“Please tell father that I am sorry I shamed him. Tell him that I never meant to be a bad son.”
“Hush now, brother. He loves you dearly and he always will.”
“Does he, Sister? Does he really? Will you tell him that I love him too?”
“Yes, Kalon. I will tell him.”
“Thank you. Thank you.” He closed his eyes again. He opened them wide once more, and his expression was almost childlike, though it was earnest beyond description.
“And will you tell him that I was brave in the end? I want him to know that. It means so much to me. Please. Promise me?”
“I promise,” she said resolutely, summoning all of her inner strength to keep from breaking down.
He squeezed her hand hard in response. The ends of his lips turned upward in a sweet smile, and he took one final breath before he died. Alemar held on to his hand and would not let it go. Her heart was beating so fast and hard that it pounded within her head, and the tears flowed freely. She struggled to compose herself, taking deep breaths slowly and steadily until her pulse returned to normal.
Though the tears would not abate, she placed his hands upon his chest and pulled his cape over them, covering the vicious wound from sight. She straightened his clothing as best as she could and reached for the axe that lay nearby. She lifted the heavy weapon and laid it by his side. Then she leaned over him and kissed each of his eyelids lovingly, and finally let her light go out.
“He was a brave soldier,” a voice from behind her said in the darkness. “He brings honor to your house and to Crispen.”
Startled, she whirled around and saw in the dimness that it was Bristar, her uncle, King of the mountain elves, standing over her shoulder. He kneeled down beside her and helped her to her feet. After they rose, he embraced her warmly. Her porcelain skin was streaked with tears and her beautiful eyes were red with the sorrow of her loss.
“You must tell me all about it, uncle,” Alemar said to him, drawing in her breath as she took his hand in her own. “After all, he was my brother.”
The sound of the riders was unmistakable as Clovis and Giles crashed through the darkness, each holding a torch high above his head. In the firelight, they saw the prone body of Kalon lying upon the ground, and those of the women as well. Simultaneously, they leapt from their horses and rushed to Alemar’s side.
“We searched high and low for you, Princess,” Giles said like a worried parent. “Why did you not tell us where you were going?”
“It was impossible to find you,” Clovis said, relieved. “What happened here?” he asked, surveying the area hastily.
“A courageous elf saved my life,” she said downcast. “I had been careless and Kalon was very brave.”
As they spoke, the ground all around them started to tremble and a frozen wave of whiteness spread across the surface in their direction. The army of Iscaron had begun its march of liberation through the woods of Lormarion. Heartbroken and weary though she was, Alemar watched with awe and satisfaction as her ancestors galloped into the forest, purging it of Caeltin’s evil and freeing their own tormented souls in the process. The ghost riders proudly saluted her as they rode past and she raised her hand in response. Giles and Clovis joined her in tribute, standing solemnly by her side.
“How odd that to some, death can be such a welcome visitor and they feel safe in his arms, while to others he is no better than a thief in the night, unexpected and unsought,” she observed stoically to her friends. “It is a long story, uncle,” she said, turning to Bristar who stood next to her awestruck and wondering. “I will tell it to you later when we celebrate our victory in the council chamber of Seramour,” she said, her lips turned up in a sad but confident smile.
Chapter Fifty-six
Premoran and Teetoo walked down the main avenue of the battered city side by side. The bugs were now no more than black powder and dust blowing across the wind swept streets. Many towers had crumbled, and even the Chamber of the Stars atop the pinnacle of the palace, stood cleaved and gaping, entirely open to the elements. There were great fissures in the wood of the streets and upon the bases of the buildings, but the structural work of the city held fast. The damage had been contained. They had stopped the destruction just in time.
Fires burned everywhere still, but the skies were now absent of the winged invaders and their grim riders. The elves had fought valiantly under the circumstances, having been betrayed by one of their own with all their defenses known to the enemy in advance of the attack. Amidst the rubble of battle lay countless numbers of the flying beasts and their masters, pierced and broken by the arrows and bolts of the warriors of Seramour.
