The Surpen King - Part 2 - Rise of the Elves

by Charity Kelly

  When Reed and the others arrived, Jet explained Rhen’s condition.

  “Would drugs help?” Charlie asked.

  “No,” Ceceta replied from the doorway. “Unfortunately, nothing helps. We just have to wait it out.” She glanced at Estan. “Would you mind if we stayed here until he’s able to move back to our place?”

  “Good lord, no,” Estan assured her. “Move in forever if you wish. Our castle is yours.”

  “Thank you.” Ceceta dipped her head towards them then stepped back into the room, closing the door behind her. She wanted to keep the noise in the room to a minimum.

  Rhen’s guards were given rooms next to his and for the next four days, they took turns sitting outside his chamber.

  On the fifth day, Rhen could tolerate some movement. By the weekend, he was well enough to go for a walk with Ceceta. They could see he still wasn’t himself, though, because his steps seemed sluggish.

  Ceceta was worried that he was pushing himself. She begged him to return to bed, but he ignored her.

  When they reached the Wood Elf lake, she insisted that they sit down to rest. Sitting on the lake’s grassy embankment, Rhen and Ceceta watched the Wood Elves as they practiced their powers.

  “Shno,” Rhen called out, when he saw him drop a rock close enough to his foot that he almost crushed his toes. “Come here. Let me show you how to communicate with your world.”

  “No, Rhen. Rest. We want you to get better. When you’re feeling like your old self again, I’d love a lesson.”

  “Now,” Rhen insisted. He rose to his feet and opened his arms.

  “Please, love,” Ceceta begged, “rest.”

  Rhen waved her away. “I’m fine. Stop babying me.” Ceceta appeared hurt by his words so he turned back towards her. “I appreciate your concern, Cece, but I really am fine. My body is healing well. You don’t have to worry. I promise.”

  Ceceta pursed her lips, considering his words then nodded. Rhen never broke his promises, which meant he really was feeling better.

  Turning back to Shno, Rhen moved his body, matching it to Shno’s. Shno wasn’t surprised by the feelings of love and worship that he felt when Rhen touched him. He’d seen his friends experience the same thing in Rhen’s arms.

  Rhen taught him the movements for working the land and plants. Shno laughed with joy when Rhen demonstrated how he could effortlessly toss boulders above his head. At the end of his lesson, Shno raised the ground underneath him high into the air then returned it to its natural state.

  “You can make anything grow,” Rhen explained, releasing him. “You just need to know the proper movements.”

  “Will you teach them to me?”

  Rhen shook his head. “No.” He reached out for Ceceta’s hand so that they could continue their walk.

  Shno’s brow furrowed. Why had Rhen said no? Had he done something to upset Rhen?

  “They will,” Rhen added. He pointed towards the forest. Stepping out of the shadows were people made of plants. Shno gasped. Their priests had spoken of a Forest People, but he had always believed them to be a fable.

  As Rhen and Ceceta walked on down the path, they could hear the Wood Elves’ celebrating behind them with the Forest People. Ceceta leaned her head against Rhen’s arm and Rhen kissed her. “I love you,” he whispered into her hair.

  They headed up one of the jetbike paths into the woods, walking slowly enough to enjoy the scenery. Everything seemed to be in bloom. As they rounded a bend in the trail, they saw the entrance to one of the forest’s caves ahead of them. A person wearing a brown hooded cape was sitting on a rock outside the cave with their head in their hands. Something about the person bothered Rhen. He stopped short, but Ceceta kept walking. She approached the person to see if she could help them. “No, Ceceta wait,” Rhen called out. “Come back here.” She must not have heard him because she continued on.

  “What’s wrong?” Ceceta asked when she neared the figure. Instead of responding, the person turned away from her, towards the cave’s entrance.

  Rhen felt the hair on the back of his neck rise. They were in danger. He glanced behind him and was relieved to see Jet walking up the path towards them. Jet could see that Rhen was concerned about something. He pulled his sword out and began to jog towards Rhen just as Rhen reached out to pull Ceceta away from the person on the rock.

  “Come, Ceceta,” Rhen said, putting his body between hers and the other persons.

