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19
The Apprentices of Selec-Heo
Dosia headed north with his patrol, he had decided not to go via the Northern Kingdom as Boahim had instructed that speed was paramount. He knew exactly where all his patrol was though they made no sound and were not in sight. The Queen and Boahim gave their mission to them personally, if Dosia believed their mission was unusual it did not matter. He and his own would complete it to utter perfection. That was what he demanded from them all. Unlike most Elves that served as patrol masters Dosia was an Elder. Often he was approached by Tei-Ore and even Tarant-Quo to take a seat upon the Elder Council but he had never been one for politics, or for leadership. He led his patrol but they, over the long years they had been together, had become family. Dosia had met Alundi when he and his Quest arrived at their borders but when the rumours that Alundi was indeed Alec-Keo and his Prince was confirmed Dosia finally recognised him. He had trained Alundi in his youth-training all those years ago during his swordplay and magical teachings. Now after learning at least some of his story. Dosia had to admit he was impressed. He was obviously one of the instructors when Alundi had been given command of the Wolf Guard and was also present when they were despatched with the then Princess Isacal, to kill Xais-Xao The first reactions were of disgust that he had done so but rumours started creeping through the forest that he had been ordered to do so either by his father or the Elder Council. Three days after his return to Wen-Fen-Nu Dosia found him training alone at the far end of the training arenas. Everyone else was nowhere near him and not daring to go near. Dosia had chosen to walk over to his Prince but there was an obvious change in him. A change that scared many, Dosia included. But after seeing the Prince that day and now looking and listening at what he had accomplished and what he had become, if the rumours were true he was now or almost was the greatest swordsman and magic-wielder this land had ever seen. And if the rumours about this young Little Annabel were true also, they very well may succeed in destroying Nala-Kahn’s oppression over their neighbours. Dosia hoped he would get the chance to talk with Alundi and he knew the likelihood was good, assuming he and his patrol were successful in their mission and so he would do all he could to make sure it was executed perfectly. This was his charge and it was a charge that was essential.
Alundi had woken early, bathed and dressed appropriately for the somewhat short journey he would be taking today. He bid Calqui a loving goodbye, strapped Excalibur to his hip and went looking for Assard and the Annabels. It was not difficult finding them. Assard was sitting on the great table crossed legged playing his fiddle smoothly and quietly to both the Annabels, Annabel putting the finishing touches to the long job of braiding Little Annabel’s hair. After negotiating with Annabel so he could kidnap Little Annabel for the day and convincing Kraco to fly them to Selec’s, they were ready after both Assard and Little Annabel collected their swords. They climbed onto Kraco’s back, something that was a great deal easier now they had done it so many times. They lifted off as Kraco beat his great wings. Before long they were over the forest canopy heading northeast. Alundi made a mind connection with Kraco and guided the gold dragon. There were noticeable openings in the canopy signifying smaller Elf settlements but Alundi instructed Kraco to head due east away from them.
‘I smell something.’ Kraco growled.
‘Probably the Dwarf!’ Assard boomed back.
Alundi burst out laughing and as his and Kraco’s minds were linked he did also.
‘There.’ Alundi and Kraco echoed between them. He dived down, wind thrashed past them and just as it seemed they would crash through the canopy Kraco pulled up and circled a small clearing. A thick column of smoke sliced the sky in two. Kraco circled a number of times then slowly descended shaking the ground when he landed. Before them stood the beaming figure of Selec, climbing down quickly Alundi jogged over to her and wrapped her up in a tight embrace. Assard helped Little Annabel down from Kraco’s back.
‘I see your point Assard. Or should I say I smell it.’ Kraco boomed.
Assard and Alundi burst out laughing which confused Selec and tickled Little Annabel.
‘I shall leave. I am in need of a good soak and fresh meat, when do you wish my return Alundi?’ Kraco growled softly.
‘No need for a return Kraco. We shall return to Wen-Fen-Nu by our own means.’ Alundi said with a bow but Little Annabel noticed a slight twitch on Alundi’s brow realising he had silently said something to the great gold dragon. Kraco bowed his head low, beat his wings and lifted off the ground with ease. Assard strolled over to Selec and his father.
