“So you believe that there is a way to retrieve the Sword of Alexon?” Alek Jarobohim asked with growing interest.
Jaylen laughed. “For the record, the name Sword of Alexon came about until after Alex Sergius’ death. When he was alive it was simply known as Alex’s Sword. But I guess that did not sound as legendary to the history writers: But yes, we do believe that it is possible to go down below the tower in an attempt to search for the sword.”
Jobez agreed, “Information has been recently uncovered in long forgotten scrolls, indicating subterranean passages beneath the tower that had been blocked off by Bytorron during his rule as Emperor. We now believe that it may have been one of these that caved in below the two wizards during the explosion. And the known passages appear—from the way the information is written—to be connected to these passageways.”
Weslocke struck his thick, dwarven fist against the table. “Even if we can retrieve the sword, how does it help Princess Petra to become Queen?”
“Humans are a superstitious and over-responsive people—no offense meant,” Jaylen began, “Think about the reaction in Alexon when Petra rides into the city with the legendary Sword of Alexon. She would be a hero for that alone. Then she can ride out, with the Knights of Alexon for protection, to oversee a few battles and the people would see her as a war hero.”
“That would help to cement her claim to the throne.” Landis agreed.
“There is one more card to be dealt.” Jaylen continued, “The Princess, if named Queen, can provide a union with Birhirm.”
King Jobez spoke up, “Yes, after three centuries of remaining independent following our freedom from Sedau, Birhirm would be united with Alexon by marriage. My son, Eric, is now betrothed to Petra, so if she is named Queen he will become the Prince-Regent and our two nations will be forever united. Much the same as when Alex Sergius married the Princess of Aeth to unite those two kingdoms.”
Eric looked straight ahead as if ignoring the discussion of his pending nuptials.
Jandelie, who had been quiet for a while asked a question. “What is in this for us?”
Jobez turned to face the thief, “Do not worry, Jandelie Nightingale. If you are successful in locating the sword you will be well rewarded. And even if you fail, you will be paid considerably for your efforts.”
Jandelie accepted the king’s response without feeling the need to ask for details.
“You mentioned Petra riding into Alexon with the sword?” Landis inquired.
“Correct, Landis.” Jaylen replied, “The Princess is here in Birhirm. Alek and I, along with Squire Jordan, escorted her here following her father’s funeral.”
“Surly you do not intend on taking her to Sedau.” Landis stated.
Jaylen, Jobez and Alek spoke in unison, “Of course not.”
A memory of lessons learned as a youth concerning the Sword of Alexon entered the half-elf’s mind, “Is it not true that only Alex Sergius, or a direct blood descendent of his, could handle the sword?”
“That is the legend,” Jaylen concurred, “But remember that much of the legend surrounding the sword came about after the original was lost. So there may not be any truth to it, and even if it is true, do I need to remind you that you are a direct descendant of Alex Sergius through the blood of your mother. So you could bring the sword back should there be any truth to this legend.”
“When do we leave for Sedau?” Natis queried.
Jobez answered, “Those of you who accept will leave tomorrow. Sir Knight Jarobohim and his Squire are already assigned to accompany Jaylen. Natis has been sent by Lonia to partake in this mission. And my son, Eric, will be going as he will be needed to locate the entrance to the subterranean passages. All that is left is for the rest of you to make your decisions.”
“I will go. I have always wanted to visit the ruins that made my father a hero.” Landis explained his decision.
“Me too” Jandelie quickly agreed.
Konik sat upright, his muscular body immobile as he looked to his friend, waiting for the former knight’s decision. Trevor Kahn glanced at the barbarian and said, “Looks like we’re in as well.”
“Do not forget about me.” Weslocke added. He was standing beside his chair but no one had noticed that he had ever come out of his seat.
Jobez looked to the Royal Smith of Birhirm. “Weslocke Blademender, you were not invited to be a part of this quest to begin with, why should I agree to send you and leave the forge unattended?”
The dwarf growled in response, “I have three interns who can handle the forge. But who here has more experience below ground than me? Need I remind you that I was raised in the caverns of the Shale Mountains and am more at home below ground than above it?”
“Very well then,” King Jobez accepted, “If it is alright with Jaylen then you have my permission.”
Jaylen rose to his feet, causing the others to follow suit, “It would be a pleasure to travel with young Weslocke again.”
“Young my arse!” The dwarf chastised, “I haven’t been called young in over a hundred years. Just because you elves live so blasted long doesn’t give you the right to insult the rest of us.”
Everyone around the table laughed.
Chapter 3
Weslocke was the first one up and ready for the trip, excited at the prospects of exploring beneath the surface of the ruins of Sedau. After providing detailed instructions for his apprentices—and the dwarf was nothing short of a perfectionist when it came to how the royal forge was operated—he headed off for the palace. Upon being admitted and led to the dining hall, he took a seat and waited for the others to arrive. The smell of freshly baked bread made his mouth water in anticipation. He stroked his gray beard thinking about Prince Eric and wondered if the young man had matured enough so as not to be a brat on this journey. Eric had always been a properly behaved young man, but the dwarf had been irritated by the entitlement behavior that he had so often witnessed. His older brother, Caleb, had never behaved in such a manner.
