by Dan Mat
“I didn’t want to lie to Elben.” scout retorted.
“Explain.”
“I think it’s absolutely impossible to relocate that many people.”
“Because?” Thorin asked.
“Their wish is to find a piece of free, tillable land.” Gelian said “Correct?”
“That’s what the lieutenant said.” Thorin nodded.
“Nearest matching that description, that I know of, is right in between Amn’oaz and Sannwel.” Gelian said “How are they planing to go there? Through the jungle?”
“Hardly.” Thorin scratched his chin.
“They can forget going by the lake.” Gelian continued “No one in Vallsynk will let them board any ship.”
“Probably. But whatever happens, whatever they choose to do.” Thorin said “We’ll continue protecting the miners.”
“Councilors might not like that.” Gelian said.
“In that case, they better make sure to agree to Gollvin demands.” Thorin answered “Otherwise, they could lose more than a revenue stream.”
“Like what?” Gelian asked.
“Their first line of the defense.”
CHAPTER 8
It was still very early in the morning, when Saekul Er’ulrath heard the knock on the front door of his house. This two stories tall building, made out of stone bricks, was his home for over two decades. Almost as long as elf was the commander of Vallsynk’s armies. The house was situated in the exact center of military district, right in between the command building and the barracks.
Saekul had an opportunity to move in much sumptuous villa, when he became commander, but chose to stay near the soldiers. To be right amongst them, so he could observe their training and improvement firsthand. And more importantly, by staying here, he knew he could get a much better view into their lives. To help them become a better fighters. To help them grow as better beings.
“Um…commander Er’ulrath, I have a letter for you.” clean shaved young lad, clothed in fine, black, buttoned-up, linen suit, handed him an envelope.
A courier from one of the guilds. Which one, Saekul did not know. Nor he had the opportunity to find out from the messenger. The youngster turned around and left, as soon as he delivered the letter. Courier was in such a haste to leave, by the time he reached the end of the street, he was almost running. And strangely, that entire time, he kept his head down. As if he was afraid to make an eye contact with the soldiers. For whatever reason, they made him look very uncomfortable.
The letter on the other hand, wasn’t sent from any of the Vallsynk councilors. Just one glance on bright red, wax seal, was enough for Saekul to know who was the sender. Image of the tall tower among the clouds, was recognizable symbol of Issurk. Lady Falkner demanded an urgent meeting with the elf. This hastily written telegram, told him that much. But nothing else.
The forthcoming council assembly was the reason for Eilonna’s prolonged stay in Vallsynk. With the deaths of the two mercantile councilors, many dignitaries from the other provinces and towns flocked in here. All of them coming from various backgrounds. All in different capacities and from different branches of economy. And yet, all with the same goal in mind. To protect their interests in these, for all, critical moments. But Saekul doubted that was the reason, the lady of Issurk wanted to talk to him.
Twenty minutes later, elf stepped inside the hallway of the palace. He paused there briefly, somewhat surprised by the sheer number of people buzzing about, in what looked like a stream of continuous movement. The palace had to be in perfect order, before the assembly could commence. And for that reason, councilor Gloir hired almost hundred of workers. From the cleaners and painters, to butlers and maids. And every one of them had to follow Xavnier’s strict instructions, such as wiping the dust on a daily basis. And also cleaning windows and floors, and washing and changing dishes, utensils, cutlery, curtains and covers. And they had to make sure the meeting hall was absolutely spotless.
“May I help you with anything, sir?” one of the guards asked Saekul.
“Do you know the whereabouts of lady Falkner?” elf asked back.
“In the west wing.” soldier retorted “Up, on the second floor.”
“Thank you.” Saekul nodded, as he head toward the stairs.
West wing of the palace was empty compared to what he saw downstairs, on the ground floor. Elf soon realized why, once he found himself in front of the locked doors, leading into a long hallway. This entire part of the wing was off limits to all of those who weren’t in Eilonna’s entourage. To make sure of that, four armed soldiers guarded the entrance to her designated chambers. They all wore the same, dark brown, leather armors, with matching sets of boots. And despite being completely still, completely motionless, they intently watched for every elf’s move, as he slowly approached them.