‘I have heard so much about you Selec-Heo. Come here.’ He boomed and he pulled the renowned blacksmith into a loving embrace. She was at first taken aback but soon she began to enjoy it.
‘Heo may I present young Little Annabel.’ Alundi muttered waving her forward. She came but tentatively. Selec however was not careful took several steps forward and embraced her. Assard and Alundi both shared a smile.
‘So, where’s Shorty?’ Alundi asked as Selec let go of Little Annabel.
‘You can call that dragon back right this moment if you carry on like that. I am not having you at each others throats.’ Selec boomed forcefully waving her finger at him.
‘We will not be at each others throats, for I will not kneel down.’ Alundi said with a grin which made Assard chuckle.
Before Selec could say anything, mind, Alundi stepped forward quickly and whispered.
‘You will have to bear it Heo, just like I bear you and Prem. And as long as that hairy hermit keeps his hands off her and this I won’t kill him.’ Alundi placed an arm around Little Annabel and patted Excalibur that hung from his belt at the same moment. Selec nodded but was not entirely convinced and stepped aside. Alundi was the first to enter the forge. The forge was far more familiar to Alundi then his home was. This was another home in which he had spent over a hundred years learning his trade. His trade had changed somewhat since then, but this was a place that had shaped his being. This will always be home to him. He starting looking around then his eyes fell on the figure that stood, back towards him, adjacent to the octagonal forge. He was forging one of the thin long swords now favoured by most Elf warriors. Alundi went over, Selec was about to prevent him but Assard placed a soft hand on her shoulder. She snapped her head round but Assard gave her a reassuring bow of his head. Alundi waited until the sword was placed back into the fire.
‘Greetings, Uran.’ Alundi said from a few steps behind him. Uran turned round making sure he did not lose his footing on the higher level on which he was standing, however he still had to look up at Alundi.
‘Greetings, Alundi.’ He growled back whilst leaning to his left to find Assard.
‘And you Assard.’
Alundi glanced down at the hammer that lay on the great log in front of Uran. It was of similar design to his own however easily twice its weight. Alundi surmised it would have had to have been, as it was not made from star metal.
‘After I catch up with Heo, we need to talk.’ Alundi said calmly and firmly.
‘About what?’ Uran spat as he pulled the white hot sword from the fire.
Alundi placed a hand on Uran’s left shoulder, which held the sword he was hammering. He leaned into his ear and whispered.
‘About freeing your people my short friend.’
Uran froze. Alundi patted his shoulder and returned to the others. It took a few moments for Uran to compose himself and by then the heat was gone from the sword. He replaced the sword in the fire and strolled over to the bellows and started pulling.
‘I would have thought you would have changed this place around.’
Selec smiled.
‘It was. I returned it to this layout about ten years ago. I thought you would like it.’ She said warmly.
‘You sound like you were expecting me.’
She smiled brilliantly but shook her head.
‘Anyway there is something here I guarantee you will like to meet.’ Alundi glanced at Assard who stepped forward and drew the Fire Sword, spun it in the air a few times then handed it to Selec handle first. She took it willingly but delicately. She studied it intently, running her hand over its face and checking the sharpness in the sword as well. The handle she took more of an interest in. Alundi watched with joy as he saw the wonder in Selec’s eyes as they caressed the sword. He glanced at Little Annabel, then nodded towards Nasel that pieced her bag. She swung it off her shoulder, grasped the handle like an expert and pulled it free. Alundi grinned knowing that Assard must have something to do with this expert display. Selec looked down at it and carefully placing the Fire Sword back on the table she slowly accepted Nasel from Little Annabel’s hand.
‘Your blade?’ she asked glancing at Alundi.
‘Not for many years. But I was the one who forged it. Nasel.’ Alundi added with a great measure of pride. She studied it just as much as she did the Fire Sword and it seemed that curiosity had finally overcome Uran who had strolled over making no sound. He studied Selec as she studied Nasel. Glancing at Assard was all he needed to be allowed to grasp the Fire Sword. He swung it through the air a number of times skilfully and quickly.
‘I thought a sword was not the weapon of choice for a Dwarf?’ Assard asked curtly.
