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18
Opened Eyes
Isacal held her head as it throbbed with pain. For what seemed like days the Elders and younger members had been shouting at each other, everyone struggling to be heard. In truth the Council meeting had been going barely the morning and the thought that this was going to go on for the rest of the day was causing her head to ache and throb. Willing her magic into her voice she bellowed.
‘Enough!’ But it was weak and she was tired which meant she was not heard.
‘ENOUGH!’ She shouted at the top of her lungs.
This was heard and all were silenced.
‘The votes were cast on this matter.’ Isacal started calmly.
With the exception of Angeli, Tei-Ore and Granio-Bre all the Elders had voted against assisting Alundi's Quest to get Little Annabel to the Emerald Skull. However all the younger members had voted with Alundi. Now what had to be discussed was how they were going to carry out their assistance, but Fredren, the politically crippled Elder, was still fighting against the cause and all Alundi was doing, and maybe that was his plan - to slow down the work.
‘It was a split decision which meant it fell to me. This will not be debated again, it was decided that Alec is to train young Little Annabel within the Emerald Skull! And we are going to do anything and everything in our power to complete this goal! EVEN…’ Isacal added loudly and angrily before anyone dared interrupt her,
‘…if it means that Elves die. We have hidden in this forest since the days of Camelot as we thought we were no longer needed, no more. Man, our neighbours and friends are suffering, greatly, at the hands of a tyrant and whether it is our responsibility or not we will free them, and the first step is getting young Little Annabel into the Emerald Skull.’ Isacal glanced at all the faces of the Elder members. She received nods and smiles from the three that sided with her and nothing but contempt from the others.
‘This Council is adjourned. Palan…’ Isacal said quickly, everyone stopped,
‘Summon Gurean, his Man-Elves and all our warriors. For we prepare them for war.’
There was stunned silence as Isacal powerfully walked out of the Council Chamber followed in all haste by all the younger Council members. When she exited she walked straight over to Boahim who was with a number of her Wolf Guard standing watch.
‘Boahim, I wish to send a scouting patrol to ascertain the state of the Emerald Skull.’ Boahim nodded instantly.
‘I’ll send Dosia-Buo’s patrol.’ He answered.
‘Good, I have instructed Palan to summon any and all to arms.’ She said softly. Boahim simply gaped at her.
‘Make sure the preparations are made.’ She instructed.
‘Yes My Queen.’ Boahim nodded then bowed.
Alundi stood in the dense part of the forest that surrounded his home though it was completely out of sight. The past few days had been some of the best of his long life, Annabel’s reaction being the only black mark on them. He had not spoken to her of that yet but they had been speaking each night when he joined the Ne-aans for dinner. Other than that Alundi was having the happiest time since he and Assard were in Mountain Rise with the Annabels. He spent every night with Calqui and every evening. At first they would discuss what was to come but now they often spoke of their past, Alundi having a bit more to say then her. They were now one. Each night they expressed their love for each other, Calqui’s hunger for Alundi most of the time outshone his for her. However the most memorable night was the night just previous. Alundi and Calqui lay side by side in the highest most room of his home staring at the stars. It was the best night of his long life made even better when Calqui agreed. The only memories that compared were when Assard and Little Annabel had for the first time called him father.