“Commander Saekul Er’ulrath, here to meet with lady Falkner.” elf said as he waved the envelope.
“Do come in.” one of the soldiers opened the door, leading into a small foyer.
The room was empty. Besides the couple of leather armchairs and a small table in between, there was no other furniture. Just a single painting on the wall, a window and another door opposite to that one he came in.
“Please wait here.” soldier said, while closing the door.
This meaningless procedure somewhat irritated Saekul, which was probably what Eilonna intended all along. On any other day, elf would probably turn around. But not today. Today something stopped him. Some inner voice, an intuition, that told him to wait.
Saekul peeped through the window. But all he saw was an empty street. Every single one of them, surrounding the palace, was blocked, for the security reasons. Every guard was on a high alert, because of all the officials arriving in town. Only those with special permits, could move freely in and around this district. Furthermore, a curfew regulation was implemented across the entire town, until further notice. Or at least until they finished conducting their investigation surrounding the murders of the two councilors.
Saekul moved to the left, and looked farther up the plaza. There, some three hundred yards from the palace, he saw the roof of the stables, in front of which he parted ways with Enepel Zaanven. He was the probable reason for lady Falkner’s invitation? Or there was something else on her mind. Elf didn’t have to wait for much longer, before finding the answers to these questions, as the door to the room suddenly opened.
“Commander Er’ulrath, yes?” lean, tall and grayish man bowed, as he stepped in “Follow me, please.”
They went through the short, bleak, monotonous hallway and to the right. And then through another, almost identical, leading up to the dark brown, carved doors. Old man paused for a moment, before knocking on them hard, three times.
“Come in!” loud, female voice ordered them.
“Commander Er’ulrath, madam.” old man stated, as soon as they entered the room.
It was quite a spacious and bright room. With many windows and tall, glass door leading onto the balcony. Walls were decorated with several paintings and a couple of ornaments. To the left of them stood a large table, with six chairs. And to the right, two wide, leather sofas, in between which was a low table. Two silver, oval bowls, filled with various fruits sat on it.
“Saekul how nice to see you! Come, sit.” Eilonna said, while taking one rather juicy, bright red strawberry out of the bowl “Help yourself.”
Elf did exactly what he was told. And then some, for he scooped a fistful of berries.
“Make sure no one disturbs us, Palgrin.” waving her hand, lady Falkner ordered him to leave.
“Certainly madam.” old man bowed once more, as he closed the door behind him.
Eilonna waited for a couple of seconds, before joining the elf on the sofa.
“I hope I didn’t disrupt any of your plans?” Eilonna asked.
“Not at all.” Saekul answered.
“You must have a lot on your plate, with everything going on in the town.” Eil
onna stated.
“I’m used to it.” Saekul retorted.
“Securing the assembly is surely a difficult task.” Eilonna persisted.
“Why am I here?” Saekul asked.
“Because of everything you know of me.” lady Falkner smiled “What else is there?”
Saekul nodded. Perhaps it was smart to keep the secret from her. But that was before. She wasn’t a child anymore.
“Ask away.” Saekul said.
“My name.” Eilonna twitched nervously “Is this my real name?”
“No.” Saekul said.
“Do you know it? Do you know the name of my family?”
“I don’t.” Saekul said.
“Do you know where I’m from?” Eilonna frowned.
“From S’pair, I think. But I’m not certain.”
“I don’t understand, weren’t you there?” Eilonna asked.
“No.” Saekul retorted.
“So you didn’t knew my parents?” Eilonna asked.
“No.” Saekul shook his head “As far as I know, they were already dead once our paths crossed.”
“And that was where?”
“On a road, heading to Garhmier.” Saekul sighed “I lived in Pad-Buest, but I wanted a change. I wanted to see the large city.”