  Suddenly, Ceceta cried out. The cloaked person had lunged forward towards Rhen with a six-pronged claw strapped to their hand. The man swung the device over Rhen’s shoulder then jerked it upwards, cutting across Rhen’s neck and back. The force of his attack made Rhen stagger backwards and fall.

  Jet yelled as he narrowed the distance between them. The man took one look at him and sprinted into the cave. Before Jet could follow, three more people wearing cloaks and carrying weapons emerged from the woods. Jet jumped forward into Ceceta, pushing her out of the way, while slicing at the attackers with his sword. Ceceta stumbled but caught herself. When she looked up, Jet was slicing off the head of the last attacker. She turned to check on Rhen. “Where is he?”

  Jet jerked about, his eyes scanning the ground. There was blood on the grass. It led straight into the cave. “He’s following his attacker.”

  “No!” Ceceta gasped.

  Jet didn’t know what to do. He wanted to go after Rhen, but he couldn’t leave Ceceta alone outside the cave in case there were other attackers. He heard footsteps behind him and turned to fight.

  “Whoa,” Charlie laughed, his hands in the air. “En garde?”

  “Crap,” Jet swore. “Why did it have to be you?” He wasn’t sure if he could trust Charlie to keep Ceceta safe.

  “What happened here?” Charlie asked, stumbling about. He sent his senses into the cave to check for Genisters. There weren’t any. Only mortals. Rhen would be fine.

  Jet had no choice but to depend on Charlie. “Use your telepathy to tell the others Rhen’s been attacked. He just went into the cave after his assailant. I’m going after him. Stay here, Charlie. Keep Ceceta safe.” He grabbed Charlie’s chin, forcing their gazes to lock. “Do you understand? Keep Ceceta safe.”

  Charlie smiled and shrugged. “Okay.” He nodded and waved at Ceceta.

  “Rasack’s balls,” Jet cursed as he ran into the cave. He hoped Charlie was sober enough to send for help. He had no idea what he was going to find.

  After Jet had disappeared into the cave, Charlie turned to Ceceta. “Are you okay?” She nodded. “Need anything?” Ceceta shook her head. Although she said she was fine, Charlie could see that she was scared. He reached out and pulled her into his arms. “Everything’s going to be fine. No need to worry. I promise.”

  Ceceta gave him a look. He sounded just like Rhen.

  When Rhen’s elfin guards arrived, Charlie entered the cave with them. They fanned out, taking different tunnels and calling out to each other when they spotted blood or footprints. “They went down this path,” Charlie said, sprinting forward. It was hard for him. He wanted to run straight there. He could see Jet fighting and wanted to help. They entered a chamber that broke into eight sections. Charlie had to hold himself back. How could he get the others to take the third path? He used his powers to put some blood on the ground inside it. Aaron was the one to spot it. “This way!”

  They ran down the tunnel, through two more chambers, then came upon Jet. He was alive but wounded. There were at least a dozen dead elves lying on the ground around him.

  Jack ran over to heal Jet. He found Jet’s left side was frozen solid while his right side was blistered with burns. Without hesitating, he dropped to the ground and placed his hands-on Jet, healing him.

  Charlie breathed a sigh of relief. If they’d been a few minutes longer, Jet would have died.

  “Which way, Jet?” Shno demanded. Jet was still a little dazed, but he pointed towards the tunnel on their left.

  They found Rhen in a cavernous r
oom full of stalactites and stalagmites. He was holding his attacker by the hair, having beaten the man into submission. When Rhen saw the others, he dropped his assailant to the ground and staggered backwards. “Poison.” He reached out towards them, then fell down onto cave’s rocky floor.

  “Why isn’t he healing himself?” Sarah asked.

  Charlie brushed past her. He placed his hands on Rhen and used his powers to heal him. What’s up? Why aren’t you healing yourself? he asked Rhen telepathically.

  Rhen didn’t respond. He sat up and coughed. “Thanks, Charlie.”

  Charlie cocked his head. Something seemed off, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. He wondered where the other Genisters were and why they hadn’t been around to protect Rhen.

  Rhen climbed to his feet and pointed at the man who’d attacked him. “He’s a Fire Elf.”