Presently, the sun was setting, but the clouds had dispersed, and even at this late hour the dimming blueness of the sky was a welcome sight to everyone. Under the waning light, the cleanup had already begun, though no one was truly even certain that the battle was over. They only knew that they had a respite from the attack now and they took advantage of that. Whatever it was that flooded the streets with light and turned the loathsome bugs into mounds of dust was like a gift from the First itself, a blessing that they were all infinitely grateful for. They were using the reprieve to the best of their abilities. Directly, the water from those reservoirs that had survived the attack was being pumped into the city to put out the flames. Even the aged and the children had emerged from their shelters to assist with the effort. Those buildings that had been damaged beyond repair were being torn down before they collapsed upon the neighboring ones, and the streets were simultaneously being cleared of the rubble. The people who could not do the heavy work were busy sweeping the ashes of the insects into great piles that were then being readied for disposal.
All of the seriously injured were being transported to the palace so that they could be treated in the comfort and safety of a still structurally sound edifice and under the supervision of the best of Seramour’s healers. Elsinestra stood at the gates, directing her attendants to cart out the furniture and trappings of state in order to accommodate the many who needed to be healed.
Treestar stood upon a platform in the courtyard, organizing his troops. His tunic was bloodied and torn and his brow was dripping with perspiration, but he appeared to be unharmed. He had fought non-stop for hours on end and he would not rest until he was certain that the city and its citizens were safe.
“These people have suffered for succoring the boy and providing him with a safe harbor. Is that just, Teetoo? I will not readily watch them endure any more,” Premoran said as they neared the King.
Elsinestra walked to the large double doors and looked down the broad avenue. As Premoran and Teetoo passed by, everyone dropped what they were doing and stared at them. It had been so long since he had visited Seramour that barely anyone recognized him, and his own and his companion’s appearance were inciting a commotion up and down the thoroughfare. The Queen noticed the disturbance and searched for its cause.
“Can it be Premoran and Teetoo?” Elsinestra shouted gleefully as she caught sight of them approaching. She dropped all that she was holding and dashed to the steps. “I should have known it was you,” she exclaimed, running to them and embracing each of them warmly.
“Who else, my dear?” the old man responded, hugging her back adoringly.
“I thought that perhaps Robyn dar Tamarand and the boy had found a way to help us. I never dreamed it could be you and I had not the time to question our good fortune.”
“They had to leave, as you well know. There are other things that require their attention these days. They were here longer than they should have been under the circumstances.”
“Are they safely gone then?”
“Yes, they are gone, and you played no small part in that, my Lady.”
“I am relieved,” she sighed, ignoring the compliment. Turning to Teetoo, she extended her graceful hand. He grasped it, bowed from his waist nearly to the ground, and kissed it gallantly. “Welcome to Seramour, such as it is,” she said
. “It warms my heart to see you again.”
“The city is as beautiful in its grief as it is in its glory,” Teetoo said.
“We have survived. That is what counts. We can rebuild anything that we need to. The material loss is of no import. What we cannot replace are those who sacrificed their lives this day.”
“The fabric weaves of its own will, Elsinestra. They have given ultimately of themselves for all the rest of us, tragic as it is,” Premoran said. “We can never change what is past, and what is ahead beckons even as we speak. You can unseal the lifts. The forest below is secure and you have visitors who so badly wish to see you.”
Treestar jumped from the platform when he saw his wife conversing with the other two. Like a young man, he leapt toward them, forgetting the soreness and the pain that his ancient body suffered.
“Premoran—Teetoo,” he yelled. “I have not seen you in so many tiels, I did not expect you to appear here again. Thank the First I was wrong. It was you then who destroyed these formidable bugs,” he said to them, shaking their hands repeatedly and clapping them upon their backs.
“It is good to see you too, Treestar,” Premoran said to his old friend. “I only wish we could have arrived sooner.”
“You arrived in time. That is enough.”
