Weaponforger (Guardian's Prophecy Book 3)

by D A Godwin

  “Revered Sister, are you well?”

  The question was delivered in elvish, and his tone and the way his hand rested on the long knife at his belt indicated that he wished to know if she was here of her own free will or as a captive.

  “I am well and relieved to return home once more,” she answered in the common tongue. “We have no cause to fear those who accompany me.”

  He relaxed, but his hand did not leave his knife nor did he move from their path. “As you have arrived at the head of a hostile complement, caution is warranted.”

  “Caution, perhaps, but there is no reason to be unwelcoming.”

  “I stand here alone,” the Woodswarden countered. “Surely that is not unwelcoming.”

  Tormjere glanced pointedly at the woods behind the elf. “That’s a lot of alone standing behind you.”

  Enna could see no one else, but he was likely correct. The elf appeared surprised and perhaps impressed. “Indeed.” He turned back to Enna. “I am Woodswarden Gilbran. May I know your intent, Revered Sister?”

  “I am escorting my friends to our capital of Eitholmir, where we will seek an audience with the Manalathlia of Elurithlia.”

  Gilbran looked as if he had swallowed something unpleasant. “The human kingdoms make war with us again. You have chosen an inopportune time to bring even one human warrior into our home, much less the numbers that follow you.”

  “Such times are the cause for our visit,” Enna replied. “Not every human is our enemy.”

  “That is not for me to decide.”

  “You have our word,” Tormjere interjected, “that we are not here to cause problems.”

  “Your word, unfortunately, is not enough to justify our trust.” Gilbran’s eyes flicked across the deer-hooved knife that Tormjere carried. “No matter what services you may have performed in the past.”

  Enna was disappointed but hardly surprised by Gilbran’s reluctance. Though a knife such as Tormjere possessed represented a significant honor, it was not a key that could unlock every door. Fortunately, she had other options.

  “I would ask your permission to address the Calontier,” Enna said. “My friends act in Ildalarial’s interests.”

  “Such is your right, Revered Sister. How many people do you intend to bring?”

  “Myself, Tormjere who stands beside me, and another of my Sisters.” To Tormjere, she said, “Birion and Honarch will need to remain behind with the soldiers.”

  “And what do you intend for those soldiers?” Gilbran pressed.

  “We have travelled from the feet of the Three Sisters, and are eager to enjoy the comforts of civilization again. I would not leave them camped along the road where their intent may be mistaken.”

  Gilbran considered, then whistled a short pattern. More than a dozen similarly clad elves materialized behind him. “We will await them here, Revered Sister.”

  “I thank you,” Enna said. She turned to fetch Shalindra and the others, but Tormjere stopped her.

  “They’re already on the way.”

  She questioned him with her glance but found only an amused look in his eyes that teased his knowing of something she did not. In the interests of aiding Shalindra’s journey, Enna swallowed her retort and waited patiently. When the group arrived, Enna was relieved to see that they rode at a casual pace, and that all their spears had been stowed on the pack animals.

  Shalindra and Birion dismounted and joined them. If Tormjere’s knife had impressed Gilbran, Shining Moon seemed to leave him momentarily speechless. There were few in Ildalarial who had not been raised on tales of the Guardian’s exploits, and there was not a single Sister who carried a weapon.

  Gilbran glanced her way in surprise, then bowed deeply to Shalindra. “I was not aware you carried such a gift, Revered Sister, or my greeting would have been more welcoming.”

  Shalindra smiled in that way that caused her blue eyes to sparkle. “Your caution was entirely appropriate, Woodswarden Gilbran. It gladdens me more than you can know to see Ildalarial well defended. I am Sister Shalindra.”

  Gilbran indicated one of his companions. “Maris will show your men to a place of safety. We have a camp nearby where they may rest in comfort. If it pleases you, Revered Sisters, I will escort you to the Calontier immediately.”

  “We would be most thankful for that assistance,” Shalindra replied.