Weslocke turned, hearing the approach of footsteps coming down the hallway as Alek and Jordan entered the room. The Knight was wearing a lighter version of his regulation armor while Jordan wore more accommodating traveling clothes. As the brothers took their seats, Weslocke commented on Alek’s attire, “You are aware that your armor may be a hindrance below ground.”
“It will be a few days before we have to worry about that. I am more concerned about our safety between here and there. Once we arrive in Sedau I will dress more appropriately.”
A serving girl rushed out with a tray of steaming hot tea and several cups. She moved about the table making sure that the cups were placed in the proper location in front of the empty plates.
Jaylen entered the room as the girl was finishing up. “Good morning.” He greeted the three of them, “Has anyone seen my son about this morning?”
A smile parted the dwarf’s heavy beard. “Landis is probably cursing the rising sun. He and Jandelie continued their little reunion after we broke up last night. Knowing her as I do, I doubt that either got any sleep all night.”
Jaylen grinned as he took a seat beside the dwarf. “It has been too long since we rode together, Weslocke. I am pleased to have the opportunity to do so again.”
As he finished speaking Landis and Jandelie entered the room.
“Do I smell tea?” Landis asked.
The dwarf pointed to the still untouched pot sitting in the center of the table. Landis pulled a chair out from the table across from where his father and Weslocke sat and offered it to Jandelie before sitting next to her. He reached for the tea pot and poured a cup for Jandelie and himself. Placing the pot back in the center of the table, he faked a yawn and said, “Do not forget my elvish hearing, old friend. I can hear everything you say from the other end of the hallway.” He smiled as he leaned back in his chair.
“What are you rambling on about?” Jandelie asked Landis.
“Where is the food? I am famished!�
� Konik bellowed as the big man bounded into the room just ahead of Trevor Kahn, who followed his traveling partner saying, “Please excuse Konik, he is not used to eating indoors and therefore his manners are somewhat lacking.”
Natis strode into the room looking as if his black robe had been thoroughly laundered the night before. He greeted everyone politely before sitting next to the half-elf. All that was left was for Jobez and Eric to arrive. As if on cue, Eric walked in. He was followed by his father, who was escorting Princess Petra on his left arm. Alek, Jordan and Jaylen all rose to their feet the instant Petra and Jobez came into view, causing the others in the room to do the same.
“Be seated.” Jobez insisted before most of them had done more than lift their rears off of the chairs.
Landis greeted his cousin, noticing that she had grown into a very attractive young lady since he had seen her last. Petra’s long blond hair fell to the middle of her back. Her face was as beautiful as he had remembered her mother had been. Petra’s mother had died in childbirth, only a few years before Landis’ mother had died. This was one of the things that had brought Landis so close to the young princess as she was growing up. Petra smiled, thanking everyone present for agreeing to undertake this expedition on her behalf. Jobez sat Petra beside his son before a servant helped the king into his chair at the head of the table. The moment Jobez was seated servants entered the room carrying trays of fresh breads, cooked meat, boiled eggs and other foods to the table. The twelve of them ate a hearty breakfast, while bantering lightly about anything other than their pending ride to Sedau.
Landis observed that for a couple betrothed to each other, Petra and Eric spent more time talking to the rest of the group than to each other.
Following breakfast everyone took some time to gather up their traveling packs and met in the courtyard. Jobez had provided each of them with a fresh horse and supplies to get them to Sedau and back with plenty left over. The dwarf grumbled loudly over having to ride on horseback, especially since he was not able to climb in or out of the saddle without great effort on his part, bluntly refusing any aid from anyone. After receiving a fond farewell from Jobez and Petra, the ten companions rode out through the city gates to begin their journey to the ruins of Sedau.
* * * * *
Three days had passed since leaving the comforts of the city of Birhirm. The ten travelers were sitting around a camp fire eating a dinner of dried meats and fruit while taking turns sipping from a wineskin that was being past around.
“At least we won’t have any rain tonight.” Trevor Kahn commented while looking at the star-filled sky above them. It had rained for part of the previous two nights but now appeared that the sky would be clear for a welcomed change.
“Now if we could just do something about the cold.” Weslocke complained, rubbing his rear as he stood. It was obvious that the dwarf was trying to recover from being saddle sore, even if he would not admit it.
“It’s not that cold yet,” Landis said. “It would be worse if we made this trip a month from now.”
“It’s easy for you not to complain about the cold, Landis,” Weslocke retorted, “The rest of us do not have someone to curl up with under our blankets like you do.”
Jandelie snuggled closer to the half-elf. “If you ask one of the others real nice, then perhaps someone will cuddle with you, Wes.”
Konik swallowed a mouthful of wine. “I suppose I could try, little one. That beard of yours just might help to warm me up at night.”
Everyone but Weslocke laughed at the joke.
“I’d rather sleep with a gully dwarf.” Weslocke returned, grabbing the wineskin from Konik.
Seeing the big man rolling a large silver ring with intricate carvings about his index finger, Eric asked, “What type of ring is that?”
