The Surpen King - Part 2 - Rise of the Elves

by Charity Kelly

  “Okay.” Aul placed his knives into his weapons belt. “Will you give us the ability to become invisible again like you did at the Fair?” Loreth had asked them to tell the elfin women they passed that day that Rhen was running a kissing booth. He’d given them the power to turn invisible in case Rhen or his guards spotted them.

  Loreth hated giving Aul and Narseth powers, but it was price he had to pay to get them to help him. “Fine,” he grumbled. “But it’s only temporary, while you’re on Thestran.”

  “Understood,” Aul said as he waited for Loreth to push a small purple powerball into his chest.

  Loreth didn’t have to tell him what to do. Separating Rhen and Ceceta hadn’t worked, so he assumed Loreth now wanted them to kill Ceceta. Loreth had refused to let them kill her before, but it seemed a no-brainer. He wondered what power he would ask Loreth for after this mission.

  Chapter 22

  The Lake at the Elfin University

  Ceceta and Crystam were swimming in the University’s lake when something grabbed their legs and pulled them under. Frightened, they struggled and fought their way up to the surface before being pulled under again. Latsoh and Erfce had been waiting for them on the shore when they saw them struggling.

  “Something’s wrong. Help!” Latsoh screamed as Erfce ran out into the lake. “Help! They’re drowning!” Latsoh yelled, pointing towards where she’d last seen her friends. On the docks in the distance, the University’s rowing team jumped into boats and headed towards where she was pointing.

  “Oh, Gods,” Latsoh whispered, her hands trembling when the water around where Ceceta and Crystam had been swimming stilled. Erfce tried to swim faster, while the rowing team members grunted with effort, hoping to reach the women before they drowned.

  Rhen phased onto the shore. Earlier that day, he’d heard Crystam ask Ceceta if she wanted to swim. He was hoping to get a chance to swim beside Ceceta. Maybe he’d be able to sneak in a kiss? When he saw Latsoh crying and pointing out towards the water while Erfce and the rowing team struggled to reach a spot in the distance, his heart stopped.

  A moment later, Ceceta and Crystam’s unconscious bodies appeared on the grassy shore at Latsoh’s feet. Rhen bent over them, his hands glowing white with power, as he revived them. The women coughed and vomited water.

  Tgfhi had been walking out of the University’s academic building when he’d heard the commotion. Tears streamed down his face as he reached Crystam’s side. He curled himself around her protectively as she cried.

  Rhen bent down to help Ceceta, but she pushed him away. “Was it you?” she choked out. “Did you pull this stunt?”

  “What?” He couldn’t believe she’d ask him that.

  “No,” Latsoh said. “Ceceta, he saved you.”

  “Maybe he caused it so he’d look like a hero, so he could get close to me,” Ceceta snapped. Her fear at almost dying had made her turn on Rhen.

  Rhen raised his hands defensively then phased away. He didn’t want to deal with Ceceta when she was in one of her moods.

  “Ceceta,” Latsoh hissed. “How could you say that? He saved you.” She turned and ran down the bank to help Erfce onto the shore then waved thank you to the rowing team, which had cheered when Rhen had saved the women.

  Ceceta felt guilty as she sat alone, hugging herself. Her body was shivering, her skin still prickled with fear. She shouldn’t have yelled at Rhen. She knew he’d never put her life in danger, but who had pulled her under? She had looked for her attacker under the water, but there hadn’t been anyone beneath her. Shuddering at the memory of someone’s hand clamped around her ankle, she wondered why someone with powers would want to hurt her.

  ***

  Latsoh glanced up at the bronze dome above her head. She loved the Fire Elves’ temple. None of the other elfin temples were round. Only the Fire Elves’ temple had that distinction. The Fire Elves had never discovered why their temple was round; in fact they knew very little about it. When Themrock had been imprisoned in a void box, all of their literature on him had been destroyed. It was only through their songs that information about their Gods had been passed down through the generations.

