The Staff of Power

by D E Boske

  The Gor Li’ Khan’s worth had already been proven. They were a valuable asset and he wondered why they chose to serve Kiri A’ Nouell instead of Kaleika Bay. He did not wish to offend them, but he was curious.

  To switch allegiance so easily… What would prevent them from going back to Thelarki? He had no answers to these questions, but if he were to find out, he must ask Kryndale and risk offending him. Were the answers important enough for such risk? Nephraete might know… Did Kryndale wish to remain in Kiri A’ Nouell so he could be close to her? The thought deeply unsettled him.

  Lorin felt weak. He had given everything into saving Darian. The Mage had been close to death. His lung was punctured, three ribs were broken, one leg was badly bruised and his hip and other leg torn open. How the hell could he still cast spells like that? He was amazed that Darian was awake already.

  Chamlen walked close by in case the elven mage needed him. Lorin did not like the thief and the bard and did not understand why Kyler and Darian would allow them to accompany their group. Lorin trusted Darian and Kyler implicitly and they must have their reasons. It was not up to him to question their decisions. He was just a mage, a soldier in the elven army that answered to Galavad and in turn, Kyler. He would never betray Kyler’s trust in him.

  The dwarves grumbled in low tones, probably for the same two reasons. The elf mage

  was glad they’d found each other. The night was cold and dark and they had a long way to go.

  Kiel and Tireniel gripped their daggers tightly as they eyed their new companions. Then from out of nowhere, Calisha appeared walking beside them. The look in his eyes spoke volumes.

  When he looked upon Nephraete however, his face softened and his disposition relaxed. If Kiel did not know better, he would swear Calisha loved Nephraete. As quickly as the moment had come, it was gone, his face becoming smooth and expressionless once more.

  Calisha often came and went, silent as death. Where he would go, though, was a mystery to all except for maybe Nephraete. It was apparent to all that they had a history. Their lives were intertwined. That could not be easy for Kyler to accept. He appeared not to let it bother him, for what choice did he have?

  Mordinian and Torgyn Ro kept quiet and alert. They were placed in the middle of the company so the elves could keep a close watch on them. They intended none of them any harm, though they did not expect to be trusted right away.

  Even when they captured Rohn and Koryn, they did not harm them. Yes, he threatened Rohn, but had no intention of going through with it. He’d been desperate to find Darian. It wasn’t because of Mortin. No. As Darian had eloquently put it, he was a pathetic loser. No, his interest was personal. Why did The Order go to such great lengths for secrecy? Why did they search so desperately for Darian? Why had Darian left Mogan Dar? Did he ever plan on returning? He burned with the need for answers to these questions.

  After a time, Torgyn began to sing a song of an ancient battle and the elves quickly joined in. The bard had a pure, strong voice, making their differences easier to forget for the moment. Torgyn’s deft fingers wove in a spell of respite to wash away their tiredness.

  Tynuviel, Nephraete and Tryllia danced, bringing a smile to the men’s faces. Calisha remained quietly alert. They stopped at dawn for a brief rest and a short meal. Then they were off once more.

  They did not stop again until late afternoon. This time they set up camp at a place chosen by Stryker. Snow covered the ground and they were forced to clear the area without Darian or Lorin’s help. They did not want to attract any undue attention. The ground was flat and even, coarse grasses covered the earth.

  They were all exhausted, but Lorin and Darian did not even eat. They wrapped themselves in their blankets and were soon in Ru Nay’ Sha. The previous days’ events had taken a toll on both of them. Loganthar quickly went to work placing the protective wards.

  Chamlen lit more than one fire due to the increased size of their company. After the evening meal was consumed, Torgyn took out his violin and began to play, a tale of two young lovers. Kryndale and Nephraete sang as they danced, acting out the events. When the song was over, he looked longingly at her as she returned to Kyler’s side.

  Trighton watched Tynuviel and Tireniel, his eyes hard. Why did Kyler not stop their

  foolishness? He was angry, hurt and… What did it matter anyway? When they returned to Kiri A’ Nouell, he would just find someone else. She was not worth the trouble. Well… he thought, at least Darian doesn’t have her either.