  As the rest of the company dismounted, Enna saw Tormjere pull Honarch aside for a hushed word. The wizard gave him a curt nod, but she could not hear anything said, and they did not linger in conversation.

  “If you would follow me, Revered Sisters.”

  “This is my first time visiting Ildalarial,” Shalindra said, falling into step beside him. “May I ask where we are going?”

  Gilbran seemed more at ease now that Birion’s soldiers had been left behind. “To our village, Revered Sister, known in your tongue as Rivermist.”

  “That is a delightful name. Is it far?”

  “It is a comfortable distance, and we will arrive there soon.”

  Shalindra was understandably curious, and her friendly questions put Gilbran further at ease. Enna realized how tense she had been and willed herself to relax. She remembered her own shock when first seeing a human woman holding Shining Moon, and with another war looming she had every reason to fret over her people’s reaction. Their reception in the capital would almost certainly be different than here on the border, but this first meeting boded well.

  “I must apologize again for my welcome, friend Tormjere,” Gilbran was saying, “or do you prefer ‘Valtilaniar?’”

  His use of the title jolted Enna from her musings and caused her normally sure feet to stumble. For his part, Tormjere seemed either unaware of its meaning or unimpressed by its attachment to him. He shrugged his indifference. “Both have their uses.”

  “I would imagine so.”

  “Can you tell me more of whom we will address?” Shalindra asked, adeptly steering the conversation to a neutral subject. “Do they fulfil a role such as a duke or baron?”

  “No,” Enna answered. “We are not ruled by single families as you are. Each city is overseen by a Calontier, what you might consider a council. Membership is achieved based on virtue and wisdom, but influenced heavily by local customs. Each calontier is led by the Altalathlia. She is usually but not always one of our Sisters.”

  “Those words are a mouthful,” Shalindra remarked, “but it is not so dissimilar to how we govern in Newlmir.”

  Enna agreed. “The structure was established millennia ago, and tradition dictates our use of the old words. The position is most similar to the Sister Superior at your temples, though it is not always exclusive to our order.”

  “We have found it to be a superior form of governance,” Gilbran added. “That results in fewer pointless conflicts.”

  There was no hard boundary to mark where the forest ended and the town began, but rather a gradual shift from a predominance of trees to that of buildings. The structures flowed in and around the oaks and elms, with the majority being made of wood. There was more stone than Enna expected, but it was primarily of stacked and rounded stones and rarely were the businesses and dwellings more than one-story high. The rounded shapes and curved lines were so much more pleasing than the hard angles of human cities.

  The people in the streets took note of their passing, and more than one stopped with an odd look or to stare at Shalindra. She and Tormjere both stood out as the only humans in sight, but Enna was certain that Shining Moon was more the focus of their attention.

  Gilbran stopped outside the council hall, a compact building of wood with a decoratively carved entrance. After a hushed conversation with the attendant inside, they were led through the building and into a circular glade ringed by towering trees.

  Beneath the towering trees stood the five elves of the Calontier, all of whom had greying hair. The lack of seating was designed to prevent meetings from droning on, something Enna wished those in Newlmir woul
d have adopted. It was mildly surprising that only two of the five wore the white robes of Elurithlia, and neither of them stood in the middle where the Altalathlia should. Regardless of affiliation, every member of the calontier shifted in surprise at the sight of Shalindra’s weapon.

  The attendant bowed to the assemblage. “Altalathlia, councilors. I present Revered Sisters Ennathalerial and Shalindra, who petition for passage to Eitholmir.” He turned back to them. “Revered Sisters, before you stands the Calontier of Rivermist, presided over by Altalathlia Aquilindalia.”

  Aquilindalia regarded them coolly, evaluating everything about them. Rather than the white of Elurithlia, she was draped in a graceful dress of a light brown, and about her neck hung a golden chain with the symbol of the open Book of Amalthee.

  “You come well-armed for simple travelers,” she observed. “Given our current situation, there seems little wisdom in granting such a request, yet there are times when even a little wisdom may open doors. What do you seek?”

