by Dan Mat
“If we are to disregard this lates outburst.” Teer Scejvor said after almost full minute of silence “Councilor Setl was right, when he asked for the postponement.”
“I’m in favor.” Xavnier said.
“Likewise.” Elias added.
“In favor.” Almest Hven said also.
And so did every other councilor. Teer Scejvor was patient enough, to wait for all of them.
“I’ll conclude the session for now.” Scejvor stated “Continuation will be specified on a later date.”
And with that, he get up and left the room. A clear sign for everyone else, they too are free to leave. First was Almest Hven, councilor of the safety guild, and a former soldier. He was quite tall, strong looking man, in his fifties. Who some years ago decided to change the battlefield with the streets of Vallsynk, in order to make them safer. But he didn’t head straight for the door. At least not before he approached Xavnier Gloir and shook his hand, stating his support to him.
This gesture surprised halfling, but not as much as what happened next. Because every other councilor followed suit, shaking Xavnier’s hand or patting his back. And this felt as such a relief to halfling, he almost begin to cry. It gave him the confidence in the days to come. Because if Huarg Setl revealed himself as his political opponent, he wouldn’t stand a chance. He had to many connections and allies. Xavnier could only hope, that councilor Setl’s todays behaviour, led to him losing some, if not the majority of the support. And if that was the case, halfling knew, he could very well start calling himself the Lord of Vallsynk. The news he couldn’t wait to share with lady Falkner.
CHAPTER 12
Lady Eilonna Falkner paced angrily around the spacious room, situated in her private quarters of the Vallsynk’s palace west wing. News of a sudden, abrupt interruption of the assembly, was a cause for the concern. Even more so, once she found out the reason for it. Once the investigation findings became public, and reach their ear. And with the warrant for Zaanven’s arrest on top of that, Eilonna felt this whole ordeal could soon get out of hand. The substantial award will surely attract a lot of bounty hunters. She couldn’t allow anyone finding the former councilor before her. Elf was too important. She had to act fast and in absolute secrecy.
Out of a small, leather bag, attached to her belt, Eilonna carefully took out one black, polished disk, made out of metal The disk was not much larger than a common coin. But the craftsmanship alone, would separate it from the millions of them. She paused for a moment, contemplating over it. Still not sure if this was the right decision. She was reluctant of asking help from vards yet again. She relied on their help far too often. But then again, their dependability was like no others. Eilonna let a loud sigh, suddenly pressing the exact center of the disk, with her tumb. Silent, buzzing noise came from it. And it lasted for just a couple of seconds, before disappearing in a flash of red light.
“How can I help you, miss?” rough, yet calm voice of vard’s commander, Vlaazh Niykav, came from behind Eilonna’s back.
“That was fast.”
“I was nearby.” Vlaazh sat on the sofa “What can I do for you?”
“I need help with…fuck.” Eilonna shook her head “Well, it’s awkward to ask.”
“There’s no need.” Vlaazh said.
“Could you…could you please find Enepel Zaanven?” Eilonna asked.
“Elven councilor?” Vlaazh pretended he didn’t know what’s this all about “Alive I presume?”
“Well of course.” Eilonna retorted “There’s a warrant for his arrest. He’s been accused of the triple murder.”
“I see.” Vlaazh said.
“The reward will attract a lot of heat.” Eilonna added “You have to find him before everyone else.”
“Understood.” Vlaazh said.
“And once you find him, he’s going to need a safe place.” Eilonna said.
“Away from Issurk I presume?” Vlaazh asked.
“No one is to know this.” Eilonna said “Not even my men.”
“As you wish milady.” Vlaazh bowed “But I must warn you, it won’t be easy, if elf went back into Amn’oaz.”
“In that wilderness? Why would he go back to that place?” Eilonna asked.
“Zaanven knows that jungle like it’s his own backyard.” Vlaazh retorted.
“How is that even possible?” Eilonna asked.
“If I remember correctly, once he knew you are safe with master Olven in Issurk, he remain in Amn.” Vlaazh said.
“But…but why?” Eilonna was confused.
