“I asked what happened to you,” she said, her hands firmly on her hips.
Once again not providing her with an answer, Renald retrieved a rajni stone from the chest beside his bed and tossed it over to her. “Prepare this for Markus,” he ordered. “He will be returning to Earth.”
Lylinora’s eyes shot wide. “But Ethan said –”
“Ethan may not return in time. So just do as I say and ready the stone.”
“You are not sending him back there alone,” she stated, a tremor of panic bleeding into her tone.
Renald locked eyes with her. “Your love and concern for Markus cannot overshadow your duty. He is the only one of us who is able to go.”
Renald had watched as the two of them had grown ever closer, and could see that it was far more than mere infatuation. Even though in his eyes Markus was little more than a bandit, he knew the man possessed a stout heart. He would not refuse to go. He would regard the task as a necessary risk in order to protect Lylinora. But she, however, was on the verge of outright refusal.
His expression and tone softened. “I know you love him. And it’s clear that he loves you. I also know how much you have already lost. But there can be no life for you here if the final mage does not return. We must have him if we are to defeat Shinzan. I cannot risk sending Val or Jake, and I am too old and feeble to go myself. The journey alone could kill me.”
“I will go,” interjected Jonas. He placed his book on the table. “As you said, Lady Lylinora has already lost enough.”
Renald looked over at Jonas. A smile gradually formed that quickly built into outright laughter. “You never cease to surprise me, you old fool,” he chuckled. “But I fear this task may be well beyond you.”
Jonas huffed. “Are you so sure? I have been to Earth once already. And I not only managed to return safely, but also bring Ethan Dragonvein back with me.” He took hold of Lylinora’s hand. “It will be my gift to you both. I promise I will not fail.”
Lylinora opened her mouth to speak, but for a second was completely overcome by Jonas’ selflessness. She kissed his cheek and smiled warmly. “No, I'm afraid Renald is right. Markus is the obvious choice. Though it terrifies me to put him in harm’s way, our duty must come first.”
“Then we shall both go,” declared Jonas. “Markus may well be the stronger of us. But I am definitely more intelligent. He is sure to need my help somewhere along the way.” He turned to Renald, who was still smiling broadly. “You do want us to have the best chance for success, do you not?”
Renald regarded Jonas with a mixture of uncertainty and admiration. He then retrieved another rajni stone. “Prepare one for Jonas as well,” he told Lylinora.
Chapter Thirteen
Kat was finding Martok to be a patient and understanding teacher; far more so than Renald had ever been. And she found his explanations of how magic actually worked to be far easier to grasp.
“Just imagine the energy you feel radiating from Lumnia as clay,” he told her. “All we do is mold it to suit our needs. But instead of shaping it with our hands, we use the power of our mind and spirit. If you can visualize this, there is nothing you can’t accomplish.”
“Then why are some mages better at healing and others at conjuration?” she asked.
“Why is it that some people can paint a beautiful masterpiece, while others who cannot draw even a simple flower have the ability to create music so moving that it brings the listener to tears? Is the source of their inspiration and creativity different? No. It just manifests itself according to the artist’s talents. It is the same with magic. The energy we use to create begins the same for everyone. It is the mage who changes it.”
He took her hand and looked into her eyes. “I was the most powerful mage of my time, not because I learned more spells and incantations, but because I could feel the very nature of magic where others could not. The words and the movements give magic form, but only because that is the way the human mind works. One day you will be able to create wonders with a simple thought. This, I promise you. Then you will be truly powerful.”
The sense of excitement his teachings produced in Kat was immense. Almost every night her dreams were filled with visions of being able to heal the world and creating a paradise.
The lessons she passed on to Ethan progressed equally well. He readily understood each new concept and performed the spells as if they were second nature. Keira requested to observe on a few occasions, though she was careful to keep her distance.
Once they reached the border of Al’ Theona and the other elves departed their company, her mood darkened noticeably.
“We are a communal people,” she explained when Kat asked her what was wrong. “We do not prosper on our own for very long. I have recently traveled far with no other elves by my side. The short time I've spent back among my kin was not enough to salve the wound.”
However she was feeling, with only three of them left in the group, they were now able to move far more rapidly. Soon, the jagged peaks of Gol’ Shupa appeared in the far distance, but when they were only a week away from arriving, they ran into the outer edge of a large encampment of Imperial soldiers. Fortunately, Keira became aware of them in ample time to avoid detection.
“The war begins,” she said.
“Do you think King Halvar knows about these soldiers?” asked Kat.
“I would question it were it not for the fact that my father is with him,” she replied, a definite hint of pride in her voice. “He will of course be aware of them and have already warned the dwarves. Though only a guess, I think this army marches with fifteen-thousand swords.” She chuckled softly. “Fools. They will need ten times that many to have any hope of defeating us.”
After skirting the perimeter of the encampment, they raced with as much speed as they could muster toward the foot of the mountains. They were still a day away from these when they came upon a mass gathering of elves – a ten thousand strong force ready for battle. Their camp was unlike that of any human army. No sign of tents or wagons, and the sound of flutes and merry voices carried on the wind from every direction.
