by Tony Roberts
“Oh no, ma’am. I think she’s really amusing.”
“I’m glad you think so – if she actually worked as much as she talked I’d probably think the same too. No matter. You’re here safe and sound. Now Markus has filled me in on much of what has happened to you two.”
Faer glanced at Markus, hoping he hadn’t gone back on his promise about keeping silent on her being an elfin princess. Markus nodded briefly. “It was a strange journey, I must admit,” she said. “I have no idea what to do now we’re here in Gorradan. I’m supposed to ask about Kaltinar and how to get there. The village headsman said someone here would know.”
Lady Lace smiled. “My husband has already told me about that, so don’t worry. He wants to speak to you when he gets back from the palace later. I have no doubt he’ll tell you. Now, relax and eat; you must be famished.”
“Oh, well yes, I am really, thank you. I must have slept for a really long time. My legs still ache; I don’t think I’ve walked as far as I have these past two days.”
Lady Lace smiled. “You can rest here for the next few days and recover, both of you. Best you stay indoors though. Times are uncertain and people are unsettled. Strangers are not always welcome, especially one so different looking as you are, Faerowyn.”
“Am I really so different looking as everyone seems to think?”
Lady Lace nodded. “I’ve seen a few pure blood elves, tall slender beings, fair and pale skinned. I’ve met some half elves, but again they are fair skinned and generally fair or red haired; some are brown haired but not many. None, though, are as dark skinned as you. Do you know there are people from sunnier climates who are dark skinned, even darker than you? We get a few from ships that call here every so often. They live in deserts. But you – no, you are unique in my experience. Markus tells me your mother was fair skinned and brown haired. I’m sorry to hear of her passing, by the way.”
Faer felt a stab of loss at her words. “Thank you,” her head went down. She had been too caught up in the journey to think about her mother the past day or so, and she felt guilty.
“Do you need to have time alone?”
“No, thank you. I’ll be alright. She was dying a long time, and I was surprised she lasted so long. I did much of my mourning before she went.”
Lady Lace regarded her thoughtfully. “Do you know anything about elves, Faerowyn? Markus here said your village discouraged any talk of the outside world.”
“I know hardly anything. Could you tell me what you know?”
“I’m no expert, but what I do know is the following. Basically there are three types of elf. The common type, the ones we seldom see, are the tall, slender, graceful ones and they mainly stay on their own continent, away to the north and west. They do travel on occasions but if you need to see them you’ll have to go to their city. Then there are those who live in forests, smaller elves mostly, red haired or bright yellow haired, more gregarious, more adventurous. It’s likely you’ll meet these types if you encounter any away from their home land.”
Faer looked at Markus who was as fascinated as she was. Then she looked at Lady Lace. “And the third type?”
“Ah. Well, here’s the thing. A reclusive people, mostly legendary. Few have seen them but they allegedly do exist, and you would seem to be proof of that. A darker version, in all senses of the word. Legend is they live far to the west, away across the seas, in a city that no outsider has ever seen and lived to tell the tale. They take slaves and war upon any other race who ventures too near them. Terrible tales, but how much of this is true and how much is merely hearsay I do not know. They do have, so tales go, dark skin, darker than yours, black hair as midnight, just like yours, and they are incredibly beautiful.”
Faer looked from one to the other. “You think my father was one of these dark elves?”
“It would appear so, judging by your features and colouration. The thing is not many have heard of these elves, and fewer still have seen any.”
“H-have you heard of Keria?” she held her breath for the answer.
“Keria?” Lady Lace frowned. “No, I do not believe so. Is that an elven kingdom?”
“I-I think so – or a city. I have to find out.”
“We’ll see, Faerowyn. In the meantime you must eat.” She called out to Mrs. Balkan who came in from another room behind Faer and placed a bowl of fruit on the table, then a large flask of water, a jug of some sweet smelling liquid and a basket of bread.
“Are we all eating then?” Faer asked, looking round.