  Charlie’s brow furrowed. Rhen was diverting their attention. Jack and the others had wanted to ask him why he hadn’t healed himself, but Rhen had focused their attention on the attackers instead. Why?

  Rhen turned to Reed. “I would take them to Surpen for prosecution, but they’re your citizens. What do you want to do with them?”

  As the others discussed how they should handle the elfin attackers, Charlie watched as Rhen carefully made his way out of the cave. He kept his eyes forward, stepping gingerly over the rocks. Strange, Charlie thought. Not typical behavior for Rhen.

  They met the Thestran royal family at the cave’s entrance. “We came as fast as we could,” James told Rhen. “I am so sorry. I can’t understand why an elf would attack you. You have my word they will be severely punished.”

  Rhen nodded and reached for Ceceta. “I will leave them in your hands then.” He tucked Ceceta’s arm in his then headed back down the path towards the Wood Elf castle. The guard elves glanced at each other. They had thought that Rhen would stay for a few minutes to explain what had happened and to find out why the elves had tried to hurt him, but instead he’d left.

  “Excuse us,” Aaron said to James as he and the others ran off after Rhen. Jet was already a few yards ahead of them.

  James grunted. Charlie was the only one left. He wondered if Charlie had any idea what had happened. “Charlie? Can you fill us in?”

  Charlie bobbed his head then waved at some elves who hadn’t been involved. “They hurt Rhen. They attacked him with some sort of claw-like thing. We’re lucky he’s alive.” He burped before sauntering off down the path towards the castle.

  “Well, that was useful,” James said making Reed laugh. They indicated to their soldiers that they should take the elves to Thestran’s palace. They couldn’t prove it yet, but they were sure The Supreme was involved in this attack, just as he’d been involved in the attacks on Ceceta. Hopefully, one of the elves would crack and give them the proof they needed to arrest him.

  Chapter 33

  Rhen and Ceceta’s Apartment – Elfin University

  Ceceta’s friends were sitting around her coffee table talking about their upcoming final exams when Ceceta took a deep breath then cleared her throat. There was something she needed to discuss with them. She’d been putting it off for too long. “I, ah, I need to tell you something.” She glanced over at Rhen, who was lying next to the coffee table. He sat up and raised his eyebrows, as if he were surprised. “I know this is going to come as a shock to you, but, uh, I’ve asked the Headmaster to allow me to graduate after this semester.”

  The room was silent. Jet stood up from his couch and approached their group as Latsoh said, “What?” She couldn’t believe it. Why would Ceceta leave early? She loved school.

  The guard elves glanced at each other. They hadn’t realized that Rhen and Ceceta were leaving school early either.

  Ceceta clasped her hands together in her lap and explained, “I have enough extra credit, with the class I teach, to graduate. Rhen’s fallen behind so much that he’s not actually taking classes any more. He attends them with us, but the Headmaster has informed our teachers that he’s no longer an enrolled student. So, we are going to head home after finals.”

  “But…” Tgfhi didn’t know what to say. He thought they’d have another year together. How could Rhen and Ceceta abandon them? “You can’t go.”

  Ceceta felt horrible. She could see how upset they were. “I know it’s hard. It’s hard for us, too. We’ve had an amazing time with you here at school. You’re our best friends and–”

  “Then why are you leaving us?” Tgfhi demanded.

  “It’s time,” Ceceta said softly.

  “You can’t go,” Latsoh said while shaking her head. “You can’t.” She was dumbfounded. Never in a million years had she expected Ceceta to leave school early.

  Ceceta reached out for Latsoh’s hand. “This isn’t goodbye. It’s just a change in our situation. We’ll still visit you and we expect you to stop by Surpen whenever you’re free.”

  “No.” Tgfhi rose to his feet. “No,” he repeated. He marched towards the door to leave.

  “Tgfhi,” Rhen barked. Tgfhi paused. His hand on the doorknob. “Don’t be rude. You’re leaving school early too. Your baby will be born at the beginning of first semester. There’s no way you and Crystam will stay here, carting your infant around to classes. Be realistic. You’ll want to raise your child at home.” Tgfhi’s head dropped. Rhen was right.

  “So, what about us?” Latsoh asked as Erfce put his arm around her shoulders. “We’ll be here all alone?”