‘You certainly have grown. You are quite correct however living with these fair Elves has opened my eyes to new ways, Selec has helped.’ Uran added glancing at her hoping for a response, but her attention had been absorbed by Nasel.
Uran shook his head and then stopped dead as his eyes fell onto the handle of Excalibur that hung from Alundi’s belt. Assard noticed and silently nudged Alundi’s mind.
‘I carry something that interests you?’ Alundi asked mockingly.
Uran unconsciously rubbed his throat which made him chuckle. Alundi drew Excalibur, the ring from the sword sang through the forge and was reflected and refracted by the other two swords that now lay on the table. Placing Excalibur down next to the others all five of them for a few moments just stood and stared at the legendary swords before them.
‘Each sword is unique and perfect in its own different way, mind.’ Selec said rather absently. There was a rush of magic that surged from the swords. A trio chorus of thanks sang through the magic. Uran felt the magic, however did not hear anything. Selec glanced at Alundi in shock but he and Assard simply grinned.
‘Nasel was your creation.’ She said composing herself and glancing back at Alundi who was certain this was not a question.
‘The other two have been forged in very different ways to Nasel and each other. Every sword-smith has a different way of forging. There are individual habits that can tarnish a sword but all three of these are perfect. In my opinion all three were forged by three different sword-smiths’ Selec said confidently.
‘You were not one of them?’ Little Annabel asked.
‘No. These two have been forged by a sword-smith far greater than I.’ Uran stared at her in shock and was wondering whether she was being modest, but she was not. He noticed the expression she sometimes wore and knew without a doubt that she meant every word she said.
‘What is your plan, Alec?’ Selec asked glancing at him then Little Annabel.
‘That depends upon the scouting report. They will return soon.’ Alundi answered simply.
‘And what’s my part in this?’ Uran boomed stepping back from him.
Alundi turned to him and took a slow purposeful step forward.
‘I don’t like you Uran. You’re devious, cunning and quick handed…’ Alundi growled seething, ‘…but… you are also strong, both physically and in will, skilled as well, far more than any of your people, but most importantly you want your people free.’ Alundi said not taking his eyes from Uran’s.
‘Let’s eat.’ Selec said.
Assard grasped the Fire Sword and Nasel, which he handed to Little Annabel.
‘Ah Heo that reminds me. Would I be imposing to ask you to fashion a scabbier for young Little Annabel, one that can be adjusted for her growth and can be worn on her back and on her belt.’ Selec looked over Little Annabel and Nasel, regarding them both for a moment then quickly nodded.
‘Out of dragon hide.’
Uran's jaw dropped in utter disbelief.
‘And I need the rest of it.’ Alundi added.
Uran walked over to Selec almost fuming.
‘You can’t be seriously considering this.’
‘The dragon hide is his Uran.’ Selec spat at him but quickly calmed.
‘Which was why you were never allowed it. I know how priceless it is even to us Elves but we know the importance of ownership. I will fashion your scabbier young one…’ Selec said grinning at her.
‘But may I ask what you plan to do with the rest of it?’ She asked simply curious.
‘Some for Assard the rest I shall keep for young Little Annabel for when she has grown. And if there’s any left I’ll fashion some forearm guards for myself.’
Uran looked shocked and appalled. The value of the amount of dragon hide Selec stored was of the value of the fortress of Heeden.
‘Who will fashion Assard's armour?’ Selec asked.
‘I’ll take it to the Northern Kingdom and ask Natali-Po to fashion it.’
Selec looked shocked for a moment then stepped passed them gesturing for them to follow. A great cauldron was simmering on a wood burning stove next to a sizeable table. It smelt delicious. Uran strolled passed them grasping the great cauldron by its rim and lifted in onto the metal plate that was riveted to the table.
‘I do hope Uran is the cook around here.’
Selec scowled at him but they all noticed Uran grin broadly receiving the same scowl from Selec.
‘You are the greatest sword-smith ever Heo, but you are one lousy cook.’
‘Continue like that and you will no longer be welcome here.’ Selec spat but all that did was cause Alundi and Uran to burst out laughing.