A tall elf clad in brightly colored leather armor and a gleaming silver helm came to greet them. He recognized Keira at once.
He bowed low. “It is good to see you. Your father will be pleased you have returned.” He then eyed Ethan and Kat. “I am Filial. Lotheri has put me in command of our forces until he rejoins us.”
Ethan and Kat bowed in return and introduced themselves.
“So is my father still in Elyfoss?” Keira asked.
“He has chosen to stay there until Lord Dragonvein arrives,” he told her. “At present the dwarves have a fierce distrust of us, and he hopes that his continued presence there can help lessen this burden.”
“I see.” Keira pointed back in the direction from which they had come. “I assume you are aware of the Imperial army massed in the north?”
Filial nodded. “The fools. In their arrogance they have marched soldiers out of Traxis to engage us. The Al’ Theonan army has yet to assemble. As soon as the dwarves arrive it is my wish to go forth and show them what such arrogance costs.” He could see Ethan was troubled. “You have thoughts on this, Lord Dragonvein?”
“Only that Shinzan is not an idiot,” he replied. “He has to know that the army is too small.”
“Perhaps the error lies with his commanders,” Filial suggested. “Or perhaps he believes we lack the will to fight.”
“I hope you’re right,” Ethan replied.
Filial led them into the heart of the camp. They noticed a few dwarves among the elf ranks – though these appeared to be less than happy with their current situation.
“One of the dwarves has a sending rod,” said Filial. “I’ll inform Lotheri of your arrival. Rest tonight. Tomorrow I’ll provide an escort to lead you to Elyfoss.”
Ethan and Kat took their ease near a crackling fire where a dozen elves were laughing and passing around bottles of sweet tasting win
e. Keira disappeared into their company until it was well past dusk. The overall mood was one of optimism. The elves were free with their humor and didn’t seem to care that Lord Dragonvein was among them. They even invited the dwarves to join them for a drink – though this offer was politely declined.
When Keira returned she was wearing a broad smile and her posture had relaxed considerably. “I have not been among so many of my people at once in a very long time.” she said. “If only it could be thus forever.”
“You never know,” said Kat. “Once Shinzan is gone, it could happen.”
“It would indeed be good to return to our old ways,” she sighed. “Long ago we were far less scattered. Though we never built cities in the way dwarves and humans do, our communities were still vibrant and filled with artists, musicians, and craftsmen of astounding skill.”
“It sounds lovely,” Kat remarked.
As she finished speaking, a young elf messenger arrived and handed Keira a folded parchment. After quickly reading it, she turned to the others. “My father has responded. He wants us to remain here until he and King Halvar arrive in two days' time. They will be accompanied by twenty thousand dwarves.”
“Then I guess we’ll be attacking soon,” said Ethan.
Keira, still clearly at ease now the she was back amongst her own people, laughed merrily. “There is time enough to worry about that later. For now, drink and enjoy the moment.”
After a short discussion, Ethan and Kat decided it was best to suspend their lessons for the time being. Ethan could feel Martok inside him expressing his displeasure at this. But it wasn't a decision they had taken lightly. The urgency of the coming confrontation still weighed heavily. However, Ethan felt that displays of magic within the camp would not be wise, and it might cause consternation amongst some if he and Kat were to disappear into the nearby forest for long periods. Kat agreed, albeit with a hint of reluctance. Her progress had been considerable. Though she could not yet rival a mage such as Lylinora, she was well on her way to achieving this level. Keira had also pointed out that the gift of learning magic from the greatest mage in history should not be taken for granted.
The next two days passed pleasantly. Ethan made a point of visiting the dwarves in the camp, reassuring them that their fears were unfounded and that the elves were true allies. Though he hoped this would help, he knew from his experience as a soldier that the surest way to bring people together was by facing danger and combat alongside each other. He had seen men who were bitter enemies throughout training quickly become the best of friends once the fighting started. It was a tragedy, he considered, that war and death were sometimes the only cure for hatred.
On the evening of the second day, he could hear the blaring of dozens of trumpets as the dwarf heralds announced their approach from the west. Together with Kat, Keira and Filial, he headed to the outer edge of the camp to greet them. The sight was an impressive one: row upon row of gleaming armor and walls of shields marching in perfect unison. This is what Ethan had imagined an army should look like. Though the elves were undoubtedly a deadly foe, this kind of disciplined strength would be sure to strike fear into the hearts of the enemy.
Keira was clearly excited to see her father and could barely contain herself, bursting into a run the moment he came into view at the vanguard of the army. She threw her arms around him, laughing with unrestrained joy as he lifted her off her feet and spun her around.
King Halvar raised his arm and another blast from the trumpets brought the dwarves to a halt. The king was clad in polished plate with a golden hammer emblazoned across his breast. His helm bore an iron crown with six points at its crest. As Ethan, Kat, and Filial walked forward, they could see that many of the dwarves were looking uneasy and casting their eyes skyward.
Halvar removed his helm and nodded to the trio. “My people will have to learn to live outside of the mountain,” he told them.
Ethan gripped the king’s hand, a reassuring smile on his face. “I’m sure it won’t take them long.”