Konik lowered his right hand to his side. “Oh nothing; just a Tale-Weaver Ring from my homeland.”
Jandelie perked up, “Are you a Tale-Weaver?” she asked.
“I was, but that was a long time ago.” He replied.
Trevor passed the wineskin to Alek, who declined any more, saying that he would be standing first watch, and passed it on to Eric.
“My friend is being modest,” Trevor said, “He is the official Tale-Weaver for his village.”
“Was…” Konik corrected.
“Er-yes. Konik was the Tale-Weaver.” Trevor amended.
“What is a Tale-Weaver?” Jordan asked.
Konik reluctantly began to explain, “On the Plains of the Eastland every clan or village has someone who entertains the people with stories handed down from generation to generation. It is how we pass on our history and traditions. Some stories are only folk lore designed to entertain while others are factual—or at least based in fact—each is told in a different manner so those who listen can tell the difference. It was my honor to hold that position for my clan. At least until I had to leave.”
“Why was that?” Eric asked.
Konik sat silently as if ignoring the question at first. Then he halfheartedly began to explain, “I suppose you will learn of it sooner or later, so I might as well give you the correct version. I had become the Tale-Weaver when I was in my twelfth year, after studying under my grandfather, even though I was not a man yet. When I reached the proper age I had to undergo the Vision Quest as all who have been chosen for my task must do. I completed the ceremony and went out into the wilderness for the required time. Most men see nothing while others see something vague or unexplainable. Still others see something from our past or possible future. These are considered to be the true visionaries. But what I saw brought ridicule upon me and the Greyfeather Clan.”
“What did you see?” Jandelie asked with great interest.
“I saw the death of a dragon.” Konik said in a low voice.
Jaylen was adjusting the many throwing knives strapped across his chest as he listened to Konik, “What is wrong with that? Dragons once existed and are well renowned in the Eastland.”
“True,” Konik agreed, “But it was how the dragon died that brought ridicule. In my vision I killed the dragon. When I reported my vision to the elders they accused me of having illusions of grandeur. Some said that I made up the entire story to hide the truth—that I had received no vision at all—no one believed my vision. And why should they, after all there have been no dragons in over a thousand years—if they ever truly existed.”
“Dragonsbane.” Jaylen muttered softly.
Konik eyed the elf. “Yes, Dragonsbane—or Dakaardban in my own tongue—That is the name they gave me to scorn my vision.”
Trevor slapped his old friend on the back, “All I know is that the name of Konik Dakaardban brings fear to the eyes of any who we face off against. Many of them have no doubt that he can slay a dragon if one ever dares to face him.”
“Tell us a story.” Jandelie requested of the big man.
After some prodding by the others Konik agreed. “But the one I would like to share is not your standard tale; it requires the aid of music. How about some accompaniment, bard Landis?”
“Very well then.” Landis agreed, pulling a flute out of a pocket in his leggings.
“I have not heard you play that in a long time.” Jandelie said, leaning closer to the half-elf, “I remember when I stole it for you. I enjoy the flute so much more than that lute you used to play.”
Konik began his story and Landis put the wooden flute to his lips and began to play a soft melody that intertwined seamlessly with the tempo of the Tale-Weaver’s words. Whether it was the skill of the wordsmith or the talent of the bard—or a combination of the artistry of the two—the rest of the travelers were transfixed by the story that Konik told, of a young couple traveling the lands together. He shared how during their travels they were attacked by bandits. The man was left for dead while the young woman had been taken away to be sold into slavery. Landis’ music captured the essence of the story, mixing with the Tale-Weaver’s words as Konik told of how the man recovered and fou
ght all odds to track down his lover and free her from her captivity so that they could live happily ever after. When Konik had finally finished the story and Landis had put down his flute they realized that nearly an hour had passed.
Alek left the group to go take his position to watch over them as the others began to settle in for the night. Landis and Jandelie slept farther away from the fire than the others, allowing for more privacy for the couple.
“That was really beautiful.” Jandelie whispered as she wrapped her arms around the half-elf.
Chapter 4
Jaylen awakened his fellow travelers sometime after midnight, midway through his turn at watch.
“We have company coming our way.” He warned with a whisper.
The elf had replaced Alek on watch and had ventured farther away from camp than the knight had dared. When his sensitive elven ears had picked up a disturbance in the distance, he had stealthily made his way closer, until he could make out the distinct sounds of a large group of people cautiously making their way down the little used roadway and into the brush. He swiftly and gracefully returned to camp making no sound—as only elves can do—to wake the others.
“How many?” Alek Jarobohim asked.
“I cannot say for certain as I heard them and did not get close enough to see them. But it sounded like fifteen to twenty. They are only ten to twenty minutes behind me at best.”
The Knight began directing the others as if he had been appointed the commander over this party of travelers. “Alek, secure the horses and keep them quiet. Jaylen, Landis and Weslocke, you three can see better in the darkness than the rest of us, take your positions around the perameter of the camp where you cannot be seen. I will take my crossbow and join you. Trevor and Konik, move into the bushes and stay out of view until we know what they want. Jandelie, douse the campfire…”
Elf Lords: 01 - Pearls of the Elf Lords Page 3