  In the morning, they broke camp and began their journey once more. So the days passed until one morning the winter chill had formed a layer of ice on the rocks. They had finally reached Thunder Peak.

  The dwarven guard gave a hearty shout and the dwarves returned it enthusiastically. Another dwarf entered the tunnels to alert the king that the waiting was over, the elves had come at last.

  The dwarves worked the stone well. The walls were worn and smooth and had dwarven symbols carved into it. But how did such little people do such great things? How did they reach so high? For the ceiling was worked smooth as well.

  The company followed without comment through tunnels where the ceilings were more than ten feet high, a comfortable height for all. When they reached the king’s audience chamber, they all let out a collective gasp. The audience chamber had high, vaulted ceilings. Stone statues of all the clan’s kings stood guard over the audience hall. In the center was Thundergarde the Stout, the dwarven god.

  When they reached the throne, they all went to one knee in respect for the king. Branson Thundershield rose and came to greet them.

  “By the goddess! Yer a welcome sight,” he roared, clasping the lead elf’s hand.

  “Your highness, I am Kyler Brighton of Kiri A’ Nouell. I have come in accordance with the Monarch’s wishes. We’ve seen some trouble and I’m sorry we’re late,” Kyler said respectfully.

  “Bah! Ye call me Branson, boy. So, you are Galavad’s youngest, eh? Blessed by the goddess ye are,” he said with a laugh. “Ye sure have some seedy characters in yer company,” whispered the dwarf king.

  “Apologies, it is a long story. One we rescued from the goblins, the other two we picked up in Al-Dan-Tir. They sought us out and we felt it a safer course to keep an eye on them,” Kyler said, smoothly switching to dwarvish. Branson hid his surprise that the young elf knew his tongue.

  “Understood me boy. We’ll keep a sharp eye on ‘em while yer here,” said the dwarf in

  his ancestor’s speech. Kyler introduced them all and Branson showed no emotion on his face. He appreciated the elf prince’s candor.

  “Bannikker has been sent to prepare yer rooms. Yer travel has been long and arduous. Rest fer awhile, fer tonight we feast. Bannikker will come git ye ‘afore.”

  “Our thanks, good dwarf,” Kyler replied, his smile genuine. Bannikker came to lead

  them deeper into the tunnels to the sleeping quarters. They were given one whole corridor, rooms on each side. The doors were thick wood reinforced with mithril. A testament to dwarven craftsmanship as they were a perfect fit. The rooms were spacious, warm and bright. Each room had a fireplace and the fire was already going. Bannikker left them so they could settle in.

  Tynuviel threw her things on the bed, looking around. She did not unpack; she didn’t think they’d be here that long. She hadn’t spoken to Darian since… that day in Al-Dan-Tir. It seemed so long ago.

  She did not understand. She was no fool. She knew he still loved her. So what was the problem? She wanted to talk to him. To hear his reasons, to understand. She did not think he would see her though. She wouldn’t know for sure unless she tried. She wasn’t even sure it was such a good idea. All she was sure about was that she loved him desperately and would risk The Order’s ire. She stepped into the corridor, quietly making her way to the Mage’s door and softly knocked. A moment later, he opened the door. He was bare to the waist and his face was unreadable.

  “Tynuviel, what are you doing her
e?” he asked, afraid he already knew.

  “Can’t we talk, please?” she pleaded.

  “I thought I made myself clear,” he said gruffly.

  “Clear to you maybe. Not to me. Can I please come in?”

  He swung the door wide to admit her, bolting it in place when she was inside.

  “Ty, this isn’t wise and you know it. What more is there to say? What else could you possibly want?” he asked harshly.

  “Darian, I know you still care for me. I don’t understand you. One minute you’re committed to finding a way for us, the next you’re telling me it’s over.”

  She came to him, but for every step she took toward him, he took one away from her. He cursed as she backed him into the bed. She reached out to touch his face, running her small hands over his smooth, unblemished skin, stroking him as he groaned. He brushed her lips with his as she gently eased him down. He kissed her, holding her tightly as he ran his hands down her body. In one fluid motion, he had her on her back.