Now he stood dressed in a light tunic which was figure hugging, and Excalibur was loosely held in his left hand. Sweat pinned his tunic to his back and it poured down his head. He had been exercising all morning and was now confident that any lasting injuries from his bout with Merlin were now behind him. He quickly sidestepped to the right as a sword sliced through the air where he had just been. Alundi ran forward, stepped twice onto a large tree trunk and spun round leaping backwards, Excalibur pointed straight. Assard twirled to avoid the leaping strike. Alundi fell to the floor rolling in the same moment, spun and swung Excalibur. Their swords clashed, the ring sending a shudder through the trees close to them. Alundi pressed each strike faster and stronger and yet Assard was equal to each and every one. Assard rolled away to avoid a killing blow from Alundi, leapt into the air and swung out his right foot which smacked into Alundi’s chest. He staggered back and Assard landed and pushed. The speed of Assard's sword was so fast Alundi struggled to deflect it. Assard tripped slightly, which Alundi was grateful for and jumped at the chance to go on the offensive. Alundi swung high aiming for Assard's neck but he leaned back to evade, as he became straight Alundi cracked his forearm into his chin. He stumbled back slightly dazed from the strike. Alundi jumped into the air, spun and kicked out his foot landing a solid strike into Assard’s chest. Swinging Excalibur down hard he smashed the Fire Sword from Assard’s grasp and before he could draw his long knife the tip of Excalibur was resting on the dark flesh of his throat.
Assard sighed frustratedly, Alundi could not help grinning.
‘One day son, one day.’
Assard scoffed at Alundi’s sarcasm but there was a hint of a smile after it. He collected his sword and after bathing separately in Alundi’s home they dressed and headed for the Ne-aan’s. Boahim and Isacal were the only Quest members that were not present. Kraco had taken up residence at the far end of the clearing. He was enjoying the company of the people of Ne-aan and the Elves, it was just the trees that he was not fond of. Calqui was helping with the cooking along with Annabel and many others. Alagon had headed for the training arenas leaving his beloved to be the Ne-aan’s voice.
Alundi had spoken to Calqui about the situation with Annabel. It was a frowned upon custom for Elves to openly show their affection for each other in front of others, and with Annabel feeling as she did Calqui had agreed that they would show discretion in front of others. She urged Alundi to speak to her of it but he had not found the time. Or he was purposefully finding excuses not to. In truth part of him thought there was no need as there was no difference in Annabel, she was still her vibrant joyful self.
Kraco had finally caved under Little Annabel's constant, unceasing, pestering and he had taken her and many others on flights over the Elf forest, most of the time in groups.
Assard had taken Alundi’s advice and had stayed away from the training arenas, in fact it was this that had started their bout at dawn this very morning. Boahim arrived just before the midday meal was served and whisked Calqui away. He explained that she would return before nightfall but for now her speed was required. Alundi gave her a long hug and she departed. Afterwards Alundi kept a magical lock on Annabel’s movements hoping to catch her alone. Many more Elves were present than normal but thankfully they seemed not to be interested in the former prince. One Elf however stood out and it did not take long for her to come up to him.
‘Hello Alec.’ She said warmly. He looked up from his task and smiled.
‘Prem.’ He said with a smile, standing to embrace her.
‘She has been building up the courage to come and talk to you. She said that your parting was not pleasant.’ Annabel said from behind them.
They parted and Alundi nodded.
‘No it was not. But that was because I was a young, idiotic and stupid fool. And though I am still young compared to you I am no longer foolish or stupid.’ Alundi said with a grin.
‘In some cases.’ She whispered so quietly that Annabel did not hear but Alundi understood her meaning.
‘In magic and being a warrior and teacher, no you are not. I hear this is your son.’ She said turning to the approaching Assard.
&nbs
p; ‘Yes, I have raised him since he was three.’ Alundi muttered softly.
‘And he was a dreadful father, dreadful I say.’ Assard boomed with a grin.
‘You have inherited his wit I see. He seems to have done well.’ Prem corrected with a chuckle.
‘Assard this is Prem my second mother.’ Prem glanced at Alundi in shock but before she could turn back Assard had pulled her into a loving hug. Alundi laughed saying.
‘You two are going to get on.’ Still laughing.
‘You still haven’t come to see me.’ Someone called from behind them grasping more than just his attention.
Alundi looked up in shock and was surprised that Selec was even here given her volatile relationship with Prem. And more importantly the fact she was here at all. She had held a seat on the Elder Council for the best part of a thousand years but only in the gravest of times was she summoned, and if she was she made her visits secret, adding to the awe and mystery that surrounded her.
