The Legend of Alundi - Journey to the Emerald Skull

by Russell Claridge

  ~~~~

  20

  Preparations

  Assard yelled in delight when his eyes fell upon Uran’s family. Twenty eight years was a long time and yet although Uran’s sons had grown to their full height of just under five feet they still carried the same youthful faces Assard remembered. Uran grinned broadly as his two sons grasped Assard in a gut wrenching tight lock. Assard struggled to breath and though Dwarves were famed for their brute strength Assard was able to push them off with relative ease. 

  ‘Assard.’ A fair voice screamed. 

  Assard spun round, grinned broadly and skipped over to Zeece, Uran’s wife and lifted her into a loving hug. The last time he had seen her she was covered in bruises and cuts from the beating she had received when they had been banished. However the greatest change was not her recovery but her look in general. Her original look made it difficult for Assard to identify her as female, which was not uncommon with female Dwarves. She struck a resemblance to Uran with fierce eyebrow bones, darkened skin, thick neck and a bushy beard. Now however living with the fair Elves must have influenced her and she must have grown susceptible to their look and mirrored it well. There was no evidence of facial hair, her skin had almost turned as pale as the Elves and her once strong brow had been mellowed either by substance or magic. She was without doubt the most appealing Dwarf that there was, though that was in truth no high praise. Uran kissed her passionately, grasped a jug of mead and returned to the forge. 

  ‘Zeece, may I present Little Annabel.’ Assard said lovingly gesturing for her to join him. She walked over attentively. 

  ‘How do you do young one? I am Zeece and they are Nyorn and Galen.’ She added waving her hand in their direction. 

  Little Annabel waved to them which made Assard chuckle. 

  ‘Zeece, would there be any food and perhaps mead?’ Assard asked grinning broadly. 

  Zeece smirked and then nodded returning to the house behind her. 

  Soon enough Zeece returned with a cauldron the size of Little Annabel in one hand being held by it rim as well as a barrel of mead upon her other shoulder. Her sons cleared the table quickly and skilfully obviously no strangers to the task. Placing the cauldron on a metal plate that was in the centre of the table Galen placed a pile of large bowls next to it and started ladling stew from it. Each time he filled a bowl he handed it to Nyorn who handed it to Assard and so it continued until all of them had a bowl in front of them. Nyorn at the same time was prising off the lid to the barrel of mead. 

  ‘So how has life been since you arrived here?’ Assard asked shortly after they had started eating. 

  ‘It has been wonderful. At first it was difficult.’ 

  Nyorn and Galen chuckled at their mother’s words. 

  ‘That’s an understatement. Mother hated it here, so did we. We all got really fat.’ Zeece and Galen burst out laughing which made Assard and Little Annabel join in. 

  ‘We Dwarves have very healthy appetites but that is countered by our active lives.’ Zeece said softly. 

  ‘We have found the balance now. Fighting and heavy hobbies keep us trim.’ Galen said proudly. 

  ‘Not following your father’s trade then?’ Little Annabel asked. 

  Both of the sons scoffed which made Zeece and Assard laugh once again. They ate the entire stew, Little Annabel noticing how delicious and how quickly they had consumed the entire cauldron. It did not take long or much convincing for Nyorn and Galen to get Assard to spar with them. At first it was serious tuition from Assard but it quickly fell into a fierce but friendly battle with the sons teaming up on Assard trying to lock him in a tight bear hug. Zeece found the whole thing hysterically funny, taking a seat just outside the small fighting ground and cheering. Little Annabel joined her. Assard was obviously faster and more agile but the sons’ strength was constant. Assard would throw them hard onto the floor over each other and they would just jump back onto their feet as if they just tripped and continued. It fast became clear to Little Annabel that it would take a great deal to seriously hurt or kill a Dwarf, without magic anyway. However, soon enough a pattern was emerging and it was Assard who was dictating the battle. Even Little Annabel noticed and eventually the brothers, now drenched in sweat and panting heavily, conceded defeat, something, Zeece whispered, that hardly ever happened. Assard showed no injury and was only slightly out of breath. Nyorn walked over to a barrel as tall as him and with one hand grasped its rim and lifted it over his head to allow a cascade of freezing and soothing water to slosh all over him. Galen pulled off his shirt and as Little Annabel's eyes fell onto his body she gasped which caught everyone attention. They were surprised for a moment then after following her gaze they understood. Galen’s chest was covered with burn and heavy whip scars. He quickly spun round which made Little Annabel gasp again as his back was even worse. 