They ate swapping stories, the one Little Annabel was particularly interested in was Uran’s and Alundi’s meeting some mere twenty eight years ago. They had passed on a similar journey she and Alundi were on now. Alundi was taking Assard over the Dwarf lands past Nala-Kahn's fortress to the Emerald Skull. Uran like Alundi was a prince however there were over a hundred Dwarf princes all of them with families or clans of their own and all with equal standing for the throne. Uran’s younger brother Spirinan was also a prince and had been the most cunning and devious of the lot of them. He had tricked Uran into gifting him his warriors, which secured him the throne when the king died. Uran was expecting a grand title under his brother's leadership, general or at the very least Council member. What he received was nothing like that. His clan was forced to swear allegiance to Spirinan however, fearing that the loyalties would still lie with Uran and so he, along with his wife and sons, were banished. As a final act of compassion Spirinan gifted Uran their father's war axe but to make sure he never returned, he blinded his eldest son Nyorn. When they had met Alu
ndi and Assard, Alundi helped giving them food and coin and travelled with them until they passed through the centre of the Northern Kingdom. On their last day of travelling together Alundi healed Nyorn’s sight and gifted them his travel tent and packs as they did not need them within the Skull. Uran explained that all Dwarves did not participate in charity. It was a foreign concept to them. If for any reason a child lost their parents it was expected for either a relative or another clan member to take the child in and even if this was not possible if either the clan had been destroyed or merged into another, other clans would take them, even mortal enemies. If an adult required help whether that be coin, housing or caring, the debt would have to be repaid in time, either by them or a nominated friend.
Uran continued saying simply that they parted, he and his family heading east towards Elf country upon Alundi's recommendation, and Alundi with Assard heading north for the Skull. Upon being accepted by the Elves Uran said that doing nothing was something a Dwarf could not do. It was then, when he had expressed an interest is blacksmithing that he met Selec and his apprenticeship had begun.
‘Uran is missing out the part where he almost got his head cut off by my father.’ Assard said cheekily, Uran simply grumbling.
‘Why did you do that?’ Little Annabel asked slightly worried.
‘Uran tried to steal Excalibur.’ Assard answered as Alundi let out a quiet growl.
‘I was only six and it was the first time I ever saw him angry.’ Assard continued.
‘Furious would have been a more accurate description son.’ Alundi corrected.
Assard accepted with a nod. Little Annabel and Selec stared at Uran in disbelief.
‘I was desperate and an idiot.’ Uran said softly.
‘I can understand that, Excalibur is a truly magnificent sword.’ Selec muttered absent-mindedly.
A warm and spiky magic surged through them, which made them all grin. Selec shot a glance at Alundi who nodded.
‘Yes, that was Excalibur.’ His voice smoothly echoed in her mind.
‘I stopped him by standing in the way.’ Assard mumbled between mouthfuls.
‘The perfect and only way.’ Alundi said chuckling.
‘Are you going to get your hands dirty, Alec?’ Selec asked with a measure of longing in her voice.
‘Oh yes, I need more throwing knives, at least thirteen.’
A smile spread across Selec’s face a smile Alundi had only seen once since his return when she first laid eyes on him after so long.
‘In that case I will take Little Annabel with your permission Uran, to visit your family.’
Uran nodded and stood to leave beckoning them to follow. They did so leaving their bags and sword in the forge.
Alundi stood and strolled over to where Selec stored the metals she had smelted but had not created anything from them as yet.
‘Any star metal?’
Selec scowled at him.
‘Of course I do but my supply is dangerously low and my smelter is in dire need of repair.’
Alundi rolled his eyes in disbelief.
‘It was in dire need of repair when I was your apprentice.’
Selec smacked him hard on the shoulder, which made Alundi smirk. He returned to Little Annabel’s bag and retrieved his hammer which he stowed in there that very morning. Turning he discarded his outer tunic and grasped the few small pieces of star metal he could see. Turning to his former master he handed a couple to her and asked.
‘Shall we?’ With a smile across his face, Selec returned it with a smile much more brilliant. Uran returned and Alundi placed a few more pieces of star metal that Selec had collected from the pile with one of his throwing knives so Uran knew what he was doing. Before too long the three of them were forging at their own speed and yet the sound was quite harmonious. Alundi used magic to pump the bellows saving them time breaking their flow. They worked around the octagonal forge each of them having at least one fire that was not lit in between them.