“Elf knew he had to keep his distance.” Vlaazh answered “It was the only way to keep you safe.”
“From the Consortium?” Eilonna asked.
“Yes.” Vlaazh nodded.
“How do you know all of this?” Eilonna asked.
“Because Lord Zaanan asked me to find the elf in that jungle.” Vlaazh answered “To extend his invitation.”
“But Enepel declined.” Eilonna said.
“Yes.” Vlaazh retorted.
“Why?” Eilonna asked.
“It wasn’t worth the risk.” Vlaazh said.
“But the influence of the Consortium dwindled after a while.” Eilonna said.
“Yes.” Vlaazh said “Some fifteen years later.”
“Fifteen years?! That can’t be!” Eilonna exclaimed “He spend fifteen years in that jungle? Him? But he’s just plain, uptight, mercantile councilor.”
“Elf completely transformed, before coming to Vallsynk.” Vlaazh said “He had to change his looks, his behaviour, posture, even the way he speaks, just to be sure no one from his past could recognize him.”
“But why did he hide that from me? I almost killed him.” Eilonna cried “Why didn’t you warn me?”
“It’s been far too long. I simply forgot.” Vlaazh admitted “And once I remembered who he actually was, we were already within the reach of Vallsynk.”
“That’s why you involved Saekul?” Eilonna asked.
“Correct.” Vlaazh nodded.
“You knew he woouldn’t stand beside?” Eilonna asked.
“Elves are exceptionally close. One big happy family. And because of that, highly predictable.” Vlaazh said “ Commander Er’ulrath felt he had to help his brother in need.”
“I see.” Eilonna said “And you think Enepel fled to Amn’oaz?”
“It’s all about predictability, miss.” Vlaazh smiled “Elf had spent years in that rainforest, successfully avoiding the Consortium. For him, it represents the safest place he knows.”
“But that jungle is the complete opposite of a safe place.” Eilonna couldn’t believe her ears.
“Well I guess it’s a matter of ones perception.” Vlaazh retorted.
“How long will it take for you to find him?” Eilonna asked.
“A week, a month, perhaps a year.” Vlaazh shrugged his shoulders.
“The matter is urgent, you know!” Eilonna was a bit irritated.
“I’ll do my best to find him fast.” Vlaazh said.
“Thank you.” Eilonna nodded “For everything…I really mean that.”
“Don’t mention it.” Vlaazh bowed, pulling the silver, lustrous disc, not much larger than his palm, out of, until then, invisible pocket.
He proceed to place the disc on the floor, touching its center in one slick move. Immediately, he took a step back, signaling Eilonna to do the same. The disc begin increasing in size, until it was five feet in diameter. Barely audible, somewhat pleasant murmur, was followed by the rhythmic pulsation of a white light.
“Farewell milady.” Vlaazh said, as he stepped on the plate.
“F…farewell.” Eilonna stammered.
Sudden, intense burst of light, made her close her eyes for a second. The disc on which vard stood begin changing shape, completely encasing him. Moments later, in another flash, this shell, this large capsule, seemingly disappear through the floor, taking Vlaazh with it. And when Eilonna opened her eyes again, she was all alone in the r
oom.
CHAPTER 13
Enepel Zaanven laid his bow and quiver onto the ground, before raising both hands, high above his head. He had to remain calm, careful not to make any sudden moves. Careful not to provoke these hunters. Despite him being almost double the size, than average halfling. Despite in general, they seemed harmless. Zaanven knew how dangerous adversary could one of them be, let alone a whole group. If he was to engage them in fight, he’d stood no chance. And judging by their angry looks, he was already in more trouble, than he wanted to be. He must’ve disrupted their hunt.
And what troubled Zaanven even more, was the lack of distinct tribal markings on these halflings. He couldn’t knew which tribe they belonged to. Were they friendly, or not? But sometimes, it was common for hunting parties not to wear any marks. Seeing they had guaranteed right of free passage through the rainforest during the hunt, whatever the tribe they belonged. And whatever they were in any feud, quarrel or even a war. For many outsiders, this practice would be weird at least. But Zaanven learned to appreciate it, once he understood the difficulties and dangers of hunting in Amn’oaz. And in the decade and a half he spend among Pamens, elf witnessed quite a few of them. In a split second anything could happen. The hunter could become a prey. The jungle was unforgiving.