  ‘Do not worry Little Annabel, they are old wounds.’ Zeece said soothingly. 

  ‘Doesn’t make it right.’ Little Annabel spat but Zeece knew that it was not directed at her. 

  ‘You are quite right. But it could have been worse.’ Zeece continued. 

  ‘A lot worse.’ Galen confirmed turning back around. 

  ‘I was given the choice, suffer what I suffered or watch worse done to my mother. I chose wisely.’ 

  ‘Too right.’ Nyorn interjected loudly and smiled brilliantly. 

  ‘I gave up trying to disagree with them a long time ago.’ Zeece whispered but Little Annabel could hear the pain in her voice. 

  She stood giving Little Annabel a cute nod and returned to the stove and started preparing the evening meal. The sky started to dim as the sunlight failed to reach over the tree tops. Before night had taken hold Uran returned to assist with the preparations. Zeece filled him in about his son’s battle with Assard and he boomed with laughter as a result. It was not long until Alundi and Selec joined them all and knuckled down to help cook. 

  The meal was rich, full and loud. The Ne-aans had nothing on the loud son’s of Uran. They shouted, sang and fought, much to everyone’s amusement. Zeece’s food was just as good as that of Little Annabel’s mother. All ate sizeable portions except Selec of course. Alundi caught up with Zeece, Galen and Nyorn. He also tested Nyorn's eyesight just in case, but the healing he had done was flawless and Nyorn was still in awe of what Alundi had done. Uran started to talk about the current situation but Alundi stopped him, saying it was not the time but Alundi did suggest that Uran and his sons should come to Wen-Fen-Nu and join in with the training and preparations. The sons were excited but Zeece was not impressed by Alundi's suggestion. 

  ‘It is likely that we and the Elves may have to fight your kind. They can at least train against you.’ Assard muttered between ladles full of food. 

  ‘They would be over trained!’ Galen boomed which was followed by a chorus of laughter. 

  ‘That they would young one. Uran can I persuade you to drop the hammer for a few days and join me in Wen-Fen-Nu. I do suggest that you finish your weapon first.’ Alundi winked at him then looked up at the sky which had shook off the last rays of sun light. 

  With their plates clear Alundi took another glance at the sky. 

  ‘We best depart. Isacal needs us.’ 

  Assard nodded in agreement and with Selec returned to her forge to collect their swords and the dragon hide. Little Annabel hugged the Dwarf family goodbye, as did Alundi with the exception of Uran and turned to leave. Uran reiterated that he and his sons would join them in a couple of days. Assard and Selec returned laden with their weapons and belongings. Selec confirming that she would travel with Uran and deliver Little Annabel’s scrappier. Alundi beckoned Little Annabel to climb on his back. She did so awkwardly which the two Dwarf sons found very amusing. Assard carried their bags and took the lead. 

  ‘Use your sight young one.’ Alundi muttered softly. 

  She did so as quickly as she remembered and Alundi following Assard sprung into a sprint. Alundi w
as hot on Assard's tail as the two warriors ran faster than any creature that stalked this land, weaving in and out of the densely packed trees, skipping over thick roots and leaping almost fluid like over hedges and fallen trunks. Assard started to streak ahead however Little Annabel could see the red aura glow through the sharp greens and whites of this life-filled forest. Glancing down she noticed the somewhat pleasant mix or purple and orange that defined Alundi's magic and in part, being. This was when she noticed that the once sky blue that emanated from her was no longer and it was now almost a violent war for dominance between a mixture of blues, reds, whites and black. She silently mentioned this to Alundi who replied. 

  ‘You are maturing young one. Only when you are trained and a woman, will your magic set.’ 

  Intrigued and also worried, she made a mental note to check every day just to be certain.

  It was long past midnight when they finally arrived at the Ne-aan’s new home. Alundi slowly placed Little Annabel onto her bed so as not to wake her. Annabel woke and watched as the great warrior so delicately removed her daughter's boots and overcoat and pulled her blankets over her. He kissed her upon the brow and softly stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. 

  ‘You truly love her don’t you?’ Annabel whispered. 