  Reaching over for Erfce’s hand, Latsoh noticed that the temple was crowded today. The rows of benches that formed concentric circles inside the building were full. She leaned over to give Erfce a kiss before turning towards their Cardinal. The old priest was dressed in red robes. He stood on a sermon box in the center of the temple and raised his hands upward, gesturing towards the white, painted columns that supported the central dome, where an enormous stone ball was located above their heads. Attached to each column was a similar, smaller ball that rested on what appeared to be a round, stone platter emerging from the column about twenty feet overhead. Latsoh sighed. Their temple was gorgeous. Even the intricately grooved patterns in the stone floor at their feet were marvelous.

  The Cardinal told them to pick up their prayer books. Latsoh reached forward for her copy as Erfce picked up his. When he had first attended one of their meetings, he had asked her why there were sunglasses next to the prayer books. It had been a good question. Unfortunately, Latsoh couldn’t answer it. She had no idea why there were sunglasses in their temple. In fact, none of the Fire Elf priests could explain the presence of the sunglasses either. By now, most of the sunglasses had been lost or destroyed, but Latsoh’s parents had always maintained her family’s glasses.

  Latsoh pulled her coat tighter over her shoulders and opened her prayer book. Like the Fire Elf castle, the temple was uncomfortably cold. Her mother patted her thigh before wrapping her coat tighter as well. Latsoh was happy that her Dad had apologized and asked for her forgiveness. She had missed her parents and her home. Her parents were even treating Erfce with respect now, which was a good thing, because they were going to need his family’s financial support for the wedding they’d planned.

  They sat, listening to their priest praise Themrock for the peace the Universe was experiencing, then rose to sing a song of thanks to Themrock. The Cardinal turned around to face the north wall of the temple, where an image of Themrock, with his long, wavy, dark brown hair, blue eyes and bearded face, was painted. The picture was of just the top half of Themrock’s body. Themrock was bare-chested and his arms were outstretched. His hands were open, as if they could be holding something, but the painter hadn’t painted anything in them.

  After their song, the Fire Elves sat down and their priest called out to Themrock, thanking him for the bounty that was being experienced around the Universe. Suddenly, the ground shifted underneath them, causing a few people to fall out of their seats. When the mini quake was over and the nervous chatter had quieted down, the Cardinal continued with his sermon. As he spoke, the doors to the main entrance of the temple opened and several people walked into the building. Out of respect for their priest, the Fire Elves remained focused on him. No one looked to see who had entered.

  Rhen tried to walk discretely down one of the aisles towards Latsoh, who was sitting in her family’s seats in front of the priest. The Fire Elves didn’t notice him at first. Instead, their eyes caught movement above them, as the balls that had been resting on the column’s stone platters, lifted into the air consecutively around the room. Once the balls were hovering over the platters, they caught on fire. They burned a smokeless fire that basked the temple with light.

  The Cardinal stopped speaking in mid-sentence, his eyes on the balls above them. He dropped his gaze a moment later when a hissing sound came from underneath the temple. The Fire Elves were shocked to see the grooves in the ground underneath them light up as they filled with an odorless lava. The grooves were sealed with a clear rock that allowed them to see the lava, while protecting them from it. The lava warmed the temple, making it possible for the elves to remove their coats. “They’re shaped like flames,” the Cardinal said, while pointing at the ground. He was surprised he hadn’t noticed it before.

  Someone pushed against Latsoh’s arm. She glanced up
to find Rhen shoving her and Erfce over, so he could sit down beside them on her family’s bench. “What are you doing here?” Latsoh whispered.

  “Is it okay? Do you want me to go?”

  “No!” Naci shouted.

  Latsoh’s mother, Reman, leaned over to put a restraining arm on Rhen. “Please stay,” she said. His presence was awakening their temple. They needed Rhen to stay until it was finished.

  A loud, crackling sound caught their attention. The elves glanced up to see the columns around them catch on fire. The fire burnt off the white paint, filling the air with noxious fumes, but none of the elves cared, because they were watching the fire with fascination as it climbed up the columns towards the ceiling. When the flames reached the top of the dome, they lit the enormous ball above their heads. The large ball above them, like the smaller balls, burned a smokeless blaze that brightened the room, then, just like the sun, it started to rotate. As it turned the smaller balls below it began to move in response. Instinctively, Rhen reached forward for the sunglasses in front of him. Latsoh copied him. With all of the light coming from above, the room was almost blindingly bright.