‘I was planning to visit you tomorrow.’ Alundi said bowing his head however Prem grasped his arm.
‘Alec. That would be unwise your presence will be needed tomorrow.’ Prem said warningly.
‘Why?’
‘Because…’ Selec began before Prem could say anything,
‘Elves are massing in the training arena. Our Queen has ordered us Elves to prepare for war.’
Everyone was shocked, even Alundi but after a few moments he grinned, knowing what his sister was planning.
‘Thank you for the advice Prem but tomorrow I am the last person that is needed. You have guaranteed me visiting Heo’s forge tomorrow. If Elves are massing I’m walking the other way.’ Alundi stubbornly muttered.
Prem rolled her eyes in frustration and turned to speak with Assard. Alundi beckoned Selec to join them but she refused and headed for the centre of Wen-Fen-Nu. Alundi shook his head, annoyed but did not follow.
They sat to their midday meal which was exquisite, Alundi recognising some of Annabel’s flavours within it. Kraco landed hard and loudly kicking up a great deal of loose dirt. Many screams of fright followed but then a chorus of laughter ran through them all. Annabel leaned over to Alundi who was polishing off his fourth helping and asked.
‘What was all that about?’ Alundi knew what she was talking about but he replied,
‘Long story.’ 'And this was not the place to tell', he thought but Annabel quickly replied.
‘I’ve got time.’
Alundi reached over and squeezed her hand lightly.
‘Your new home after I’ve had my sixth serving.’ Alundi said silently, patting his stomach, she smiled broadly and nodded.
Not long after Alundi finished his sixth serving Alagon returned and had started talking about all the different Elves that were arriving from all around. He had gripped Assard’s and Little Annabel’s attention and when he noticed Annabel climb the few steps and enter her dwelling. Alundi jumped at the chance, asking Kraco silently to create a distraction. He provided a brilliant one by roaring loudly and jumping into the air shouting silently to all who could hear that he was hungry. Alundi smiled and made his way to Annabel’s home and entered silently and unnoticed. He found Annabel sitting on the end of one of the beds admiring a number of Elf garments that had been given to her and her daughter.
‘One thing I have missed from this place is my former people's grasp of fashion and elegance.’
She smiled but did not look up and was not sincere. Alundi took a seat opposite her and waited for her to finish studying the garments and look up. When she did he noticed the pain in her eyes, which stung him.
‘After Xais-Xao…’ He started but Annabel interrupted by asking.
‘Who was he again?’ Alundi realised much had happened since he had told the story and so started at the beginning.
He retold what happened in his life up until the moment he killed Xais-Xao She listened intently as Alundi confirmed what Prem had said about his birth. After Annabel heard the full story up to that point she had remembered most of it. Alundi pulled out his pipe, lit it using magic and started smoking.
‘So I returned to Wen-Fen-Nu corrupted, feared and shunned by my fellow Elves, even the ones within the Wolf Guard who had sworn allegiance to me. I took Selec’s offer of apprenticeship. Prem was against it as was my mother who was now becoming ill after having me.’ Alundi fell silent and hung his head taking many puffs from his pipe without looking up.
‘I was barely older than you. You have to understand our childhood lasts until we are forty years of age. You may frown, but we Elves perceive time different to Man, which is why though physically we are mature our teachings and minds are not. Selec was revered even when I was young. She offered me a way out and I took it. Before I left I willed all the magic I could spare into my mother, something she tried to refuse.’ Alundi hung his head again not wanting to make eye contact.
‘For over a hundred years I learned her trade and eventually became as good as a sword-smith as her.’ Annabel seemed confused at Alundi’s pain.
‘Don’t you see, in those hundred years my mother could have died. My father did die and I was in seclusion with Heo.’ Annabel's realisation stung Alundi as her mouth fell open.