The trio's chorus of hammer blows started to spark the, now not so recent, memories of Alundi’s stay in Mountain Rise working with Knorrest and Conner. His thoughts drifted to them but he was still able to keep his concentration on what he was doing. Knorrest would hopefully be awake, or at least within the month, though his recovery would still take some time after that. The injuries Iruc inflicted would have killed lesser Men and even Knorrest would not have survived without Alundi's healing. Conner had the skill and strength of will to keep them afloat during the winter months. He had pondered on contacting Mistel but truth be told he was still wary of her since Crimson's death, as her feelings towards him were not what they once were. He knew his and Assard's actions had saved most of the Stone Bay residents, however his actions had also painted a target on them all, as they would now be considered a threat. He had angered the Strem pirates and the Empire but he knew with no shadow of a doubt that Little Annabel was his priority and was more important than them all. In no way did he wish them harm but they were expendable, but nowhere near what his enemies thought of expendable. Assard and Annabel also knew he was right but it did not make it feel right nor did it make Alundi not responsible. There would be bloodshed he knew, and he knew that forgiveness would not find him as it had not found him yet. All Alundi could do was hope that few would die and most would escape the Empire.
Selec watched Uran wander over unnoticed by Alundi whose eyes and hands were forging his third knife and his mind on the friends he had made and may lose. Uran waited patiently which was impressive compared to most Dwarves, Selec mused. But eventually he cleared his throat loudly which knocked Alundi from his trance. He placed the knives on Alundi’s anvil. They were cool enough to touch and so Alundi picked them up and studied them.
‘This one needs thinning the other two are good.’ Alundi said handing him back the knife and placing one of the knives he was working on into the fire and retrieving another with the same pair of tongs and continued hammering. Uran did not move, obviously angered by Alundi.
‘Uran I do not doubt your smithing ability. But my weapons have to be perfect. I am a far greater warrior than you and perhaps all…’ Alundi looked up swapping the knives again within the fire.
‘It needs to be slightly lighter.’ Alundi muttered to him with a nod and returning his attention to the knife and continued to forge.
Uran nodded slowly and trotted back to his fire. Selec smiled but not looking up from her work. By mid-afternoon the three sword-smiths had finished. To Alundi’s joy seventeen throwing knives now lay on the table next to Nasel and the Fire Sword. They were still black with scale and some indentation on them. There was only room for one to sit at the grinding and polishing wheels. Selec refused outright for either of them to do it saying she would but both of them shared a grin as they knew how much she enjoyed it. Alundi who had sweat streaming down from his head, strolled outside into the woods around them allowing the cool wind to sting his sweat-covered body.
The battling and travelling he had done had taken a toll. He fatigued easier now and it was obvious that he had still not returned to his full self. Uran emerged from the forge, his clothes saturated with sweat carrying a sizeable axe.
‘Alundi I remembered you took an interest in this.’ Uran boomed.
Spinning round he noticed it and nodded approvingly. It had been forged by the greatest axe-smith within the Dwarf kingdom over five hundred years ago and passed to the eldest child of each generation. Uran offered it to Alundi who grasped it with one hand at its lowest point. Uran stepped back as Alundi first swung it to his left then swung it over his head going through the moves Uran had showed him when they had first met.
‘It is a great weapon, but not to my liking.’
‘Why is that? You seem to be as strong as I?’ Uran asked.
‘Yes, but for me speed holds as much importance as strength and that is not including magic.’
Uran nodded
and grasped his right shoulder unconsciously.
‘I have been training with the Elves periodically and though I am stronger they still defeat me.’ Uran muttered angrily Alundi knowing it was not directed towards him.
‘You not only have to master yourself you have to master your thoughts. For instance Assard when he fights, his speed is greater than mine and yet he has never defeated me.’
‘You are his master though.’
Alundi threw the axe back to Uran who caught it skilfully.
‘Show me.’ Alundi asked gesturing to the small clearing twenty paces from the entrance to the forge. Uran was slightly taken aback but quickly walked into the clearing and started his exercises. Alundi stayed at the side and studied Uran as he ran though his teachings and what he had learned since his arrival here from the Elves.
