Seebaul laughed again, “Oh they are going to try to open the Dragon’s Gate. But they are missing one of the four keys.”
“You are wrong,” Natis pointed out, “They have the black pearl in the scepter, the red pearl in the bracelet, the green pearl in the Green Staff and the white pearl in Aaron’s broken staff. That makes four pearls; or four keys to the four openings in the Dragon’s Gate.”
“That is where you are wrong,” Seebaul chuckled delightedly, “they have only three pearls. Petra has the fourth.”
“What?” Petra’s mouth hung open at the comment.
“That is right, Petra,” Seebaul explained. “When Aaron Sergius worked with Murdock the Mad and Nigelie Wone on the sword that you now carry, he needed to make it a magical weapon. He also needed to protect the white pearl in his own staff from being captured by Bytorron. You see, Aaron knew the truth. Nigelie and I told him everything. So what Aaron devised was a way to remove the pearl from his staff and have an exact replica made. Oh, it took some doing, but it was accomplished. The fake pearl looked like the real thing. And Aaron worked to indwell enough magic into the fake pearl to give it the feeling of power. The real one had been a part of the staff since it was created, so the staff contained a great deal of magic. I was the one who told him what would happen if he broke it. Anyways, the three of them put the fake pearl into the staff and never told anyone about it. Then they put the real pearl into the hilt of the sword that they gave to Alex Sergius. Believe me the pearl did make that sword something special. Hand me the sword and I will prove it to you.”
Petra withdrew the sword from its sheath and laid it upon the table. Seebaul picked up the sword and turned it around, showing everyone the white, cross-shaped pearl embedded into the hilt. Several of them had noticed it before, but no one had paid any significant attention to it. “You see, this is the true White Pearl. What they have is a nearly perfect replica. When they try to use it to open the Dragon’s Gate they will fail. Not even my foolish brother knows it was replaced.” Seebaul began laughing again. “That is the real reason why the snow-elves attacked Alexon. They somehow learned the truth about the Sword of Alexon. But since Alex Sergius did such a great job of covering the true story of losing it in Sedau, and then having a replica made—which of course was buried with him and then supposedly stolen—the snow-elves believed that the sword still existed here. They were attacking the city, hoping that they could dig down into Alex’s tomb and find the sword hidden there, so that they could take the white pearl.”
“If this is truly the white pearl, then it does buy us time.” Natis said, fingering the pearl in the sword’s hilt.
“Oh it is indeed the true pearl.” Seebaul assured him. “We will have to take it with us. It will help to prevent them from detecting us, and you never know if we will need to use it.”
“Who said that you are going?” Landis asked.
“Did we not just go through this a few minutes ago? Listen closely now, I said it. Okay, now is that clear. If you want to make sure that you are successful then you need to take me with you. It is my staff that Twaller Oakleaf has stolen. And I would like to get it back if possible. Plus, if somehow my brother tries to intervene, then you will need my help.”
“Who in the abyss is your brother?” Bix asked.
“Artaexer, the White Elf Lord.” Seebaul replied. “You see, I am the last Elf Lord remaining on this realm. It was I who imprisoned my brother in order to save the world from the Cult of the Dragon.”
Knight-Elder Boothe threw his hands in the air, “This is madness!”
Jaylen had the most mischievous grin that Landis had ever seen on his father’s face. “That would explain a lot. Seebaul was so old when I first met him that I would have sworn that he was ready for death. But here it is, three centuries later and he hasn’t aged a bit. No elf can do that. He claimed to be from Delowe’ but I have never seen one of them who looks like him either. I was part of the war with Sedau and I am telling you that I believe what he says.”
“That is good enough for me.” Landis agreed, “It looks like there will be seven of us.”
“Eight.” Katryn corrected. “I am going no matter what you say.”
“Very well, eight of us. We leave first thing in the morning.”
“We must take the sword with us.” Seebaul reminded them.
“Absolutely not,” Knight-Elder Boothe insisted. “The sword is a national treasure. Its discovery is very important to the kingdom and the Council will never permit you to take it. Besides, it can only be used by a descendant of Alex Sergius.”
“Which I happen to be,” Landis reminded the Knight-Elder. “And I promise to bring it back when we are finished.”
“The answer is no.” Boothe retorted.
“I believe that it is my sword, Knight-Elder.” Petra reminded Boothe.
“It is more than just your sword, Queen Petra. It is a historical treasure belonging to the kingdom. I am certain that the Council will agree with me. We cannot permit Landis to take it.”
Seebaul looked disappointed. “Then we will most likely fail to succeed, and someone else will eventually come along and steal the sword, and then they will have the final key to the Dragon’s Gate. “But, don’t say that I didn’t warn you.”
