though he may not be far from awakening. Another century or three, I would think. He is a great, great grandson of the awakened one, who himself is only just becoming aware. But this one will make a good home. He has already shown an affinity for being shaped.” The old elf patted the roots on which they sat. “Soon I will begin to shape my home in the branches above. Now, what did you wish to ask me about?”
Allistor cleared his throat. “Well, first, I wanted to thank you. The new spells and skill you gave me made a big difference in the last battle. We went into the goblin horde’s nest expecting high level goblins. Instead we found something called fomorians. They were much tougher, and they surprised us. Some of my people died as a result, but many more would have died without the magic you gave me.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Daigath looked thoughtful. “I have not heard of fomorians making an appearance in at least a thousand years. And you say they were within a goblin nest? And the goblins were high level?”
“The highest we’ve seen so far here on Earth. And they had a larger than normal number of shamans among them.”
Daigath nodded. “It would seem the horde was in service to the fomorians. Which would imply that a noble was present, and they were establishing a clan here on Earth.”
Allistor nodded. “We killed a giant one called a Patron, and a small one that was a Scion. Which is part of what I wanted to talk to you about. The young one was carrying this.” He produced the wrapped artifact and handed it to Daigath.
The ancient elf carefully unwrapped the glowing stone. It was about the size of a bowling ball, though much lighter, and its surface wasn’t smooth. There were thousands of tiny facets, each one refracting the emerald glow from within. As the elf studied the artifact, Fuzzy sniffed at it, then backed away and sat down. William just stared with his mouth open.
“You have indeed encountered something rare, young prince. In my lifetime I have seen only one other Ancestral Orb. That one had been captured, much like this. It was traded to an Emperor in return for his planet. Within a few days, that Emperor was assassinated, and the Orb stolen. The assassins killed more than five hundred imperial guards that day, and left no witnesses to identify them. It has often been speculated that it was fomorians reclaiming their property.”
“What exactly is it? And why is it so valuable?”
Daigath rewrapped the artifact and handed it back to Allistor, indicating he should put it away. “Fomorians are an elder race, one half of a pair of races born on the same planet, who fought a war that spanned millennia. Their enemies, the Tuath De, were surface dwellers and masters of what is now commonly referred to as light magic. While the Patrons and Matrons of the fomorian clans most commonly favored the dark.”
“Like good and evil.” William observed.
Daigath shook his head. “No, young one. The manipulation of the motes, what you know as magic, is neither good nor bad.” He paused for a moment, then reached out and took hold of William’s staff. The boy let it go without resistance. “Much like your staff here, magic simply exists. It has the potential to do harm,” he spun it with one hand and smacked the boy lightly on his arm. “or it can be used for more benign purposes.” He extended the staff so that it touched the same spot on William’s arm. A pulse of green light flowed from the elf’s hand, down the staff, and into the squire’s arm, healing what might have become a bruise. “The staff doesn’t have an opinion either way, it simply exists as a tool.”
William, who’d been scowling at the old elf and rubbing his arm, asked. “So it’s the person? The one holding the staff? Or, the one using the magic, that is good or bad?”
Smiling patiently at the boy, Daigath corrected him. “Good or bad is a matter of perspective. Both sides in that war considered themselves good, and their enemies bad. Which of them were correct? If Lady Meg kills a pig to roast for your dinner, from your perspective she is doing good. But would the pig agree?” He left William to consider that, turning his gaze back to Allistor. “Dark magic is no more evil than light, and no more good. They simply are. Light magic can be used to injure, and dark magic can heal, under certain conditions. But I have digressed from your original question.”
The ancient elf began to pace back and forth in front of the two humans. “The Ancestor Orb is a sort of… storage vault. Every few hundred years, a Patron and Matron produce a Scion. One with the potential to grow into a leader that could unite the clans of their race. They are trained almost from birth toward that end, and bonded to their clan’s Ancestor Orb. The Orb contains the life energy and memories of past Scions. Each Scion that falls as he or she pursues their destiny is given to the stone. As they breathe their last, their essence is absorbed by the Orb, which grows larger, brighter, and more powerful. As far as I am aware, no Scion has ever succeeded in uniting the clans. Which is why, though the fomorians have always greatly outnumbered their ancient foes, they were never able to defeat them. Always there was infighting among the clans, keeping them from presenting a united front.”
Allistor was fascinated. He’d always loved the lore of the games he played, and this sounded like the introduction to an epic quest. The kind that led to a world event! Looking around, he saw that even Fuzzy was leaning forward slightly as the elf spoke.
“My guess is that the fomorians traveled here to Earth before it was claimed by the Collective. Several of the elder races have visited this world in the past. They have been the basis of many of your myths and legends, yes?” He waited while Allistor nodded. “This is the case for most new acquisitions. Fomorians have been known to enslave lesser races to use as laborers and soldiers. They must have found a horde that had spawned here sometime in the last year, and used their abilities to alter and strengthen the horde. Probably killing humans within the city. That would explain the increased number of shamans among the goblins, as well as their higher levels.”