“Oh, no, child,” Mrs. Balkan smiled, this is your meal. You need to put some flesh on those bones of yours.”
“But-but,” Faer goggled at the spread before her. “I’ve never seen so much food!” A selection of jars and earthenware containers followed, all placed around her, then a knife.
Markus chuckled. “They did the same for me; I couldn’t possibly have eaten everything, you know.”
“But you made a valiant effort to do so,” Lady Lace smiled. “Faerowyn, only eat what you wish and what you feel comfortable with.”
“Ooh, but she’s mere skin and bones,” Mrs. Balkan observed.
“Mrs. Balkan,” Lady Lace said in an admonishing manner, “Faerowyn is not wholly human; she is also part elf and they are, as we know, not as strongly built as we humans.”
“Oh of course, and there’s me speaking again without thinking. You go eat what you like, as the good lady of the house said, and I’ll bring anything else you wish.”
“Thank you,” Faer said, then turned to Lady Lace. “I-I don’t know how to thank you, or the captain. I mean – Markus and I were just two travellers on the road and you really didn’t have to do all this for us.”
Lady Lace smiled benignly. “My husband and I always look out for unfortunates and the vulnerable. So many people here take unfair advantage of those who are unwary and naïve. Those men yesterday on the street, they are part of a group of people always on the lookout for young girls.”
“Why don’t those in charge do something about it?” Faer asked, looking round at the plethora of food, not knowing where to start.
“I wish they could, but the city is full of refugees fleeing the war and so many do not have homes to go to. The gangs have profited these past few months enormously. So many young girls have disappeared off the streets and will probably never be seen again. Or at least, as free happy people. They’ll be slaves of these despicable groups. The authorities are overwhelmed and all able-bodied men are in the army or garrison. The king has called on all of the age to enrol.”
Markus pointed out a slice of bread in a basket. “Try that. Faer; it’s the tastiest bread I’ve ever had. That dish there, under the lid is a spread to put on the bread.”
Faer examined the dish and found when she lifted the lid a small block of yellow spread was indeed there. She sniffed it, her eyes going wide.
“It’s called butter,” Lady Lace smiled. “I take it you don’t have any from where you come from?”
“No,” Faer said, shaking her head. “We had fish, a few eggs, sea plants and one or two birds. Nothing like this!”
She ate as much as she could comfortably manage. One or two items she rejected as being too strong in taste, but there were more than enough alternatives to sate her hunger. Afterwards, when Lady Lace had excused herself and Mrs. Balkan had cleared up, Faer and Markus went for a walk in the garden, an enclosed area at the rear of the house.
“I had no idea such places existed,” Faer admitted, looking at the statue of a fabulous half-human, half-goat creature in the centre of the garden, water spouting from a set of pipes in his mouth. The garden was beautifully kept with tight-leafed hedging bordering the paths and watercourse. Some creepers grew up arches that went over the paths, and a species of broad petal flower sprouted from them. “It’s so peaceful here, and they’re such nice people. So different from what I’ve experienced. It makes me realise just how horrible the villagers really were.”
Markus grunted in a
greement. “We can’t stay here though, can we? I mean, we’re guests and they’re protecting us out of kindness. I don’t know what we can give them back in return.”
“I need to know where Kaltinar is and how to get there. Captain Lace may well know; Lady Lace sort of said he might.”
“Yes. It’s a strange adventure we’re having, isn’t it?”
Faer admitted it was. “What do you think of what she said in there? About me being part dark elf, I mean. What do dark elves do to make people afraid of them?”
“Nobody knows, Faer. Don’t you go worrying about that – you’re more human in your manner and ways than any dark elf anyway. You’ve been brought up as a human by a human, even if you feel only half human.”
“Hmmm,” Faer looked up at the sky. “Sometimes I wonder what I am. Do I fit into any place?” She kicked a small stone along the path and it bounced once and plopped into the watercourse which pleased her. “I feel compelled to follow the path my father set; I really need to find out about him and my heritage. My mother had no family or home, or at least as far as I could tell. She was a slave, and I don’t even know where she had been taken captive. She never talked about her life at all. Whenever I asked she just went silent and waited till I asked about something else.”