  Ceceta felt horrible, tears welled up in her eyes. She released Latsoh’s hand to wipe at her face. “I’m sorry, Latsoh. I hope you understand.” She inclined her head towards Rhen, who was talking to the guard elves. He wanted to know if the elves planned on continuing their guard duty or if they’d return to their homes now that Rhen was leaving Thestran.

  Latsoh watched Rhen for a moment then sighed. She understood. Rhen had never wanted to come to the University. He’d been a good sport and had attended three years at the school for Ceceta’s sake. If Ceceta could graduate early, then there was no reason for them to stay. “It’s all good,” she said, giving Ceceta a smile. “You have to do what’s right for you. We’ll miss you, though.”

  “Us too,” Crystam added. “We’ll miss you a lot.”

  “I can’t believe we only have a few weeks left together,” Tgfhi said, sitting back down next to Crystam.

  “Less than that, really,” Erfce added. “We have to study for finals.” He reached for his book. “Thanks for telling us, Ceceta. Now, since you aren’t leaving tonight and there’s a major math quiz tomorrow, I suggest we get back to work.” Latsoh leaned down to kiss him. They’d be fine without the others. It might even be fun to have some time alone together without Rhen’s full entourage present.

  ***

  “We haven’t gotten anything out of the prisoners,” James told Reed after they’d finished laying out the agenda for the next Council session. “I know The Supreme is involved. I can feel it in my gut, but we don’t have any proof. Our hands are tied. We can’t arrest him.”

  Reed rose from the comfortable leather chair in front of James’ desk. He walked over to the bar in the back of the room. He couldn’t stand The Supreme. The man preached nothing but hate in the guise of doing Layla’s work. “Do you want a drink?”

  James grunted. He did. He needed one after today. They’d learned that Rhen and Ceceta were leaving the Elfin University early. The elfin royals had been devastated by the news. They’d hoped to have another year to connect with Rhen and befriend him. James felt sorry for them, but there was nothing he could do. Rhen had always said he was Surpen. It was time for him to go home. Reed handed him a glass. “Cheers,” he said.

  Reed took a sip of his drink then lifted his glass to look at its contents. “That was really good. What is it? I thought it was Ventarian scotch but it’s much better. Where’s it from?”

  James snorted. “You won’t believe me.” Reed waited. “Nirs sent it to me to apologize for attacking us.�
��

  Reed laughed thinking that James was joking, but when James nodded, he said “No, way. The Vivist King apologized for attacking us?”

  “He did.” James took a sip of his drink and rolled the liquor across his tongue before swallowing. It really was an excellent spirit. “Nirs is being careful,” he said. “He never would have apologized if it wasn’t for Rhen. He’s afraid of alienating Themrock. I wonder if he’d be willing to sell us some of his liquor, for Themrock’s sake?”

  Reed laughed. “Knowing Nirs, he’d rather torture us than trade with us.” He hesitated. “Hey, we can’t get anywhere with the prisoners, right? But I bet Nirs could. Let’s offer him the chance to interrogate our prisoners in exchange for a cask of his spirits.”

  James snorted. He knew Reed was joking, but it really wasn’t such a bad idea. Nirs needed Rhen just as much as they did. If any harm came to him, Nirs would be livid.

  ***

  Thamber flew into the Air Elf castle’s Ancestor Room through her golden vortex to show Thellis her prize. He was lounging about on the circular stone bench in the room, waiting for his turn to guard Rhen. “Look!” She held up a portrait of herself. “I finally got it. Those sneaky mortals had wrapped it in blankets and hidden it between the walls in the attic of the Pontoian castle.”

  Thellis lifted his head. “That’s the Fire Elves’ painting?”

  “Yes!”

  Thellis flew over to examine it. “Themrock did a good job. It looks just like…” Thellis narrowed his eyes. “Oh, my. Did you see that?” he asked, pointing towards the right side of the picture.

  Thamber lifted the portrait to inspect it. In the shadow behind her hair, she could see Thestrst, Themrock and Therol, back when Themrock used to give Therol his powers and they looked like twins. “Holy black powers, we can’t let Rhen see this.”

  “That’s for sure.” Thellis floated backwards on a green cloud. “Where should we put it?”