  Alundi glanced over, shocked that she was awake and after glancing back at her daughter he whispered. 

  ‘Yes.’ 

  ‘Thank you.’ She replied. 

  Alundi surprised again turned to her. 

  ‘This is not the time either.’ 

  Annabel sat up and beckoned him over. He sat beside her and she wrapped her arms around him. 

  ‘You said I will know when it is. And it is now, Alundi.’ He pulled her into a tighter embrace Annabel whispered. 

  ‘I love you… father.’ 

  ‘And I love you daughter.’ They stayed embraced for a sort while then Alundi stood, bid her goodnight and left her in the slumbering company of her daughter. Alundi found Calqui laying awake in their bed obviously waiting for him. 

  ‘I need to bath.’ Alundi muttered with a grin. 

  Calqui smiled beautifully and slid out from under her blanket and took Alundi’s arm heading for the baths.

  Assard was in a deep debate with Alagon when Alundi and Calqui arrived at the Ne-aan’s the following morning. Alundi paid them little attention and headed straight for the Annabels who had been joined by Prem and more shockingly Prem’s husband Quinn-Fru. Alundi had only met him a couple of times all those years ago but there was no mistaking that it was him due to the large axe scar that sliced from his right eye down to his chin, similar to Boahim’s. It was an old injury but also must act as a reminder of some sort as he had not chosen to remove it with magic. 

  ‘Am I intruding?’ Alundi asked softly. 

  ‘Yes you are Alundi, but it’s quite alright.’ Prem said with a grin. 

  Turning to Annabel, Alundi took a knee. 

  ‘I may have to borrow Little Annabel, but not now young one. Kraco?’ Alundi winked at them both then stood to look up at the great gold dragon. 

  ‘Yes.’ Kraco's voice echoed through the morning crisp air. 

  ‘I will need you to fly Little Annabel over to the training arenas before high sun. Is that acceptable?’ A growl of frustration reverberated from Kraco then the great dragon boomed. 

  ‘Of course, Alundi.’ 

  ‘Thank you my friend. Kraco will return her if needed. Sorry for the intrusion.’ Alundi turned away then turned back when Quinn stood saying his name. 

  To Alundi’s surprise he held out his hand, a Man gesture of greeting. Alundi shook it. As he did Quinn bowed his head. 

  ‘It’s an honour.’ 

  Alundi rolled his eyes but then a thought struck him and he grinned. 

  ‘Do you still instruct Quinn?’ 

  He nodded. 

  ‘That is why I am here, but there are so many at the training arenas that it will take most of the morning to organise them and many are still arriving. So I thought I would skip off and meet the young Annabels here and spend some quality time with my son’. He said, proudly looking over his right shoulder. 

  His son was playing with a number of Ne-aan children and some other Elf children. 

  ‘The two girls playing with him, Jessica and Heidi are the younger sisters to the Wielder, Erik.’ Little Annabel said grasping all their attention. 

  She did not look up from her hands. 

  ‘He used to show things with his magic and move things for them. He always protected them but they know, he will not be coming home.’ There was a fierce tone in her voice. 

  Everyone’s heart sank. Jessica and Heidi's parents were killed in the attack on their village. Alagon had saved these children along with the rest, losing Dagonet in the process. 

  ‘It is my belief that the Ne-aans will always be welcome here.’ 

  Alundi nodded in agreement with Quinn. But for a few moments all were silent, but the day was young and a great deal needed to be done. Alundi excused himself, giving Annabel a loving grin, a smile that Calqui and Annabel shared as well. 

  ‘Boys!’ Alundi called. 

  Assard and Alagon looked up, annoyed but also amused. 

  ‘Shall we?’ 

  In a flurry of activity they shook off their winter coats and donned their battle armour, turned in the direction of the training arena and started marching. Alundi shared a giggle with Calqui who whispered. 

  ‘Assard has found a new friend.’ He just beamed at her. 

  Quinn joined them after bidding Prem and his son goodbye.