“So Keria is your aim after Kaltinar?”
“I need to know what Keria is and where it is. If Kaltinar is a school, then someone there may know.”
As evening approached, Captain Lace returned home and sat at the dining table for evening meal. Faer and Markus were seated together opposite the Captain and Lady Lace. The captain talked about his day initially, how tough it had been and what the palace was doing and what orders were being made. Lady Lace then spoke of her day, mostly involving the two visitors.
Finally the captain asked the two about their day. Apart from the food and comfort, there wasn’t too much to say. Faer looked at the two. “I’ve been thinking; you’ve been very kind to both of us and you hardly know us. I’d like to show some thanks to you for what you’ve done – some kind of payment or…”
“Now Faerowyn,” Lady Lace waved her hand in the negative, “don’t go thinking we’re doing this for any reward. No, we’re just happy to have such well-mannered visitors here. We know you have to be on your way soon, and it’s a pity as I’d love you both to stay, but I can see you’re a driven woman. So all we can do is to try to help you on your way. Now, dearest husband, do you have any directions for the young lady here?”
Captain Lace put down his napkin and leaned back. “I’ve been doing some asking around. Kaltinar is in the mountains to the south, deep in the range, so I’m told. It’s not in Gorradan’s territory so you’ll have to make what way you can without much of our help. There’s only two ways of getting there. One is by track, a steep and winding route through the mountains, and the other is by river. It’s more expensive, and prone to the seasonal floods, but if you go in the dry season then you’ll be fine. There’s a landing at the base of the mountain the school is sited on and it’s merely a case of a steep climb to the gates.”
“I see,” Faer said thoughtfully. “Thank you, Captain. Is it far?”
“Yes, quite a distance, so I’m told. It’ll be a tough journey for you both. The school is there because they don’t want to be subject to any king or city and influenced by them.”
“I see. It seems we have little choice. Do you know of any place called Keria?”
Captain Lace shook his head. “Not come across that in my experience, no. Sorry.”
Faer sighed and looked disappointed.
“Don’t be so downhearted, young lady; I’m sure someone will have heard of it.”
She smiled for a moment. “Yes, I’m sure you’re right. Look, I really don’t feel comfortable not giving you something as a reward for what you’ve done. You’re two really nice people and I want to say thank you properly.” She fished in her pouch and brought forth the gems she had. She looked at them, wondering which one was more valuable.
“What have you there?” Captain Lace asked, leaning forward with interest.
Faer held her palm out. “Which one would you like, Captain?”
“By the gods! Where did you get those?”
Faer told him. The captain picked up the red gem and held it up to the candle light. “Mrs. Balkan, can you please bring in a clean bowl of water?”
The servant did so and was sent back to the kitchen swiftly. Captain Lace then washed the two gems Faer had, then the two that Markus brought out. They were wiped and cleaned and placed on the table. All four looked at them, sparkling in the light. “Well, you’re rich, my lucky duo,” Captain Lace said. “These are incredibly valuable gems. That’s a sapphire,” he pointed to the blue one, “this is a ruby,” he indicated the red one, “and these two… well let’s say nobody’s seen those for some years. They could buy a palace.” He looked up at the two stunned youngsters. “These are veinstones. Pure white. These are the best, most valuable of all.”
“Then you can have one of those,” Faer said.
The two gaped, then stared at each other. “Oh no! Faerowyn, you darling, no!” Lady Lace said laughing. “You really don’t know how valuable these are. People would sell anything to get their hands on these. They are so rare. I’ve never seen one before, and here are two in front of me.” She shook her head slowly, disbelief in her eyes.
“If the king knew these were here he’d order them seized. They would buy a whole army for a season and smash the opposition. I’m half tempted to hand them in – but no I won’t, don’t worry! I can tell you that as long as you have these on you then you’re in danger. As soon as anyone finds out you’ve got these you’ll be chased, followed, pursued.” Captain Lace hissed through his teeth. “Sew them into your clothing. Keep them hidden.”