“You were there’” Eilonna asked.
“Briefly.”
“So what happened?”
“Some twenty miles from Garhmier, where the road widened into a field surrounded by the woods, I stumbled onto a fierce and quite unjust clash.” Saekul resumed with his story “About a dozen of bandits encircled the carriage, trying to get to, what I found out later, four passengers.”
“And so you jumped to their aid.” Eilonna said.
“Not at first, I must admit.” Saekul retorted “But once I’ve heard the cries of a newborn coming from the inside of the carriage, my mind was set.”
“Was I that baby?” Eilonna asked.
“Yes.” Saekul nodded “One month old, and already a threat to the entire Halvidar.”
“Because of my mixed fucking blood?” Eilonna asked.
“Consortium for the so called pure Dorull, wasn’t stopping their agenda solely on orcs.” Saekul explained “What’s more, the success of that campaign grew their wings. It widened their reach. With every passing day, they grew in numbers.”
“How did they manage to pull that off?” Eilonna asked.
“With some backing from dangerously powerful men.” Saekul said.
“Afterwhich they passed that law?”
“Yes. The decree forbidding conjugal unions in between any of the races.” Saekul frowned “A law that legalised the usage of violence towards those, who’d rebel against it.”
“So, my parents were part of that rebellion?” Eilonna asked.
“Well, they had you.” Saekul retorted “They were the center of it.”
“And that’s why they killed them?” Eilonna asked.
“Yes, but not before they managed to send you to safety.” Saekul said.
“My arrival in Issurk was not accidental?” Eilonna asked.
“As far as I know, Olveen Zaanan was a very good friend of your father. He offered his help and a sanctuary.” Saekul answered “His men waited in Vallsynk, but there was still a small matter of crossing over Kabial.”
“Let me guess, it didn’t go according to the plan.” Eilonna said.
“We thought we’ll be safe, once aboard the ship.” Saeakul smiled “But we seemed to forget the influence and the reach the Consortium had.”
“What happened?” Eilonna asked.
“Everything was fine for about a week. Enough time, tso we’d let our guards down.” Saekul said “And that almost cost us, the following night.”
“Couldn’t you recognize the Consortium members from the crew?”
“They were part of the crew. Some of them for years.”
“That’s how they were able to jump you?” Eilonna asked.
“Yes. While we were asleep.” Saekul answered.
“But you successfully fend off the attack?” Eilonna asked.
“Well yes, but at a cost.” Saekul said “We had to leave the ship.”
“You feared there’s more of them?”
“We couldn’t risk it to find that out.”
“But what did you do? Swim to the shore.” Eilonna smiled.
“Luckily, the captain was forthcoming. I’d say he was even glad, to see us of the ship.” Saekul retorted “He gave us a boat and pointed towards the shore.”
“The shore. What shore?” Eilonna asked.
“The shore of Amn’oaz.”
“That’s horrible.” Eilonna exclaimed “How did we manage to survive that awful place?”
“Not all, just the three of us.” Saekul said “You, me and sometimes later, I found out, your uncle.”
“My uncle?!” Eilonna almost jumped from the sofa “Who is he?”
“Enepel Zaanven.”
CHAPTER 9
It was still early in the morning, when Enepel Zaanven decided to leave the hunting camp, he stumbled upon, the day before. Elf couldn’t risk staying in one place for long. At least not until he’d venture much deeper into the jungle. And with the horse, that would be quite a difficult task. Besides slowing him down while traversing through the thick, lush vegetation, horse would leave the tracks so deep and visible even to the untrained eye.
Fortunately, Enepel found a couple of tools inside the hut, with which he easily removed the horseshoes. The only thing left to do was to bury them at the edge of the forest, alongside the saddle and the reins. After that, he was ready to leave. The horse followed him for a while, but soon came to the realization he was free to roam. Elf wasn’t pulling him by the leash. Nor he was constrained by the riding gear. With every passing yard horse wandered more and more. Until he altogether disappeared into the forest.