‘I had to kill Xais-Xao otherwise Isacal would have had to, and I would have a throne I did not want and a people that although I cared about, did not love. I rejected it, Selec helped for sure but it was my decision and that is something Prem will not, and does not want to understand. And neither I nor Selec have the patience or the will to convince her.’ Alundi said slightly forcefully as annoyance boiled to the surface. He sighed loudly, extinguished his pipe and with a slight wave of his hand the smoke disappeared from sight and scent.
‘I love Prem as a mother and no one can dispute my love for my mother.’ Silence fell again as Alundi stared at the floor not wanting to speak again.
‘You left afterwards Prem said?’ Annabel asked delicately.
‘Yes. I spent five years in secluded meditation then returned here. I willed my now well but mortal mother, with magic and all the love I had for her. She kept my living with her a secret except from Prem and whenever Isacal visited which was not often, I left. But after that year I made my presence known, gifted Isacal her sword Light, took up the name Galahad and with my mother's blessing left.’ Alundi looked her in the eyes for a few moments then stared at one of the garments she had pinned to the wall.
‘So many love you and you love them.’ Annabel said. Alundi was unsure whether it was a question or a statement, however Alundi did feel the pain in her voice.
‘Mistel’ He whispered. Annabel looked up in surprise and Alundi quickly stood and sat next to her. He did not touch her not knowing whether he should or not.
‘I love you Annabel but not in the same way.’
Annabel closed her eyes as tears came and she wrapped her arms around Alundi’s left arm.
‘Assard is my son. Are you aware of what Little Annabel calls me?’
She nodded but did not look up.
‘Your daughter…’ Alundi struggled for a moment trying to find the words.
‘Our daughter.’ He finally whispered. She looked up at him with fresh tears cascading down her cheeks.
‘Another sister for Assard would be nice.’ She smiled brilliantly but then her face darkened.
‘Tell me why? Why not me?’ She said painfully.
‘You are mortal.’ Alundi whispered softly. She pulled away from him and frowned.
‘That is it, the only reason?’
‘Yes. I may look like a Man but I am an Elf, I am immortal. And when the day comes when you die and hope against all hope that it is a day long into the future I will mourn you as a daughter passing before her parent. You should be with someone who can give what I cannot.’ Annabel looked at Alundi in disbelief.
‘What do you mean?’ She hissed.
‘A
mortal young Annabel, someone you can share a full and long life with. Someone who you can grow old with and maybe have more children, hmm?’
She stood, anger stinging her eyes. She turned not wanting to look at Alundi.
‘Why me Annabel? Why did you fall for me?’ He said forcefully.
She spun round, her anger not subsiding.
‘Because…’ she started strongly but it was obvious she did not have the words.
‘…you, you were the first Man, Elf… male I have ever trusted since my baby was born.’ She trailed off and her head fell into her hands.
Alundi jumped to his feet as it seemed she would fall and caught her. He wrapped his arms around her as she buried her face into Alundi chest.
She sobbed until night fell. Alundi held her and had no intention of letting go. Her home became as black as the darkest night. Alundi lit the candles that were dotted around the room using magic, not willing to let her go. After a short while the noise from outside was becoming ever more louder and it was obvious that the evening meal was about to be served. Annabel stirred within Alundi’s arms.
‘Trust is not love young Annabel, though it is needed. I trust Boahim, I do not love him. And I love Isacal but I do not trust her, or at least entirely.’
Annabel laughed shaking Alundi at the same time. He pushed her away slightly and looked into her eyes.
‘I love you young one, and trust you as I love and trust Assard. Can that be enough?’ She did not take her eyes from his for a long while. She studied them and all she could see was love. Fresh tears pooled in her eyes and she quickly wrapped her arms around his midriff. Alundi hugged her again.