“All is ready,” Filial said to Lotheri. “We can march at your order.”
“King Halvar’s commanders will be meeting with you as soon as they are prepared,” Lotheri responded, though his eyes were fixed on Ethan throughout.
Filial nodded and headed back toward his camp.
“May I present Ethan Dragonvein,” said Halvar.
Lotheri stepped forward and bowed. “I have waited a long time for this meeting, Lord Dragonvein.” He glanced over to Kat. “And are you the other mage in his company?”
“My name is Katyana,” she replied. “But please call me Kat.”
“She is not a mage,” Halvar interjected. “Lylinora was the one we guarded.”
“I’m sure,” said Lotheri. “But this one is not without skill. Am I correct?”
“I’ve been learning,” replied Kat.
“Your daughter tells me that you wish to speak with me,” said Ethan.
“That I need to, is more accurate,” Lotheri corrected. His eyes ran slowly over Ethan, taking in every detail. “There is something I must give you. Something that has been much sought by your kin in the past – though they could never have attained it.”
Keira’s eyes instantly shot wide. “No! You cannot do this! You should have told me.”
Lotheri faced his daughter. “And would you have gone if I had? This is what must happen if our people are to endure. There is no other way. Please. I now need you to be strong.”
“It might help if I knew what you are talking about,” said Ethan, his concern deepening.
Keira's eyes shifted from her father to Ethan. She stared at him for a moment, tears welling and lips trembling. Then, without a word, she spun away and burst into a run, quickly disappearing.
Ethan could see that Halvar was just as confused as he was.
“All will be clear quite soon,” Lotheri assured him. He turned to Halvar. “Your Highness, if you will kindly have your commanders gather, we can discuss how best to deploy our combined forces.” Again he looked at Ethan. “Then you and I must be alone.”
Having stated that, Lotheri bowed and strode off in the direction Keira had gone.
“What was that all about?” asked Kat.
Halvar shrugged. “I wish I knew. With the elves it could be anything. I have been with Lotheri for weeks and have learned almost nothing of their ways aside from the fact that their hatred of Shinzan overshadows their hatred for my people.” He sighed. “Whatever he wants with you, I suppose you’ll find out soon enough.”
While the dwarf army made camp, Ethan and Kat joined the meeting of commanders, though Lotheri was conspicuously absent from this gathering. As the rest of them decided upon a strategy, Ethan could not help but notice the elves eyeing him strangely.
It was decided that the dwarves would lead the attack with their rods, while the elves moved to the enemy's left and right flanks. With their superior numbers, it was hoped that once the Imperial center collapsed, they could surround them and end the battle quickly.
Ethan told them of Kat’s father, and of the plan Martok had devised.
“Human allies will be a great asset,” noted Halvar. “And the plan is sound – though it will not aid us in the immediate future. For now, we must deal with the enemy before us.”
“You should let me and Kat help,” Ethan offered. “The sight of magic might be enough to force them to surrender.”
“There will be no surrender,” Halvar told him. “Shinzan would not spare us should we do the same. Those who choose to fight for him must know what they face.”
This statement was met by enthusiastic agreement from both sets of commanders.
“An enemy with nowhere to run fights harder,” Ethan pointed out. “You should consider at least allowing them an avenue for retreat.”
“Did Shinzan allow my people to retreat?” snapped Halvar.
“Lord Dragonvein makes a good point, Your Highness,” Filial said. “We should not allow ou
r fury to blind us.”
“There will be no retreat,” Halvar insisted.
Ethan shook his head. He may not have been an officer. But any combat veteran would say that allowing your enemy either a means of surrender or retreat was essential. If you want to discover just how fierce a soldier is, all you need to do is put his back up against the wall. But he could tell that any further objections from him would fall on deaf ears.
It was decided they would march in two days’ time. Scouts had reported that the Imperials were showing no sign of movement. Presumably they were waiting for more soldiers to arrive. But Ethan wasn’t so sure.
After the meeting was over, Halvar returned to his people while Ethan took a moment to speak with Kat alone. They found a quiet spot in the gap between the two armies and sat down.
“Something isn’t right about this,” Ethan said. “It feels like a trap.”
“Why do you say that?” Kat asked.
“The Imperials have to know they're outnumbered. Why sit there and wait to be destroyed? It doesn’t make sense.”
“So you think they’re trying to lure us out?”
Ethan nodded. “I do. And I think that if King Halvar isn’t careful, a lot of people are going to die.”
“You should speak with him.”
“Halvar will not listen,” the voice of Lotheri called from behind. “His mind is set. He has redirected all his fears and hatred toward the Emperor and those who serve him. I have watched him over the past several weeks. He does not believe his people will survive this. So he will cause as much harm to his enemies as he can while he possesses the strength. I’ve seen him reading the journal of King Vidar. And with each reading, his heart has grown darker.”
This did not come as a great surprise to Ethan. Halvar had never been entirely optimistic about their chances.
“I too am apprehensive about the coming battle,” Lotheri continued. “As you have remarked previously to Filial and my daughter, Shinzan is not a fool. And I do not believe his commanders are either. Whatever is coming, it will be bloody.”
Dragonvein - Book Three Page 19