  The Cardinal turned around in a circle. His temple was magnificent, its full splendor finally revealed in Themrock’s presence. Several of the elves gasped, their eyes on the north wall. Spinning about, he saw that the portrait of Themrock was now illuminated from behind. Themrock’s eyes glowed such a brilliant blue that his face was partially obscured and his mouth, which was open slightly, emitted wisps of blue energy. Bolts of lightning shimmered and flashed as they burst from his palms. So, that’s what he’s holding, the Cardinal thought.

  Rhen was bored. He was starting to regret coming. Latsoh had always spoken so highly of her religion, but at this point, he couldn’t see what she saw in it. Why wasn’t the priest speaking? Why was everyone staring at the ceiling and walls? Leaning towards Latsoh, he asked, “Is this a time for silent prayer?”

  “No. He’s just about to start,” she said loudly enough for the Cardinal to hear.

  The Cardinal cleared his throat and changed his lecture. He delivered a masterful sermon that made the Fire Elves proud. With a twist, he ended his sermon by dramatically marching out of the temple. Once outside, he stopped short, as he took in the changes that Rhen’s presence had brought about to the Fire Elves’ land.

  The temple was set apart from the Fire Elves’ castle. On the grounds between them were patterns of round stones that connected the two structures. No one knew why the stones were there, but now that Themrock had arrived, it was obvious. Themrock’s presence had brought forth yellow, orange, white, red and violet colored flowers. They filled the areas around the stones. As the priest gazed down on them from the top of the temple’s steps, he saw that the stones and flowers were a naturalist’s drawing of flames. The temple itself was in the center of a ring of flames. Lifting his head towards the farmland in the distance, he laughed. The large ball inside his temple was illuminating their fields. It was acting like a personal sun–one they’d desperately needed for years. Perhaps now the farmers’ crops wouldn’t be so dismal?

  Rhen followed Latsoh and her family outside. The Cardinal approached him with his hand out in greeting. Still uncomfortable with the Thestran’s practice of hand shaking, he gave the priest a Surpen military salute and apologized for arriving late.

  “You’re always welcome. I hope you will come back for next week’s sermon. We would love to have you,” the Cardinal told him enthusiastically.

  “Thank you for your offer.” Rhen bowed to the priest then moved over to join his guards, who were dressed in formal attire.

  “Thank you for coming today, Rhen,” Naci said, stepping forward to greet him.

  Rhen bowed his head. “I’m sorry I was late. I had thought that Latsoh said your services began at half past the hour. I hope your priest wasn’t too upset by my interruption.”

  “Certainly not. He loves having more people in the audience. Did you enjoy the sermon?”

  Rhen nodded. “Yes. It was exhilarating.”

  Latsoh’s impatience got the better of her. Instead of waiting for her dad to finish greeting Rhen, she blurted out, “Why are you here?” Naci glared at her. It didn’t matter why Themrock was there. What was important was that he was.

  Rhen laughed at Latsoh’s directness. “Bosternd and I were having a discussion about religion last night. He thinks I should find God again. He told me that if I wasn’t going to worship the Surpen’s Supreme God, I should try out another religion, such as yours.” With a nod towards their temple, Rhen added in Naci’s direction, “Since Latsoh’s always raving about your God, Themrock, I thought I’d check him out.”

  “And,” Latsoh asked, crossing her arms over her chest, while grinning at Rhen. She couldn’t wait to hear this one. “What’d you think?”

  Rhen hesitated. “Your religion is a lot like mine. I guess all religions are a lot alike, if you think about it. They involve some benevolent being with super powers, who gives you advice on how to lead your life.”

  “But, did you like Themrock?” Latsoh persisted.