  Enna stepped forward. “Sister Shalindra seeks council with the Manalathlia. It has been a difficult road through the wilderness to the north to reach our borders, and haste is in order.”

  “It is cause for rejoice that you bring Alta Suralia to us,” one of the Sisters said. “Yet now is also a time of strife. The armies of Actondel threaten us with a war not of our choosing.”

  “The threat we seek to end may be greater still,” Enna said, “but their ultimate cause could be one and the same. You are aware of what this could portend.”

  Aquilindalia’s eyes studied Shalindra. “It is a possibility. Yet such threats have surrounded us for generations and we have endured. Is there a reason for your present haste beyond simple eagerness?”

  “On the way here, we were attacked not only by men, but wizards and demons.”

  There were murmurs from the other elves, but they were silenced by the barest turn of Aquilindalia’s head. “And?”

  Enna fought to keep her emotions in check as she answered. “We were able to overcome them, but at their campsite we found dozens of bodies. It appeared that they had been preying on travelers along the road to Silvalaria, particularly those on pilgrimage to Maetholmir.”

  Enna was reluctant to provide details of the horror she had witnessed, but she could see the understanding in Aquilindalia’s eyes. Indeed, all the councilors registered sorrow as the weight of her words sank in, and several uttered prayers.

  “This is devastating news indeed.”

  “It is as we suspected, then,” one of the male elves said grimly. “They seek to isolate us from the outside.”

  “Though not of your faith, I am well aware of the importance of that which you carry. In light of this, I believe that we should aid your journey.”

  Enna bowed her head. “We would welcome any assistance, thank you.”

  “Given current conditions, by boat would avoid the most conflicts.”

  “River Annyre is dangerous now,” another councilor protested. “The Actondel armies watch its entire length, and we have barely…” He trailed off at a sharp glance from Aquilindalia.

  “We cannot spare transportation for your entire complement, nor do we feel comfortable sending so many armed men, and a wizard, downriver.”

  Enna looked at Shalindra for guidance. There was no way they would gain passage for the entire troop, and while she was more than comfortable negotiating a resolution she had no power to command anyone beyond herself.

  “Such a large escort will be unnecessary within the safety of your borders,” Shalindra said diplomatically. “We would be best served with six of us, at a minimum.”

  “That number would require multiple boats, and no matter who was in them it would attract far more attention than you or I would be comfortable with.”

  “We three, then.”

  Tormjere shifted uncomfortably and was about to speak, but Shalindra stopped him with the barest shake of her head. From the way he continued looking at her, it seemed that the pair were again exchanging more than meaningful glances.

  “It is decided then,” Aquilindalia said. “We will see to your accommodations and sustenance, and bring your men here to rest with you. You will depart on the morrow.”

  It was a polite way of keeping so many humans off the streets, and out of the public eye. Shalindra no doubt recognized it for what it was, but remained gracious.

  “We thank you for your generosity.”

  “You must be tired, and I thank you for indulging this meeting so soon,” Aquilindalia said. “We have some additional business to attend to, but if the calontier will allow me a brief recess to accommodate your needs?”

  The other members of the council bowed to her and departed, though more than a few eyes lingered on Shining Moon. When they were gone, Aquilindalia waved the attendant forward.

  “Inish will show you to a place where you may rest, and will attend to your needs.”

  Enna relaxed. That had gone as well as could be expected, though the separation from Birion and Honarch was unfortunate. Aquilindalia approached for what Enna assumed was to be a more casual conversation. Such encounters often happened after a negotiation, but she was stunned when Aquilindalia spoke directly to Tormjere.

  “If I might have a word, Valtilaniar?”

  Tormjere inclined his head and followed her towards a narrow path that led from the clearing. Enna’s eyes locked briefly on his, still trying to process what had happened.

  For his part, Tormjere was as surprised as everyone else. Just once he would like to be omitted from all these intrigues that seemed so necessary to some people.

  Be polite. She could still change her mind.