Allistor was suddenly angry. “But I thought we were supposed to be safe from the other races during Stabilization.”
“That is correct. There are harsh penalties imposed by the System upon anyone who is caught violating that rule. And I suspect that, in this case, you were the instrument that enforced the penalty. You say you killed the Patron and the Scion. Which died first?”
“The Scion. I took it hostage and attempted to negotiate, but the Patron attacked, so I killed the Scion, then the Patron.”
“And was the Scion holding the artifact when it died?”
Allistor thought back for a moment, then shook his head. “It dropped the orb earlier, when I hit it with Mind Spike.”
Daigath shook his head, a look of sorrow on his face. “Then I suspect that the penalty for the clan taking action during Stabilization was the most severe. The clan destroyed, their final Scion u
nable to transfer its essence into their Ancestor Orb upon its death. And the orb in your hands. You did not see the Matron… so either she was killed inside the nest, or she remains alive elsewhere. Even should she live, without the artifact, her clan will wither and die.”
Allistor felt his gut clench. “Unless she could reclaim the artifact, like you suspect they did with the Emperor? Which means I might have a great big green glowing target on my back?”
Daigath chuckled. “You became a target as soon as you earned your first noble title. More so now that you’re a Prince and Emperor. But yes, if any of that clan lives, you now have an additional target on your back, as you say. They will stop at nothing to reclaim the artifact.”
“Then how do I get rid of it? Can I destroy it? Or will it explode and flatten everything within a mile, or something.”
Daigath looked horrified. “No! The power and knowledge contained within that Orb is… unquantifiable. Priceless. If you do not wish to risk retaining it for your own use, it could be used to your advantage. You could literally purchase a planet from one of the greater factions. Or commission a fleet of warships.”
“What’s so valuable about it? I mean, I understand its value to the clan, but what use is it to others?”
“Were you a higher level, and better trained, you could tap the stored essence within the artifact. Use it to power other artifacts, create legendary weapons, or cast immensely powerful spells. And you would have access to the aggregate knowledge of an untold number of Scions. Based on the size of the artifact, I would guess that the clan was comparatively young. Still, their race is from a planet that formed near one of the galaxy’s early stars. Nearly as old as that of the elven homeworld. So even a younger clan’s artifact might contain a thousand souls.”
Allistor’s instinct was still to get rid of the artifact. The last thing he wanted was to have everyone around him killed by pissed off fomorians trying to reclaim it. But his gamer instincts wouldn’t let him not ask… “You said I need to be a higher level to use it. How much higher?”
The old elf laughed loudly. “You have done well to reach your current level as quickly as you have. But even should you maintain that pace, which you will not, it would take you fifty years or more. And even then, I am unsure a human mind would be compatible.”
“Could you use it?” Allistor was already calculating an agreement between them.
Daigath nodded. “Indeed. I have the experience, and the knowledge, to make use of the artifact. But I will not.” He saw the look on Allistor’s face, and sat back down. “I am old, Allistor. Older than any other living elf, and most of the other beings in the Collective. Only the Ancient Ones, some of the elder dragons, and the Unnamed Ones who first created the System have lived longer. And no one knows if the Unnamed still live. If I desired power, I would have it. I would rule all of the elven factions, and a significant swathe of the galaxy. In fact, in my youth I dreamed of such conquest. Foolish dreams that cost me more than I will say.” He paused, remembering something.
“I have chosen a different path, and prefer a simple life of observation and reflection. I have no use for the power that the artifact would grant me.” He chuckled softly. “Though the idea of using the energy within the artifact to create a uniquely powerful weapon does tempt me slightly.”
“Then can you advise me on the best way to dispose of this thing?”
“I will put some thought into it. Make some discreet inquiries. For now, my advice is to keep it hidden, and do not speak about it.”
Allistor sighed, making a mental note to bury the thing in the lowest level of Fort Knox or something. Almost dreading any additional knowledge, he pulled the books bound in goblin hide from his ring and handed them over. “We also got these.”
Daigath gazed at the books Allistor held out toward him, an expression of distaste on his face. He made no move to take the books. “Bound in goblin leather, written in blood. Those are foul things.”
“Can you read them?” Allistor pushed them closer, encouraging the elf to get a better look.
“I can not. Fomorian is not one of the many languages I speak. And I know of no others who could read it, either. Though I could ask around, maybe find someone who could help you, I would prefer not to. I suspect nothing good can come of whatever is in those pages.”
Disappointed, Allistor put them away, Daigath sighing in relief as if their presence had been a burden. Next he brought out one of the metal spears they’d looted from the guards. “I showed this to Master Longbeard, and he told me it was made of shadow steel. We were hoping you might know enough about the metal to help us make use of it?”