“And I must depart almost at once if I hope to prevent any further needless destruction.”
Teetoo turned to him questioningly.
“Yes my friend. I must go, and you must stay behind. They will need your wisdom and your healing touch in the days ahead.”
“Will you confront him?”
“It is inevitable. We will go someplace far away and there we will settle our differences. I cannot allow him to trample upon everything that we revere, everything that is good and decent, noble and pure without calling him to task. He has hurt so many already. I must tell him so.”
“He will not listen to words, Premoran. You cannot fool me. What have you really in mind?” Teetoo questioned.
The wizard grew deadly serious and stood up tall before the Weloh.
“It is imperative that I try to stop him now. The boy needs time. He is not ready. And my brother knows where the map is.”
Teetoo frowned and a great darkness overcame his soft features.
“When will I see you again?” he asked.
Premoran smiled at him but did not say a word.
“Can you not stay for even a short while?” Elsinestra asked.
“The risk is too great, my dear. If I go, he will follow me in his anger. I have helped to foil his plans unexpectedly and he loathes surprises. If I remain in the city any longer, whatever good I have done here will be lost when he seeks me out. The heir has already escaped him and he has never accepted defeat without exacting a price on someone or something. I would rather he direct his wrath at me than at you and your people.”
“What chance have you against him?” Teetoo asked.
“A good one, my friend. But not if we meet here. He would use my affection for these people as a weapon, as he would mine for you if you were to accompany me. If I am free of encumbrances, his arrogance and rage will undermine his power enough for me to gain an advantage,” he explained. “I must go. Assist them, my friend. Be stalwart no matter what and help them to maintain their hope in the days ahead. Farewell.”
“When will I see you again,” the Weloh asked one more time.
Premoran simply stared into his friend’s expectant eyes and embraced him briefly, but he did not say another word. He bowed slightly to Treestar and Elsinestra, lifted his arms over his head and rose into the air. They watched as he streaked over the city, focusing closely upon his silhouette as it rapidly sped toward the darkness that still hovered ominously in the southern sky. They craned their necks and squinted their eyes in order to follow him as long as they could, but within seconds, he was gone.
Teetoo stared blankly and blinked his beautiful, sad eyes. Elsinestra slipped her arm through his and she felt his body trembling all over. She leaned toward him and kissed him gently on the cheek.
“Come,” Treestar urged them. “We have visitors.”
“Yes, my husband. I know,” she replied, grasping his arm with her free hand. “What is ahead beckons even as we speak,” she repeated Premoran’s words. “Will you help us to welcome the future, Teetoo?”
He nodded to her gratefully, feeling the fullness of her tenderness and love. Side by side, the three of them walked toward the lifts where the soldiers awaited their instructions to release the seals and open the city to the world once again.
Glossary
List of Characters, Items and Places
A
Acire. Lalas tree. Tenth tree to die. Theran’s Bondmate.
Adrianna. One of the forsaken women. Colton’s evil worker.
Alemar. Elfin Princess of Eleutheria. Daughter of Whitestar and Aliana.
Aliana. Elfin Queen of Eleutheria. Whitestar’s first wife. Alemar’s Mother.
Alicea. Alemar’s great, great, great, great grandmother. Iscaron and Kala’s daughter.
Aliya. Queen of Crispen. King Bristar’s wife.
Angeline. One of the twelve Sisters of Parth.
Armadiel. Snake of Recos.
B
Baladar. Ruler of the city of Pardatha in the Thorndar Mountains. Husband to Briland.
Behani. One of the Drue.
Beolan. Elfin Prince of Crispen. Bristar and Aliya’s son.
Bethany. One of the twelve Sisters of Parth.
Blodwyn. Chosen of Lalas Lilandre.
Briland. Chosen of Lalas Snihso. Lord Baladar’s wife.
Brimgar Daggerfall. Thorndar dwarf. Maringar and Preston’s father.
Bristar. Elfin King of Crispen. King of the Mountain Elves. Aliya’s husband. Father to Beolan.