  When am I ever not?

  Aquilindalia led him to a smaller clearing which was also open to the sky, allowing the half-moon to peer down at them through a thin veil of clouds. Unlike the council clearing there were no walls, but the arrangement of the surrounding trees lent a feeling of intimacy.

  “I realize that our names can be difficult for you. Here you may address me as Aquilin.”

  “Tormjere is fine for me.”

  “From your mannerisms, I will assume that formalities are no longer needed.”

  “I’m fine without them.”

  A small smile graced her delicate lips, but it evaporated just as quickly. “Know that it is through no act of kindness that I provide you aid.” Aquilin paced slowly as she spoke. “Your people war with us, for no purpose other than their insatiable need for conquest.”

  Tormjere had no response to that and remained silent, waiting for her to get to the point.

  Aquilin studied him curiously. “No angry denials? You do possess wisdom beyond your fellow men. I can see why he favors you. You are the one who saved our Legitarso and saw Her Book returned, yes?”

  “Honarch and I escaped with him, but Treven was as responsible for our success as anyone.”

  “You are either humble, or the accounting that I have heard is incorrect.”

  Tormjere shrugged. “Ask Honarch if you don’t believe me.”

  “Recent events have given us little reason to trust wizards.”

  “They’ve done us few favors, but some are worthy of it.”

  “Perhaps. I met the Legitarso once, after making a pilgrimage to Kirchmont. It was… difficult to reach the city.”

  “I can imagine. The Kingdom has mixed feelings towards elves.”

  “Yet we persevered. Strange are the paths we walk in life, and at times stranger still are those with whom we walk them. Even some within my own order were unable or unwilling to assist us, and so it fell to those who walk the Sixfold Path to aid our travel.” Her glittering eyes studied his face, as if waiting for a reaction, but when there was none she continued. “When we arrived, the Legitarso was gracious in his welcome. I asked for his guidance, as do all who seek him out, but in answer he simply recalled his own journey to retrieve Her Book. I was confused by this at first, and feared that he was not the man I had ho
ped for him to be. As I learned of his trials and the eventual return of Her Book, however, I found inspiration in his words and lessons which I continue to apply to my own situation.”

  “He’s good at that.”

  “It was not what I had asked to hear, but it was what I needed. I see it as a sign of Amalthee’s wisdom that your journey should lead you here, where I may reciprocate some small part of the favors bestowed upon me. It could be that on your next visit, I will be more pleased to see Honarch, and I might have the opportunity to enjoy his company as I do yours. But now is not the time. I already risk much by speaking to you.”

  “Shalindra is here to find answers, not to cause trouble.”

  “And why are you here?”

  “Because I said I would be.”

  Aquilin fell silent again, seeming to consider her words carefully. “I would ask that you allow Gilbran and one other to accompany your horsemen when they travel to Silvalaria on their way north.”

  “Is that where they’re going?” he asked.

  “They cannot remain here, nor will they be allowed to continue south. There is little to be gained from travelling either east or west, and to return to their home in what was once Maetholmir will take them through our northern neighbors.”

  She is correct. There is nowhere else for them to go.

  “I’m certain that Birion would appreciate their company,” he said. “And your Woodswardens will reach Silvalaria safely.”

  Her eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly, signaling that he had guessed correctly. “As I said, our needs are in alignment. I would, however, offer you a word of caution. Though you travel with a distinguished Sister of Elurithlia, and another who carries with her a weapon just as powerful as Amalthee’s Book, do not expect to be greeted with warmth or affection.”

  “Her arrival seldom is,” Tormjere replied. “Thank you for your counsel.”

  “As I will thank you for your efforts. May Her wisdom be with you, and I pray that the change you are certain to bring will benefit us all.”

  * * *

  It was early the next morning when two elves in the greens and browns, Pelan and Baylon, arrived to escort them to the river. Shalindra was thankful that Tormjere had woken her early, as the elves seemed eager to the point of impatience to begin the journey.