  They all could hear the activity long before they were in sight of it. Passing into the clearing that was the training arenas Assard and Alagon were frozen into a stunned silence at the spectacle before them. Alundi was the same. The only one that was not was Quinn who was old enough to remember the last time the Elves gathered for war, though war had not come. Before them were over five thousand Elves locked in sword, spear, bow and unarmed combat training. For a short while they all stood there like statues. Quinn losing patience walked passed them which shook Alundi out of his trance. Calqui pointed towards the Wolf Guard who were training with a number of the instructors. They had gathered a small crowd and it seemed that Assard and Alagon were also drawn towards them. The crowd parted as they noticed Alundi. Gurean was within the crowd and watching intently. Four were duelling, leaping, sliding over and under each other in a theatrical dance with a number of blade clangs and force impacts as well. It was something splendid, artful and sadly, entirely useless. Assard and Alundi shared a glance and that confirmed that Assard was thinking the same as his father.

  ‘Ah Alundi!’ Boahim called from over the battle. He circled and offered his hand which Alundi took as did Assard and Alagon. 

  ‘My Queen.’ Calqui said bowing her head. 

  Boahim spun round as did Calqui, Assard and Alagon bowing. Alundi glancing at her. 

  ‘Sister.’ He muttered but his eyes fell upon the Council behind her, most of the younger members garbed in warrior dress. 

  ‘A demonstration perhaps Alec.’ Fredren asked. 

  Alundi rolled his eyes and stretched his mind towards Kraco. 

  ‘It is time my friend.’ 

  Alundi had been hoping to put this off but he knew it needed to be done, they needed to see and so was Little Annabel needed. A warm growl echoed into Alundi’s mind. A sharp clang diverted everyone's attention back to the battle. One of the warriors had smashed one of the others swords from his hand and scored a hit upon his neck, a killing blow. The same warrior rolled to avoid a high swipe from the only female fighter. Leaping out of the roll the warrior swung his right foot catching his female opponent in the side of the head. That left one other, and as the warrior landed his opponent was on him. The exchange was fierce. Twice the warrior over-stretched himself but his opponent was not skilled enough to take advantage of either opportunity. Another over-st
retch worked to his advantage as his opponent stumbled. Now it was over, taking full advantage he kicked out sending the Elf to the floor and placing the tip of his blade on the other's throat. 

  ‘You over commit!’ Alundi bellowed. 

  Everyone looked up. Glancing at Assard, his son stepped into the small arena and started mirroring the Elf’s moves, showing him where and when he over committed. Again there was obvious annoyance at being shown their mistakes by a Man whom in their eyes was still a child.   

  ‘Maybe a demonstration is in order.’ Boahim whispered pointlessly as all that were present could easily hear him. 

  Alundi was about to refuse but he heard before almost everyone else the familiar sound of large wings beating. Soon enough all heard and stared in awe and horror as the young gold dragon started circling and descending. A beaming Little Annabel upon his back. Kraco landed with a loud bang with many Elves running, fearing being crushed or eaten, Alundi thought with a chuckle. Little Annabel climbed down skilfully and unaided, brushing Kraco's snout as she passed his great head. She walked unhindered and not overwhelmed by the walk to Alundi’s side with all watching her, including the Council members. She hugged Alundi's leg and he wrapped his left arm around her. Assard returned and stood behind and gave Alundi a slight nod. He knew all too well what it meant. Pulling off his belt Alundi handed it along with Excalibur to Assard and stepped into the arena. 

  ‘Boahim eight of your finest, not you or Calqui mind.’ Alundi added with a grin and a shared look between them. 

  Boahim only glanced at eight of his Wolf Guard for them to follow Alundi into the small arena. None were hesitant whether that was because they were confident or that they did not know just how strong and powerful Alundi was. Assard had to admit he was impressed with the lack of emotion as they surrounded his father. Alundi spun round. 

  ‘Assard, bind me.’ 

  Assard rolled his eyes knowing all too well what was coming. He extended his magic towards his father and enveloped his father. Little Annabel instinctively fell into her magical sight and watched as the orange, blazing magic aura of Assard enveloped Alundi completely unimpeded by the blazing violet magic of Alundi. It was completely enveloped and crushed. Assard looked around and his eyes fell on the Elder that Alundi had almost killed in Osia.

  ‘Check if you would Elder.’ He asked. 

  Fredren was angered but checked and nodded. 

  ‘What is bound?’ she asked, looking up at Assard. 

  ‘Father has allowed me to bind his magic. With training you will be able to do this without his choice. That is how powerful you are young one.’ Everyone heard him and were shocked into silence, even Alagon. Boahim stepped into the arena and offered Alundi his sword but Alundi waved him away. A slight hushed shuffle of excitement rippled around the crowd. She found Assard chuckling at the spectacle who whispered. 