Again, Daigath looked with distaste at the item, but he did take hold of it. “Yes, I know shadow steel, unfortunately. And I will agree to help you learn to manipulate it, on one condition. You will swear upon your life never to attempt to create more of it.”
Allistor looked up from the spear to the old elf’s face. His eyes were hard, his lips pressed together. “So Longbeard was right, the making of this steel requires sacrificing lives?”
“It does. And that is all I will say on the matter. Do I have your word?”
“Of course. I swear I will not attempt to create new shadow steel.” Allistor waited as the glowing silver light that seemed to be unique to the ancient elf surrounded them both, sealing the oath.
Daigath leaned back against his tree. “I am sure you wish further training, young battlemage. But I think we have spoken enough for today. I have much to consider, and some traveling to do. Let us return to the Stronghold together.”
Without waiting for a reply, Daigath began to walk back toward the clearing and the Stronghold beyond the lake. Allistor and William jumped to their feet to follow, Fuzzy padding along in front of them.
Chapter 14
Back at the Wilderness Stronghold, they parted ways with Daigath. Allistor decided to give William a special treat, and a new responsibility as part of his squire training. “I’ve got something to show you, but it’s top secret. Can you keep a secret? Even from Chloe and the other kids? Even when they’re talking about bard training, and you want to show off?”
William gazed up at him, looking slightly hurt. “I can keep a secret, I promise.” He made a cross-my-heart motion with his finger.
Allistor pretended to consider the promise for a bit, just to impress upon the boy that he was trusting him with something important. Though actually dozens of people knew the so-called secret, if not hundreds.
“Alright, come with me.” He led his squire to the teleport and through to the Silo. From the pad, they took the elevator down all the way to the lowest level. Stepping off the elevator, they proceeded down the corridor and through a large vault door. Right inside, they found a desk and a military cot. Daniel, Allistor’s official dragonling wrangler, sat at the desk. He immediately jumped to his feet and saluted when he saw Allistor.
“Sir! Uh… Prince? Sire? Welcome back.”
“None of that, Daniel. Just Allistor, unless we’re in some formal court setting. This is William, my squire. He’s going to assist you in your duties from now on.”
Daniel reached out a hand, and William shook it. The man’s eyes widened at the strength he felt in the ten year-old’s grasp. “Pretty strong grip there, William.”
The boy beamed at him. “I’m almost level twenty! Been working on my Strength and Stamina.”
Daniel looked up at Allistor, who explained. “Some of the kids have been coming on raids. Easy and safe way to level them up.” He paused, looking past Daniel to where the dragon eggs were clustered. “How are things down here?”
“Pretty much the same, though I think they’re going to hatch a bit sooner than Amanda expects. In the last week or so the eggs have begun to tremble, off and on. The little guys, or gals, inside are getting more active.”
William’s gaze had followed Allistor’s, and when he saw the large eggs on the floor of the cavern beyond, he gasped. “Are… are those th
e dragon eggs?”
“So much for them being top secret.” Allistor chuckled.
“Chloe told me about them. She says she’s going to have a dragon of her own to raise.”
“Well, we won’t be just passing out dragons to everyone who wants one.” Allistor frowned down at him, trying to look serious. “But you get to help Daniel here take care of them, and maybe even help raise them when they hatch. But like I said, you have to keep all of this top secret. You don’t talk about the dragons with anybody but Daniel, Amanda, and me. Can you do that?”
William nodded so hard it made both men rub their necks. “I promise! What can I do? Can I hold one? Do we need to keep them warm?” his excitement had Daniel smiling.
“Well, come with me and I’ll teach you everything I know about dragon eggs. Which admittedly isn’t much…” He winked at Allistor, who was turning to leave.
“I’ll send Amanda to check them again ASAP. Shout if you need anything at all. And make sure my squire gets home at a reasonable time every evening. Like, before dinner.” Allistor didn’t think he needed to say that last bit, William was a growing boy, and with his increased stats, he was an eating machine. He watched for a few seconds as the boy practically hopped all the way over to the nearest cluster of eggs, clinging to every word Daniel spoke.
*****
Baldur sat in the orcanin merchant’s office. They were old friends, and the merchant made it a point to ensure that Baldur was comfortable when they met, even going so far as to install mist generators that filled his office with the soothing moisture meant to replicate his ancient race’s homeworld environment.
“Your human friend is doing well for himself.” Baldur transmitted through the mist, causing it to swirl slightly.
“He deserves his success, Ancient One. Allistor is a true noble, a rarity these days. He thinks little of himself, always looking to improve the lives of those he protects. Risks his own life to save others, even strangers, on occasion. I truly consider him worthy of being called friend.”
Shadow Sun Progression: Shadow Sun Book Four Page 23