  He stood, trying to clear his mind. Takasha! How she made it so easy. She sat up, pulling him atop her. How he wished he could go through with it, but he knew he could not. She wrapped her legs around his waist, reveling in his hardness that spread heat from her core throughout her body. She felt so good and he felt his control slipping. He kissed her passionately, undoing her blouse as she undid his breeches, touching his hot skin.

  “Ty, we just can’t do this,” he said in a strained voice as he moved away from the bed.

  “Why not? I know you want to as badly as I.”

  “The Order. I am a Mage first and foremost. I must follow the rules.”

  “Mhmmm. And do those rules include bedding Nereina?” she asked hotly. “Why are you not afraid of those repercussions?”

  “Because I care nothing for her! If they found out about you… Those are risks I will not take.”

  “I’m not sure how to take that. You don’t care if she dies, but you can’t tolerate my death? Who’s to say they’d ever find out?” she asked. “Maybe they wouldn’t be opposed. After all, I’m an elf, not a human.”

  “Even if they accepted our relationship, there are other risks involved. Things you’ve no idea of.”

  “Like…” she replied, not letting him off the hook this time.

  “Well for one, a child. If we go through with this and you get pregnant, what of the child?” he asked slyly.

  “What do you mean?” she asked guardedly.

  “Do you honestly think The Order will allow a child, my child to remain with you? No! They will demand it be brought to Mogan Dar to become a Mage.” This was something she had never considered.

  “What if it was a girl?” she asked, feeling sick to her stomach.

  “Believe me, you don’t want to know.”

  “Darian tell me please; I need to know.” He sighed heavily.

  “You’re not going to like the answer. If it was a girl, The Order would still demand the babe.”

  “But why? I thought only males could be Mages.”

  “This is true. But who better to sire a child of a Mage…”

  “Than a child of a Mage.” She finished for him. She reeled, almost losing her grip on consciousness. “The Breeders…” she trailed off.

  “Are the female offspring of Mages,” he finished for her.

  “Have you been to the Breeders?” she asked, afraid.

  “No. I was supposed to go, but I left instead. Do you now understand why I can’t get involved with you? Upon my return to Mogan Dar, they will force me to go to the Breeders.”

  “But… You could protect us. You could keep us safe,” she said, feeling lost. She knew she was losing him and nothing she could do would change it. She knew her words were hopelessly desperate even as she voiced them aloud.

  “I am a Mage of The Order, sworn to uphold the laws.”

  “What if we never have a child?” Tynuviel asked, growing desperate. “As I’m sure you’re

  aware, we elf females choose when to have a child. The male is merely the donor.”

  “I would still have to go to the Breeders. They would never allow so powerful a Mage the choice to not sire a child. I cannot do that to you. I have more love and respect for you than that. And don’t try to tell me that you’d be okay with it. I don’t want this life for you. You deserve better and Tireniel will give it to you. In time, you’ll forget your love for me. It will be hard, I know, but there is no other way,” he said in a resigned tone.

  She nodded imperceptibly, walking toward the door. She hesitated, and then left quietly without looking back. He closed the door, deeply regretting the look in her eyes. He knew he’d hurt her yet again.

  Now she understood. It was finally clear to her. Now his actions, his words… she understood everything. She did not want to be alone. She went to Tireniel. She knocked softly, hoping he was not resting yet. He opened the door. When he saw her, he knew there was something wrong.

  “Ty, come in. What’s wrong? What’s happened?” he asked as he bolted the door. She put her finger to his lips.

  “Shhh. No questions.” She kissed him then and he no longer thought of anything else but her. Much later, they lay, limbs entwined, deep in Ru Nay’ Sha.

  Calisha would not leave Nephraete’s side. She felt safer with him near. He held her tightly as she drifted into Ru Nay’ Sha. He stroked her hair and she snuggled closer to him. He had no doubt had they remained in Kaleika Bay that they would be lovers. That was one reason he pushed her to leave. Not that the thought of making love to her repulsed him. On the contrary. She was beautiful and sensuous, but he was a creature of Faerie. He knew she was meant for so much more. He did not lie when he told her if he wanted her, he would take her. He was ancient, possessed of magic quite different from the elves. He cared deeply for her and would not do such a thing.