Zaanven decided to head towards the south for a while. At this moment, that seemed as only viable option, seeing how he was still unsure of his whereabouts. He wouldn’t dare venturing deeper into the jungle because of it. But at least he was still getting further away from the Vallsynk. And once he decided to eventually turn westward, towards Starg, this huge, lush, rich, fruitful valley, he hoped nobody would find him there.
Another reason for Enepel to head south, was a large flock of birds, he spotted earlier this morning. And there was abundance of them here, in Amn’oaz. Elf knew more than hundred of species of these feathery, winged animals. But right now he didn’t care which ones was he following. Big birds, small birds, colorful or not, they were all edible. And because of that, one of the most common and inexhaustible sources of food for all the predators.
Armed with his longbow and the knowledge he then received from the Pamens, Zaanven was hastily approaching the spot, from which he hoped, he’d have a successful hunt. He knew his arrows were worthless here, in the thick of the forest. They were far too long to hit the target hiding in the rooftops. Native hunters used blowpipes or slingshots, for this kind of a hunt. But Enepel had no time, nor tools to make such a practical weapons. He had to find an open space, so he could use his bow.
Narrow, fading path, cut straight through the forest in a slightly awkward, downhill slope. It was still a bit muddy, from the last night’s heavy downpour. And slippery as well. Not that it mattered to Enepel. He learned long time ago, how to move over this type of the terrain. The path seemingly lead into nowhere, until it abruptly widened into an open field. Lush, green grass, ruffled by the slight breeze, almost reached to the elf’s knees. Mottled with colorful, variegated flowers, the field exuded with life. Calm, quiet stream, cut the valley across, almost at the exact middle. Enepel couldn’t wish for the better hunting spot.
These were nearly perfect feeding and nesting grounds. With some patience and a bit of luck, he was going to see lots and lots of birds flocking to this field. And he had to prepare, before that had happened. He had to set some traps, and then find a s
uitable position, from which he could cover the entire field with his bow. Surely, Zaanven could send an arrow from one end of the field to another. But to make precise, and at the same time lethal shot, even the half of that distance was a bit much for him.
Elf kneeled down, pulling the bundle of rope out of his leather backpack. He then proceed to measure and cut them into five identical pieces, before turning around towards the creek. Once there, Enepel separated the strings, tying them one by one, onto the hazel branches growing alongside the entire bank. Only thing left, was to make the noose on the opposite end of each rope, and carefully arrange and disguise the traps on the ground. Just ten minutes later, all five of them were set.
After that, he rushed towards the edge of the forest, climbing the nearest tree. Either knowingly or by pure chance, Enepel picked one whose treetop wasn’t lush and dense as the others. He found fitting, forked branch in no time, from which he had an excellent view over the entire field. It was split apart just enough for him to use the bow, and yet concealing from the outside. Zaanven took a couple of arrows from the quiver, placing them in the particular order to the right, so he could use them, as soon as the birds appear.
And he didn’t have to wait for long. Just ten minutes had passed, since he climbed the tree. He heard them approaching from the south. A lot of birds. He heard their chirps and squeaks, and the flapping of their wings. And then he saw them. A large flock of quetzals. Elf recognize them immediately. With beautiful, colorful feathers, they were hard to mistake for any other kind. Some fifteen inches long, quetzals presented the sizeable target, even for the mediocre archer. If they were sitting still. But Zaanven knew that would not be the case here. They too were hunting right now. And that meant the quetzals wouldn’t land onto the field, as long as they were following the insects.
Quetzals would swoop just above the grassline, snatching the bugs straight out of the air, with their strong, jagged beaks. In harmonizing waves, somewhat resembling the military formation, birds flew around the field. Every swoop was timed to perfection, very precise, and highly deadly. Almost without a flaw. Zaanven spend more than five minutes, watching this elegant and effective hunting display. And then he took one of the arrows, slowly drawing the bow, before taking a careful aim.