“Who are you?” one of the halflings asked “Where are you coming from?”
Zaanven decided not to say a thing.
“Are you alone?” halfling asked again.
Zaanven remain silent, staring obtusely at them.
“Perhaps he’s dumb.” another one said.
“He can’t understand you.” third halfling added “Judging by his looks, he’s far away from his home.”
“What are we going to do with him?” Kill him? Let him go?”
“No.” halfling that seemed eldest of them suddenly said “We’ll bring him to the camp, and let the chieftain decide.”
Under the threat of their sharp, jagged spears, halflings showed Zaanven to move. With one hunter ahead, and the rest of them behind. So they could keep the watchful eye on his every step. Narrow, barely visible path, led them straight to the west. Completely overgrown from both sides, in thick, variegated undergrowth, path was winding like some sort of a muddy snake. Damp, stagnant air was getting warmer with every step they took, leading them deeper and deeper into the jungle. And with ever growing, buzzing noise of the insects, Zaanven knew they are approaching a body of water.
They’ve traveled for whole two hours, when they finally came upon a small, fern covered field. In its exact center, surrounded by the wall of branches, thorn bushes and bamboo stalks, stood their hunting camp. A couple of fires burned in between five identical sized, wattle huts.
“Nice catch.” guard grinned, looking at three quetzals, one of the hunters carried with him.
“Where is the chief?” hunter asked, as they walked through the narrow gate “We are bringing a guest.”
“I’m here.” said somewhat older halfling, exiting one of the huts “What’s this about, Elonthier?”
“We lost the flock.” scout answered “This elf had beat us to it.”
“Elf you say?” chieftain didn’t hide the surprise “Haven’t seen one in years.”
“Move.” Elonthier waved towards Zaanven.
“Mourdac!” Enepel exclaimed, recognizing the halfling chieftain “Am I glad to see you!”
He was somewhat older, a bit fatter, but there was no doubt. Before him stood the chieftain of Pamens.
“Do I know you?” Mourdac was confused.
Instead of an answer, Zaanven touched his face, and begin twisting it. Elf’s entire visage become deformed, as it stretched downwards. Seconds later, the face slid off completely. It took a several moments, before hunters realized, that elf removed his mask. Instead of pale skinned, youthful man, they saw a face of an older, tired looking elf, whose life seemed like nothing but a constant struggle. And he looked frightening, gruesome even. The entire right side of his head was covered in burn marks and scars.
“Aduin?!” Mourdac exclaimed “Is that really you? How long has it been?”
“Too long my friend!” Zaanven smiled, as he wholeheartedly shook chieftain’s hand.
“What are you doing here?” Mourdac asked.
“I’m in trouble?” Zaanven answered “In fact, so much trouble, I’m reluctant to ask for your help.”
“What kind of piffle guff hogwash is that?” Mourdac smiled “You are and always will be more than welcomed here.”
Zaanven smiled again.
“Come.” Mourdac pulled him towards the hut “Tell me, what did you do, all of these years.”
CHAPTER 14
“Have you managed to come through? Did it work?” Snikork asked, as Roshnak and Uggut returned to the war room.
Just about half an hour had passed, since the two shamans left for Uggut’s invocation chamber. Because of the request, Zhinnaeg elders bestowed before them, Roshnak didn’t want to waste a second more. They were beginning to irk and irritate him so much, he had to leave the room immediately. So he decided to perform the warrior ritual right away. A process which Snikork and Wallug hoped would last for a quite some time. But Roshnak told them to wait. He told them they’ll be right back. And to the elders big surprise, they did exactly that.
“Did you manage to summon the spirit?” Wallug asked.
“Yes.” Uggut answered.
“And?” Wallug asked again.
“Broolg heard us.” Uggut retorted “He agreed to convey our request.”
“What does that mean?” Snikork asked “When are we to receive the answer?”