  “He’s fine,” Rhen answered noncommittally before tilting his head upward. “But no matter what I think of him, he sure has one amazing temple.” Latsoh and her father followed his gaze and for the first time noticed flames dancing up towards the sky from the top of the temple’s dome. The flames looked like birds, flying gracefully into the sky. The pink Genister and turquoise Genister were playing among them, dashing back and forth between the flames while leaving a trail of their powers behind them.

  Latsoh had never seen anything so beautiful. “He sure does.”

  “Rhen,” Naci began, “would you please join us for lunch? We’d love to hear more about your views on religion.”

  Rhen stepped closer to his guards. “I’m sorry, but we can’t stay. We’re already late for a meeting that we have to attend.”

  “Please, Rhen,” Naci said. If Rhen’s mere presence at their temple could make it come alive, he could only imagine what he would be able to do for their castle.

  Rhen shook his head. “Our meeting with the Rasacks and Vivists has already started. They’re going to be angry enough as it is. We have to go.”

  “Is that why you’re all dressed nicely?” Latsoh asked.

  Rhen grinned. With a flick of his arm, he swung his red cape backwards off his shoulder. “Do I look nice to you?” He tilted his head coyly. “Perhaps I should swing by and visit Ceceta later. That’d make her day.” He laughed and a moment later disappeared with his guards.

  Naci turned to Reman. “Look at what he’s done for our temple. The power inside him is incredible. We have to get him to visit our home.”

  “Dad,” Latsoh said, reaching for his arm. “You only have to wait a little while longer. During the next school break, he’ll be sleeping here overnight when he attends my wedding.”

  Naci’s eyes widened. During all of the excitement, he’d forgotten. “You’re right!” He could hardly wait. Turning to include Erfce, he added, “Let’s have lunch and talk about the wedding.” As they walked towards the Fire Elf castle, Naci admired the beauty around him. Thank the Gods they’d never changed any of the temple’s features.

  Although, he would have to make a note telling future kings not to paint the main columns inside the temple. His nostrils still burned from the smell of the paint.

  ***

  That evening, Rhen swung by Ceceta’s apartment as she and their friends were studying. He appeared, lying in his usual spot on the floor by the coffee table, as they were working on a difficult math problem. Without opening his eyes, he gave them the answer to their question then disappeared before the book Ceceta had thrown could hit him.

  A second later, Rhen reappeared standing in front of Ceceta. Holding his red cape open, he asked, “Do you like my cape, love?” Ceceta blushed and rolled her eyes. Rhen disappeared again, only to reappear standing behind her, his head inches from hers. “Does it t
urn you on?” he whispered.

  Ceceta snorted with laughter. She swung her hand out, in an attempt to hit him.

  Rhen kissed her quickly on the cheek then disappeared before she could make contact.

  From her spot on the couch, Crystam shoved Tgfhi’s shoulder. Rhen and Ceceta had been flirting a lot lately. It was only a matter of time before they were back together.

  ***

  “This isn’t working,” Aul told Narseth, pressing his back into the tree behind him. They’d tried several times to get to Ceceta, but besides that one time when they’d grabbed her and her friend and dragged them under the water, they’d had no success.

  Narseth looked up from where he sat on the forest floor. He was pulling the petals off of a flower he’d found. “What do you want to do?”

  “You think Rhen knows we’re here?” Aul leaned to his left to peer around the tree. He and Narseth had decided to hide in the Wood Elf forest to spy on the University. Narseth shrugged and reached for a rock to smash a beetle that had crawled past him.

  Rhen had almost caught them yesterday. It’d been far too close for Aul’s comfort. He cringed just thinking about it. They’d followed Ceceta as she’d exited the academic building, hoping to grab her in the secluded portico, but Rhen had been sitting on a bench by the door waiting for her. Even with Loreth’s powers of invisibility, it had been terrifying. What if Rhen had noticed that the door hadn’t closed right away? What if he’d seen the grass under Narseth’s foot getting crushed. Aul definitely didn’t want that to happen again. “We’re running out of time.”

  “Why do you think that?”

  Aul reached up to run a hand through his short hair. “If we don’t act soon, Rhen and Ceceta will get back together. Once that happens it’ll be impossible for us to kill her.”