  ‘Use your sight young one.’ 

  She did so and followed the small stream of magic snaking across the ground from Assard and surrounding Alundi. The eight Wolf Guardsmen glowed with their own magic and even with Assard's magic binding Alundi, he still glowed brighter. 

  Alundi moved into a somewhat crouching prepared stance waiting for the call and the first attack. He faced the gap between both sets of his four Elf opponents.

  ‘Fight!’ Boahim called. 

  In an instant Alundi was moving. Leaping forward he slammed both fists into the chest of the one in front of him. Spinning to his right he caught one of the Elf’s blades between his palms, another advanced. Lifting the caught blade he blocked the strike. Another swung and it was in that moment Little Annabel using her sight saw the thin blade push the air as it passed through it towards Alundi and he felt it long before the blade came close. Alundi stepped forward and the blade missed by a hairs-width. He yanked the caught blade from the Elf’s grip and whipped his left foot out catching him in the side of the head. With no regard to being cut Alundi grasped the Elf’s blade smashing the handle across another’s face. All of this had happened in moments and four of the Elves had not even moved yet. He advanced on the last of the first four and exchanged four strikes before getting past his defences and slicing him across the chest. The strike caused no injury but it was a killing blow and the Elf fell to his knees and stayed there. Alundi faced the, now somewhat slowly advancing four other Elves according to Little Annabel. Alundi bound forward striking each of the Elves' blades away with lightning speed. Reversing his grip he caught one across the throat, fell to one knee and caught another across the midriff. He then rolled forward and leapt out of it swinging his left leg out at one of the two left standing. Kicking off him he spun in the air and smashed his right foot into the face of the last Elf standing. Both Elves were thrown a few feet from the hits. Landing on his back Alundi rolled backwards and then stood slowly. The stunned silence was broken by Assard sighing and shaking his head stepping forwards.

  ‘Sloppy, very sloppy.’ 

  Alundi, grinning like a young boy spun round still holding one of the Elves' blades and said to Boahim. 

  ‘Twelve.’ 

  Boahim nodded and in a number of moments the twelve were assembled though they seemed slightly less confident then the original eight. Alundi looked down the edge of the blade he had won in the fight and started spinning it through the air. Getting faster and faster Alundi threw it upwards and it was soon out of sight. 

  ‘Son.’ 

  Assard chuckled, undid his belt, and handed the Fire Sword to Alagon as well as Excalibur. As Assard passed his father he grasped his son's shoulder and muttered. 

  ‘Bound.’ 

  Assard rolled his eyes but continued on. Little Annabel watched as Alundi’s magic, which was being surrounded and mellowed by Assard’s influence, now burst from its makeshift prison and surrounded Assard. Alundi accepted Excalibur from Alagon and pulled his belt back around his waist. Assard stretched his arm forwards following the slow fighting techniques Little Annabel had seen him do before. Boahim shared a glance with Alundi who nodded moments later. Boahim bellowed. 

  ‘Fight!’ 

  Assard leapt high into the air and caught the falling sword Alundi had thrown up into the sky past the tree canopy. There were a number of gasps at the speed of him. As he started to fall he aimed both feet forward, crashing one Elf hard in the chest. He sprung off backwards flipped onto his hands, then feet. Three advanced from behind him. Assard leant back farther than normal balance would have allowed, he swung his blade catching all of them across the chest under the raised weapons. Four in front of him were now in striking distance and just as fast as he was when he fought Iruc. Assard was equal to all four Elves' attacks. Little Annabel glanced at Alundi he noticed but did not hold her gaze but quickly he silently said. 

  ‘You’ll miss it.’ 

  She had. When she looked back Assard had pulled out of the duel with the four, which were now two. In the foray Assard had collected a second blade. He now advanced on the six that had not been defeated. All six struggled against his ferocity and speed. He was a storm striking each pair in turn as if they were the only ones he were fighting, the Elves could not penetrate his defence. One failed to block one of Assard’s strikes, which caught him between the shoulder and neck, a killing blow. Whipping out the same blade he caught his partner across the neck and fell to the floor avoiding a high swipe. Rolling and spinning back onto his feet Assard blocked with both swords. He forced his opponent left and flicked his sword across his chest. The three remaining Elves charged as one. Little Annabel noticed a grin spread across Assard’s face. The swords met and the clang and ring from them was ear splitting. Assard for the first time gave ground as the Elves in fluid, precise motion swung and lunged in perfect symmetry. Assard was equal to all of it. His two swords were a blur. Even with her magic sight she struggled to follow them. Alundi placed his hands upon her shoulder and whispered. 