C
Cairn of Thermaye. One of the three called to educate Davmiran.
Calipee dar Tamarand. Baron. Laord of Tamarand. Robyn dar Tamarand’s father.
Calista. Lady of the Island. One of the Council.
Calyx. Moulant. Cairn’s friend and protector.
Carlisle. Chosen of Lalas Mintar.
Caroline. Daughter of Conrad and Sophia.
Carthane. Lalas tree. Paras’ Bondmate.
Caryssa. Sea Elf.
Colton Dar Agonthea. The Evil One. The Dark One. Lord of Sedahar. Premoran’s brother. Called Caeltin D’Are Agenathea by the Elves.
Connor. Chosen of Lalas Catalan.
Conrad. Father to Caroline.
Courtney. One of the twelve Sisters of Parth.
Crea. Chosen of Lalas Wayfair.
Crispen. Kingdom of the Mountain Elves.
D
Dahlia. One of the twelve Sisters of Parth.
Dalloway. Elfin Prince of Seramour. Youngest son of Treestar and Elsinestra.
Dashiel. Chosen of Lalas Nemaroe.
Davmiran. One of the twins. Tomas’ brother. Garold and Lewellyn’s son.
Dorothea. Duchess of Talamar. Wife of Leonardo.
Drue. Protectors of the Hollows. Came into existence after the death of the first Lalas.
E
Edmond. Chosen of Lalas Xia.
Eleutheria. Ice City. Kingdom of the Northern Elves.
Elion. Elfin Prince of Seramour. Eldest son of Treestar and Elsinestra.
Elsinestra. Elfin Queen of Seramour. Treestar’s wife. Elion, Fallean and Dalloway’s mother.
Emerial. Elfin Queen of Eleutheria. Whitestar’s second wife. Mother to Kalon.
Emmeline. One of the twelve Sisters of Parth.
Esta par D’Avalain. Queen of Avalain. Filaree’s mother.
Etan of Balstair. Knighted by Margot, forsaken by Colton.
F
Fallean. Elfin Prince of Seramour. Second son of Treestar and Elsinestra.
Farrow. Lalas Tree. Bondmate of Harton.
Filaree par D Avalain. Princess of Avalain. Daughter of Esta. One of the three called to educate Davmiran.
G
Gwendolen. High Kingdom. Kingdom that was destroyed by Colton. Birthplace of the twins.
H
Harlan Goodheart. Discoverer of the darkening.
Harton. Chosen of Lalas Farrow.
Hollows. Forbidden places.
I
Iscaron. Ancient Elfin King of Eleutheria. Kala’s husband.
Ishdomar. Lalas tree. Third tree to die.
J
Jocasta. One of the twelve Sisters of Parth.
K
Kalon. Prince of Eleutheria. Half brother of Alemar. Whitestar and Emerial’s son.
Kettin. Lord of Talamar. Son of Leonardo and Dorothea.
L
Lana. Princess of the Sea Elves. Daughter of Windstorm.
Leonardo. Duke of Talamar. Husband of Dorothea.
Liam. Chosen of Lalas Oleander.
Lilandre. Lalas tree. Bondmate of Blodwyn.
Lormarion. Kingdom of the Southern Elves.
M
Marathar. Lalas tree. Bondmate of Pithar.
Margot. One of the forsaken women.
Maringar Daggerfall. Thorndar dwarf. Eldest son of Brimgar Daggerfall. Preston’s brother.
Markal. Lord. Master of Arms in Avalain.
Marne. Loyal friend and personal aide to Queen Esta.
Merala da. Capital city in the Sea Isles.
Mira. Nursemaid who raised and protected Davmiran.
Mintar. Lalas tree. Bondmate of Carlisle.
N
Nemaroe. Lalas tree. Bondmate of Dashiel.
O
Odelot. The Dead City.
Oleander. Lalas tree. Bondmate of Liam.
Ormachon. Lalas tree. Bondmate of Tomas.
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