‘Would you like an opponent?’ Alundi asked with a grin.
Uran nodded and Alundi pounced drawing Excalibur, which surprised Uran as he did not notice Excalibur was still on his belt. Excalibur crashed against the edge of the axe cracking and splintering it. Alundi quicker than anything or anyone Uran had seen before smacked his axe from his hand and sheathed Excalibur.
‘Your weapon needs to be lighter, even for you.’ Alundi added as he noticed the expression on Uran's face darken.
‘Not only that, your movements suggested to me that you need a double ended weapon.’
Uran's curiosity was sparked and followed Alundi who was beckoning him into the forge. Uran followed, still angry at the condition of his father's axe. He found Alundi sifting through the pile of star metal Selec had recovered looking for small bits for Alundi’s knives.
‘Use this for the body of the axe and this for the cutting edge fire welded, same with the lower blade.’ He placed the pieces into the fire and strolled over to the design table. There Alundi grasped a piece of charcoal and sketched out the design of the axe.
‘Double ended is the way to go and you seem to favour your right side so this is what I think.’
Uran studied the outlined drawing and was annoyed that he was impressed. He watched as Alundi skilfully and quickly scribed the charcoal over the table bringing the weapon to life out of his head. He copied the shape of Uran’s father's axe though the blades were two thirds their size and thinner.
‘You’ll have to use a wooden handle, oak or something stronger so the weight is balanced.’ Alundi muttered absent-mindedly.
Selec in the meantime was glancing over every few moments diverting her attention from the grinding and polishing. After a short while the design was complete. A two faced axe was on one end, the other had one blade on one face curved in the shape of a semicircle with one end protruding past the end of the handle. The other curving round where Uran’s hand would be long enough to touch the handle so no one could slip a blade down the shaft and cut off Uran’s fingers.
‘Shall we?’ Alundi asked excitedly.
Uran smiled broadly and headed for the forge which made Selec chuckle.
The two of them worked fast and meticulously. As twilight took hold the axe was finished though the handle had yet to be sourced. So for now the axe would lay unassembled until they found some. Uran left for his family to prepare their evening meal leaving Alundi and Selec to clean and dowse the fires. She often ate with them and so after finishing the polishing and etching an eagle’s wing on each face of Alundi’s knives, they followed Uran. Alundi offered his arm which she did not take. He explained it was a custom of Man to offer their women their arm so they could walk together. She took it and chuckled.
‘Maybe these Man are not that backwards after all.’ Selec muttered.
Alundi burst out laughing. They spoke of days long past as well as recent developments. Without warning Alundi staggered. He shook his head and recognised the mind touch of someone he loved. Opening himself to her he heard Calqui’s voice say.
‘My love, My Queen needs to speak with you.’ Alundi smiled at hearing her voice.
‘Of course my love.’ Alundi replied aloud knowing that Selec, Calqui and Isacal would hear.
‘Brother, many have assembled as well as a sizeable contingent from the Northern Kingdom. Purum-Kio, Natali-Po and…’ Isacal stopped and even through their magic mental communication Alundi heard her breathe a loud sigh.
‘Soni-Xao is also here and it seems he commands a great deal of respect amongst his peers.’ She said finally.
This would complicate things Alundi was certain and he easily could understand his sister's hesitation.
‘Do not worry sister we will cross that bridge when we come to it. I shall return by the morning, is this satisfactory?’ Alundi asked silently and aloud.
Calqui was obviously privy to the conversation and Alundi could feel her confusion and apprehension.
‘Yes brother.’ Isacal answered and then withdrew.
Alundi quickly reassured Calqui that everything was OK and that he would return soon. He withdrew to find a concerned Selec staring at him. he took a couple of long breaths then sighed.
‘Xais-Xao's son is in Wen-Fen-Nu.’
Selec's eyes widened in shock and fear but not fear of Soni-Xao rather fear for Alundi. He grinned wrapped his arm around her and muttered.
‘I’m hungry.’
She chuckled but the two old friends were not convinced by Alundi’s dismissal of the potential threat they now faced.
The Legend of Alundi - Journey to the Emerald Skull Page 19