“So – how much are they worth?”
Lady Lace spread her hands. “The size and quality of them means they are worth a lot. The ruby is the least valuable from what I can tell. Maybe a house or two. The sapphire would get you three or four. The veinstones….” She shook her head. “Too valuable for words. You’d be best to take them to a gemster somewhere far away from here.”
“Thank you – we will,” Faer looked at Markus for his agreement. The gems were put away. “Well, surely Markus and I can do something for you?”
Captain Lace shook his head. “We’re just pleased to be able to help you two. You’ll have to leave by the southern gate in two days’ time. I’ll get another Royal Pass for you, but beware, the enemy are creeping closer and the route to the south is in danger of being cut off. This is the main reason I’m telling you to go sooner rather than later. In the meantime, I’ll get you proper straps for that sword of yours and those packs. They look pretty worn.”
“And I’ll make sure Mrs. Balkan prepares decent food and drink for you. You should be able to make them last for a week or so.”
When she went to bed, Faer lay there for some time thinking over her heritage. The human side didn’t need any thought; although she knew nothing of her mother’s background, there was no mystery about being part human. The elven side of her, though, was something else. Dark elf. Dark elf. It even sounded sinister. She looked at her flesh in the light of the bedside lamp. She cast her gaze very closely at it. Was it so different from other people? It was deep brown, smooth, a uniform colour.
She picked up an object she’d never seen before, but one that Lady Lace had left for her on the bedside table. A small oblong mirror. Faer now looked at it, seeing her reflection for the first time. She studied herself critically. Her eyes were the most noticeable feature, the whites of her eyes standing out starkly against the general darkness of her skin and hair. The pupils of her eyes were a deep brown, almost black. What was it that Markus had said about them when she used her night vision? The centre expanded to fill the entire pupil. She pulled a slight face of distaste. She didn’t like the sound of that.
Sighing, she examined the rest of herself
. Was her nose too pointed? Too thin? Her eyes too slanted? Her ears too large? Her hair too long? Too short? Oh, the trouble with it all! She smiled, baring her teeth. Two rows of white, even teeth. Was her smile too big? Was her mouth too big? Too small? Her lips, thick, thin? She stuck her tongue out. At least that was the right colour. Pink. Everyone else’s was, too. But it was long. She could touch the tip of her nose with it. Was that normal? Best not to poke that out too much, if at all.
Were her eyes too small? She looked at them, her head cocking itself to one side. She supposed not. People were saying more and more that she was beautiful, but what was beautiful? She thought flowers were beautiful but Markus clearly did not.
She put the mirror down with a sound of exasperation. So what if people thought her to be beautiful. What difference did that make to her? What difference did that make to others? She was still a half-elf, with a dark elf heritage and a need to find out. That to her was important, not how much others thought she was a beauty or not.
She blew out the lamp.
SEVEN
They left Gorradan the day after. It was early morning and their packs, newly repaired, were full to bursting point. Mrs. Balkan had made sure the two had plenty of food and drink to be going on with. Lady Lace had bid the two farewell, embracing each, much to the youngsters’ surprise, and then Captain Lace and a squad of his militia had escorted the two to the southern gate.
Here the road wound its way through grassland, and the river flowed to the right, a wide, tranquil watercourse. A series of wooden jetties lay along the roadside where the river flowed close, and on the other side of the road tents, wooden storage sheds and warehouses stood. Men stood around, discussing various issues, many of them merchants, or so Captain Lace said to the two. He passed Faer a rolled up piece of paper tied with a red ribbon. “Royal Pass through the lands controlled by the King of Gorradan. This should see you safely on your way. I’ve spoken to one of the traders who owes me a favour and he’s agreed to take you by boat upriver as far as he can. I doubt he’ll be able to sail all the way to where you wish to go, but make for the Blade Mountain. That’s your jumping-off port.”