  ‘Let me help.’ His familiar magic connection intertwined with hers. In
stantly Assard seemed to slow. But it was quickly obvious that everything had slowed especially Assard’s opponents. She took a moment and looked around at the watching and training Elves. She was surprised when she noticed the look of total shock and awe upon Alagon’s face as he watching the battle before them. Alagon, someone who had been trained as Alundi was as a Knight of the Round Table, was as stunned at Assard's speed as the Elves he fought, and the ones that watched. Assard took a slow step forward, parried each sword then quickly in comparison to his opponents swung both swords out with such brute strength the two on either side stumbled. Lunging forward with both swords one was parried the other was not and another opponent was down. Flicking his wrist out, the warrior to his left did not react in time and was caught on the back, another killing blow. The Elf maiden to Assard's right did block his sword. However Assard swung round the sword in his left hand over his head and placed the tip of the blade upon the Elf's neck. The battle was over and Assard had defeated twelve of the finest trained Elves there were, using no magic and receiving no wound. 

  It may had been expected for Alundi to defeat them as he was an Elf, corrupted or not, but trained within the Skull. However, Assard, like Alagon a Man trained in the Skull still in his early thirties a youngling in Elf society was not. Foolishly, Little Annabel thought, which made her grin. Alagon started applauding and cheering but he was the only one. Alundi stepped around Little Annabel shaking his head. 

  ‘Sloppy, very sloppy.’ 

  Assard laughed. 

  ‘Better than you old man.’ 

  Little Annabel noticed the bonds holding Assard's magic waver and fall. Isacal, Calqui and Boahim all shifted where they stood as Alundi and Assard started to circle each other. Assard discarded the two Elf swords and was thrown the Fire Sword by Alagon. Catching it skilfully he held it loosely as Alundi drew Excalibur and took his stance. Assard did as well and the battle was on. 

  Little Annabel could feel the build up of magic between the two great warriors. That is what they were in this moment, everything else forgotten, they were enemies. Both raised their legendary swords over their heads and stepped forward. The duel began. It was a furious dance of strike, counter strike and parry. Each struggling to penetrate the other's defences. Assard lunged faster than anything he had done before and yet Alundi managed to side step the strike and crash his right elbow into the side of Assard’s head. Assard spun and attempted to swipe Alundi's feet from under him but this also was anticipated. Fire formed between them and it shot at Alundi sending him hurtling through the air. The crowd gasped as Alundi flew into the air. However the gasp was louder when he landed in a crouch quite skilfully. The watching Elves, which by now was all of them, some had taken to the trees to get a better a look, parted instantly as the gap between them was many paces. Assard ran forward swinging the Fire Sword through the air as he did so. Gripping Excalibur tightly Alundi waited calmly, patiently. As the swords came together in an ear splitting clang what followed was the fastest display of swordplay anyone present had ever witnessed before, even Alagon. Neither moved from the spot where they stood only using their unnatural speed and skill with their blades to rage their battle. Alundi was able to whip away Assard’s sword and send a strong palm strike into his son’s chest. Assard hurtled backwards and landed hard. Alundi gave chase and just as Assard hit the ground he swung out his sword. Alundi had to jump to avoid the swing. He somersaulted in mid air leaving Excalibur low so it made contact with the Fire Sword. Assard swung his legs up and returned to his feet, spinning quickly to block a powerful strike from his father. He gave ground as Alundi pushed, though they were still equally matched so the battle still raged. Assard slipped under Alundi constant attack taking full advantage, bending down low he smashed an uppercut sending Assard again through the air. This time Assard landed hard, easily and noticeably injuring him. He quickly but ungraciously climbed to his feet. Placing his left palm to the face of the Fire Sword he ran it along the blade sparking it into orange and red flames. A somewhat sadistic grin spread across his face but many were stunned when they noticed Alundi mirrored the same grin. 

  ‘Popalas Excalibur’ Alundi said softly. 