“We already did.” Roshnak answered.
“Already?!” Snikork exclaimed.
“Yes.” Uggut nodded.
“And?” Wallug asked.
“Warrior spirits are inclined in our favor.” Uggut answered.
“Really?” Snikork purposely sounded cynical.
“Come morning, I’ll cast their blessings upon soldiers.” Roshnak said, showing the magic scroll “Could you assemble the forces?”
“Certainly.” commander Galdir answered.
“Are those indeed the words from the warrior spirits?” Snikork asked.
“Yes.” Roshnak nodded.
“But how is that even possible?” Snikork asked again.
“Nothing’s impossible for Roshnak Baanar.” Ghnot said “Believe me, I found that out first hand.”
“It seems that’s something I often forget.” Snikork said pensively.
“Happens to the best of us.” Roshnak smiled.
“Alright then.” Snikork coughed “I presume now is the time we begin deliberating our plan of attack?”
“Actually, we already did.” Grodish admitted “A couple of days ago. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all.” Snikork was a bit disappointed, he expected to stall the proceedings much further “And because of that, I expect this plan to be at least equally creative as Roshnak’s summoning of the spirits.”
“We couldn’t do it without chieftain Ghnot.” Grodish said “He should take the credit.”
“Really?” Snikork asked.
“Of course not.” Ghnot said “Commander Galdir did as much, if not more.”
“How so?” Snikork asked.
“He helped exploring probably the only weak spot in Gollvin.” Ghnot explained.
“And that is?” Snikork asked again.
“The mine.” Ghnot said “A long time ago, our detachment of scouts searched the mountains, until they found a hidden passage in one of the caves, just north from human’s town. Trouble is, I couldn’t remember where.”
“So commander Galdir looked for it again?” Wallug asked.
“Precisely.” Ghnot nodded.
“Are you sure the humans don’t know the existence of it?” Snikork asked.
“Perhaps they don’t consider it being the risk to their security.” Felgor said.
“Why not?” Wallug asked.
“Because that hidden passage chieftain Ghnot told us about, is over five hundred yards long, completely vertical tunnel.” Felgor answered.
“Five hundred yards?!” Snikork exclaimed “But we would need miles of rope just to lower down a unit or two. And what is your plan?”
“Half of the troops.” Grodish answered calmly.
“C…come again?” Snikork stuttered “You can’t be serious? This can’t be done.”
“I might know of a way.” Roshnak said.
“Of course you do.” Snikork shook his head “How?”
“By using a magical doors.” Roshnak answered “I think it’s about time Zhinnaeg obtains one.”
CHAPTER 15
Reclined in a soft, leather covered sofa, chief regent Teer Scejvor was enjoying the solitude of his private quarters situated in the east wing of the Vallsynk palace. Up until he received a short, simple, yet very honest message, scribbled on wrinkly, old, yellow piece of paper. And he read it four times, deciding what to do.
The invitation to join captain Wilsen and a couple of sailors from Fuwalda, in one of the taverns near the docks was tempting, as much as it was intriguing. In those few weeks Teer Scejvor lived among them, while traveling from Garhmier, he learned a lot. From those basic sailing skills, tying ropes and working the pulleys, to steering the ship and figuring out how the sails work. He also did some fishing. And some diving as well. He also learned you could combine those two activities. More importantly, Scejvor learned to appreciate their company.
He wanted to meet with them. He knew he needed some cheering. And sailors could surely do just that. But still, Scejvor was reluctant to go. He worried what would others think. And afterwards talk. Something he never did in the past. So what changed now? Why did he felt this way? Could it be the time he spend among those sailors? If so, was that good or a bad thing? Scejvor pondered for almost half an hour, before deciding to grab his coat.
He opened the door leading into a short, empty corridor. Beside the few paintings and thick rug covering the floor, there was pretty much nothing in it. Still a bit unsure, Scejvor was reluctant to proceed, taking a turn to the left, entering much wider and longer hallway. Two of his guards stood at the far end. They resembled statues, all still and motionless. But Scejvor knew they are aware of everything. Ready to jump at any sign of the trouble.