  She had finally found happiness with Kyler. She could let the memories of her former life slip ghost-like into the past where they belonged. If Thelarki or the Gor Li’ Khan tried to take her back, he would kill them all.

  He heard a soft knock on her door. Gently disengaging himself from her so as not to wake her, he opened the door to see the elven prince just as he’d expected.

  “Calisha, what are you doing here? Where’s Nephraete?” he was surprised to see the Crebellan in Nephraete’s room. Surprised and more than a little jealous.

  “Nephraete is resting, Kyler. She asked me to stay with her. She did not want to be alone.” He stepped out into the corridor, softly closing the door so they could speak.

  “Kyler, I know my presence here upsets you, but I assure you I am no threat. Her heart belongs to you. We are bonded for life so I will always be near, but there is nothing between us. You have nothing to fear from me.” Kyler nodded, hating himself for what he’d been feeling.

  “I’m sorry Calisha. I didn’t mean…”

  “It’s okay. I understand how you must feel, how this must look. This is why T Ama’ Ro take their Crebellan as their lover. Had we stayed, I’ve no doubt she would have taken me, but I pushed her to leave. Because she shares everything with me, I knew of the visions and of her growing feelings for you. I know my presence makes things awkward, but I promise not to interfere. When you want to be alone, I will give you privacy.”

  “Thank you, Calisha. I’m sorry.” He returned to his room feeling a little better, and laid down to rest for a while.

  Mordinian paced the floor. He was not yet tired. Darian made him turn the necklace over as a condition of their joining the company. This he did grudgingly. He knew he had to gain their trust. He wondered how Mortin had come by it. For its creation was surely beyond that one.

  Mortin told him the Mage he sought was dangerous and unpredictable. He saw none of this in Darian. He wondered anew why Darian was on his own and why The Order tried so hard to get him to return. Maybe once they saw they could trust him, he would ask. The Mage did not speak often. When he did, it was mostly to Kyler.

  He w
ondered if Kyler knew the answers to his questions. If he did, he wouldn’t tell. Their relationship was peculiar. Very few Mages left Mogan Dar except in times of war. There was a slim possibility that Darian just liked to travel, but the thief trusted his instincts. There was something bigger going on here. He could feel it.

  He’d already searched the room. There was nothing out of place. Nothing of interest. He would see what he could learn at dinner. He lay down and was soon sound asleep.

  Torgyn was excited. He couldn’t believe he was in Thunder Peak. He would be having dinner with the dwarf king! He knew he would love traveling with the elves. He imagined all he could learn. The places he would see; the spells he could learn. He wondered briefly if he would be allowed to enter Kiri A’ Nouell. He was sure they could teach him songs and stories that he did not know. The elves were timeless.

  The elves in Kyler’s company guarded him and the thief, though they seemed friendly enough. He could understand their disposition though. Sometimes he felt the same around Mordinian. He hoped they would lighten up. He went to bed then. It was a long road and he knew not where it would lead.

  Bannikker came to get them just before supper. He led them to the dining hall where large chairs were set up for Kyler and company. The only dwarves seated at the table were Stryker’s detachment and Branson Thundershield.

  “Ah, there ye be. Sit’n enjoy me table,” said Branson.

  “Our thanks,” replied Kyler, taking a seat after helping Nephraete. Calisha sat next to the seer while Darian sat next to Kyler. Shaz sat across from the Mage. Tireniel and Tynuviel sat next to Shaz and the Gor Li’ Khan and the rest of the elves sat together. Mordinian and Torgyn Ro were surrounded by elves and dwarves all watching them.

  Darian did not look in Tynuviel’s direction. He concentrated on Kyler, Nephraete and the food before them. There was food and ale aplenty, but to Nephraete’s dismay, no wine or juice. She did not like ale, so she left hers untouched. The Mage pulled a bottle of juice from his Shryvven and poured the seer a cup. She smiled at him gratefully.