  Instantly the blade burst into a blinding white light. Both sprang into sprints. As they neared both yelled and pulled back their swords and swung with all their might. The swords smashed together, a massive eruption of magic sent the swords flying backwards from their grips. Both of them were astonished by what had just happened but quickly pulled their hands up. Alundi swung first. Assard palmed the fist away and countered swinging a right hook and his right leg respectively. Alundi palmed both away and landed a left jab. Assard staggered then countered quicker than Alundi could deal with, he landed two jabs and one left hook then striking him in the ribs with his right knee. Alundi countered with two well-landed punches of his own. Assard blocked the third strike. Alundi however locked Assard’s other arm, spun round lifting him from the ground, he yelled as spinning, he threw him. Assard sailed through the air again, however this time landed on his feet and much to his satisfaction right next to the Fire Sword that lay on the ground. Alundi also noticed, he spun and ran for Excalibur knowing that Assard was chasing. Alundi barely had time to grasp the sword and turn before Assard was on him. The two warriors seemed to get faster. But in an instant both had become statues. It took a number of moments for everyone to realise it. Excalibur rested upon Assard’s right shoulder its razor sharp edge touching Assard’s neck. The Fire Sword rested on Alundi right shoulder the edge of the blade in roughly the same position, though Alundi held two fingers against the same edge. Many doubted that mattered but Little Annabel could see the magic Alundi was using, magic even Assard could not see. Sweat and a painful frown were upon Assard's brow and anger creased his face. Everyone and everything was silent as almost all five thousands Elves stared at the two warriors. 

  ‘A tie.’ Assard seethed. 

  Alundi however shook his head. 

  ‘Try to cut me.’ He whispered. 

  Assard pushed his sword but it did not budge. He pushed with all his might and yet the sword did not move in any direction. Alundi slid Excalibur forward cutting Assard though only slightly and it healed instantly. Assard gritted his teeth in sharp pain and obvious anger more so with himself than Alundi. 

  ‘You are all awed by what you have witnessed?’ Alundi bellowed, stepping backwards and lowering Excalibur. 

  ‘You have just watched arguably two of the strongest swordsman and magic-wielders in this world. But Lancelot and Nala-Kahn mirror us, maybe not with one of these…’ Alundi added holding up Excalibur. 

  ‘But with magic that mirrors and surpasses us.’

  ‘Which is why…’ Assard bellowed 

  ‘It is absolutely paramount that Little Annabel be trained within the Emerald Skull by Sara and my father. Her natural magic is far greater than Nala-Kahn and with these skills…’ Assard said holding up the Fire Sword, Assard whistled and left the sentence hanging.                 

  ‘What all of you have failed to realise is that this is my choice. And though I need all the help I can get it is still my choice.’ Little Annabel yelled. 

  ‘Yes, young Little Annabel it is your choice.’ Alundi said staring at her. 

  She looked round all the beautiful Elf faces all of which were staring at her. 

  ‘I was told once that I would do wondrous things. I have seen and felt great pain and suffering. I believed that my healing was this wondrous thing that was proclaimed, my healing of the sick, the injured. But I am beginning to realise there is something that is spreading like wildfire over the lands that I cannot heal. A cancer growing within everyone I see. Fear, I feel fear all the time. But it is not just my fear I feel. I cannot heal fear, not as I am.’ Tears fell from her eyes. 

  ‘I wish to be taught within the Emerald Skull, by Alundi, now my father and by Sara. I ask who will try to prevent this?’ 

  Alundi silently smiled not sho
wing it however. Alundi, Assard and Isacal stared at Fredren as did the entire Council. He slowly bowed his head. In that moment when Fredren's head fell Assard not unnoticed turned on the spot as did Alundi and they stared into the crowd of Elves behind them. 

  ‘That was powerful.’ Assard silently told Alundi as he turned back to listen to what Isacal had to say. 

  ‘Keep an eye on it.’ He replied. 

  ‘No act of prevention will come from us. You have my word, Little Annabel.’ Isacal said.

   Alundi stepped forward and took a knee. 

  ‘You know young one, very rarely does something affect Elves as you have just done. You truly will do wondrous things, but that does not devalue what you are, what you have done and what you do now.’ He lifted her into a tight embrace and after a few moments Little Annabel loudly proclaimed.

  ‘I’m hungry.’