‘It is more than enough.’ Annabel whispered as a smiled spread across Alundi’s face. They stepped down from Annabel’s home as soon as Annabel had cleaned herself up. There was a lot of activity and it was easy to blend into it unnoticed. They walked through the crowd that had gathered for the evening meal and it did not take long for Alundi to feel his loving Calqui. She noticed them and Annabel leaned towards him whispering.
‘Go to her. She’s missed you.’ Alundi turned, kissed her upon the brow and walked away. Though Calqui was with the entire Wolf Guard, Boahim included, she still jumped into Alundi’s arms and kissed him passionately. They all looked away annoyed and disgusted other than Boahim who simply chuckled.
‘Time and a place, you two.’ He said still laughing.
Alundi dropped her to the ground silently telling her everything he and Annabel had talked about.
‘I hear Boahim that Isacal has summoned a call for arms.’
Boahim nodded instantly.
‘Yes Alundi she has. We have also despatched a scouting patrol to view the Emerald Skull, rumours have reached us that it has been fortified.’
Alundi nodded approvingly knowing the dangers and importance of rumours. It was in fact rumours that had led Alundi south in search of young Little Annabel.
‘Good thinking, when will your warriors be assembled?’ Alundi asked noticing both Assard and Alagon listening in.
‘The day after tomorrow. And before you ask I will need your beloved tomorrow as well.’ Boahim said softly. Alundi nodded absently.
‘Then I will travel to Selec-Heo’s tomorrow and return in the evening. If I am required either by Isacal or the Elder Council it will be pointless until you and yours are all assembled.’
Boahim bowed his head in agreement but he did stop to think for a moment. After a short stay Boahim left, ordering the Wolf Guard to rest. Alundi being not particularly hungry, his hunger only for Calqui, he slipped away unnoticed by all bar Assard and they made their way together, secretly back to his home. They spoke about Annabel and Calqui and hoped that their friendship was not jeopardised. Alundi was confident it was not, mind.
Prem walked over to Annabel who was resting against the door of her home braiding Little Annabel's hair. They had eaten the evening meal and were now enjoying themselves watching the Men of Ne-aan and Elves compete in drinking games.
‘Young Annabel, young Little Annabel, greetings.’
‘Hello.’ They both said in unison which caused them to share a grin.
‘Are you well?’ Prem asked softly.
Annabel knew what she meant and after thinking about it for a few moments she nodded.
‘Yes, very well.’ Annabel said with a great smile.
Prem asked to sit and Annabel readily agreed.
‘Can I ask you something, both of you?’ Prem whispered.
Both the Annabels looked up and nodded.
‘I am worried young Annabels. With the Queen calling for us to prepare for war, I would like to known whether Alec has told you what his plans are. Do I need to prepare for the news soon that one or some of my few sons and daughter will be dead?’ The pain in her voice was obvious and it stung Little Annabel greatly as it was her who was indirectly responsible for it.
‘No.’ Little Annabel started forcefully shocking her mother and Prem.
‘Alundi will not risk anyone else’s lives. The members of the Quest have already pledged their lives, he may accept volunteers but there will be no order to war.’ Little Annabel said calmly. Prem smiled and bowed her head. Little Annabel looked away hoping she had not offended. She noticed Assard who strolled over.
‘I am about to collect my fiddle and join with a number of different instrument players. Come join in the fun.’ He said with a beaming smile. The others started playing at that moment and Assard outstretched his hand towards Prem.
‘May I have this dance, grandmother?’ Prem scowled at him but then smiled.
She took his hand and pulled on it hard, hoping to catch him off guard but Prem then remembered how strong Assard was.
‘If you can keep up with me.’ She said smiling mischievously.
Annabel laughed out loud as did Assard who pulled Prem to her feet and wrapped his arm around her back.
‘Hold on.’ He whispered. He then jumped forcing his magic into the leap and they sailed over the table and many onlookers and landed into the parted crowd that had already started dancing in front of the musicians. The Annabels laughed loudly and followed but not taking the same path.
The Legend of Alundi - Journey to the Emerald Skull Page 18