Chapter 35
Petra was sitting in the chair that her grandfather had always occupied whenever she had visited him in his private quarters. It felt very unusual to now be residing in this stately part of the palace. Never in her life did Petra imagine that she would be living in this suite and be ruling the nation. She was enjoying a cup of tea and explaining her thoughts to Jordan, who had welcomed the invitation to spend time with his new Queen. The Squire was still recuperating from his injuries received in their encounter with the orcs and had been—at Petra’s request—assigned to the Alexonian Garrison until he was deemed fully recovered. The Queen was even exploring the possibility of having Jordan knighted as a reward for his valiant actions in not only participating in this recent quest, but for saving her life thrice. Knight-Elder Boothe had reminded her that it was highly unusual to bestow knighthood upon someone of Jordan’s age, but said that he would personally see to it that the young man was put on the fast track for knighthood in response to his heroic accomplishments, and out of respect for his brother—Alek Jarobohim—who had died serving the new Queen.
Jordan had no knowledge of these talks concerning him. He was just happy that for the past two nights Petra had invited him to sit with her and converse about anything that was on the Queen’s mind. Petra felt an unusual kinship with Jordan. They had both lost family throughout all that had gone on recently. Both of them had been thrust into situations and responsibilities that neither had asked for. They had mutual friends and shared a companionship that only those who have fought side-by-side could know. Petra would soon be saying farewell to most of the people who shared these experiences with her. Eric would be returning home to Birhirm, Jareel—well, she really only barely knew him—was leaving for Sedau and was not planning on returning to Alexon. Jaylen had given up his position as Sword-Master and would be going to Delindea after this final mission. Trevor would be staying on as her new Sword-Master, but she doubted that she would ever be as close to him as she had been with Jaylen, whom she had grown up knowing. Katryn was leaving, and though the blonde woman had never been anything but polite to her, Petra did not mind seeing her go. And then there was Landis; she hated to see him leave. Petra hoped that he would return but was convinced that he would not. She understood the truth of things and felt no animosity. What they had shared had been mutual, even if it was misguided. Petra was fully aware that it was something that would be best to let go of. Her heart did not want to, but she realized that Landis was acting in her own best interest in walking away. And that only made it more difficult for her to say goodbye.
Jordan would soon be leaving as well. Whether he would be knighted or not, he would have other responsibilities once he was determine
d to be fully healed. That would most probably include being sent to one of the garrisons elsewhere in the kingdom, and Petra would likely only see her young friend again at the time of his receiving the orders of knighthood. So she was going to ask him to spend as many of these evenings together as possible, so that she could have someone who she trusted to speak openly and honestly with her while treating her only as Petra and not Queen Petra. The two chatted about the days events. Jordan shared just how beautiful she had looked while walking down the aisle and taking her place upon the throne. Petra ate it all up, happy to be told that she was a beautiful woman and nothing more. Jordan could be so sweet when he tried, she thought as she took another sip of tea.
There was a knock at the door. A young servant poked her head in and announced, “Sword-Master…I mean Jaylen would like to see you.”
“Let him in.” Petra responded.
Jaylen entered the room, greeting Jordan and saying, “Well Petra, you certainly make that chair look better than your grandfather did.”
“Why thank you, Jaylen.” She said, offering him a seat.
Jaylen opted to remain standing. “I am glad to see that you are healing well, Jordan.”
“I am coming along nicely. I still cannot use my left arm as well as is necessary. But I am told that it is only a matter of time before it is at full strength.”
Jaylen halted the trivial niceties, “Petra, I need to talk to you about the sword.”
Petra instinctively looked over to where the sword hung by her bedside. “I thought that this has been decided. The Elders will not permit me to loan it to Landis.”
“I know what they have said, but Seebaul is adamant that we need to take it with us.”
“But Seebaul is so odd, how can anyone be sure that he knows what he is talking about? He has always been strange. I can tell you this; there are several Elders who are happy that he has chosen to vacate his position. Of course that is just one more person that I have to replace.” She said.
“I will admit that Seebaul is eccentric,” Jaylen granted, “things are not always as they seem. Have you ever listened to his prayers? Or listened to him when he addresses the Elders? He is not the same man at those times as the one you see in private. His prayers are deep and meaningful. It is as if he knows that he is speaking one-on-one with God. His messages to the Elders have always been elegant, direct and intelligent. Those Elders who are pleased to see him leave are the same ones who are uncomfortable when he points out the things that they need to address in their own lives. I believe the elf you see in private is a character he portrays to disarm the people around him so that they do not suspect him of anything. In that capacity he can learn the truth about those around him more easily than if he was spying through a wall.”
“I can do nothing, Jaylen. My hands are tied. Knight-Elder Boothe sent word to all of the Elders, and only Joth was willing to let me hand the sword over to Landis. The others say that it must remain here with me. I know that I can overrule them, but I really do need their support and do not dare to do anything to upset them.”
Jaylen stood. “I understand. I will trust you to do what you believe to be right. And I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to come to you with this.”
“You are welcome to visit me anytime, Jaylen.” She said as the elf departed. After he left she looked to Jordan and asked, “What should I do?”
“Jaylen and Landis have never done anything that they did not believe was best for you.” Jordan reminded her.
“I understand that, Jordan. And I want to loan them the sword. But I cannot go against the Elders’ decision. Perhaps if two or three more were to have sided with Joth then it would not be so difficult. This was almost unanimous. And they have convinced Thenamin as well. And since he is my Regent I am required to adhere to his decision on such matters.”
“Then you need to find a way to do this without violating their directive.” Jordan said.
“You’re speaking riddles, Jordan.”
The Squire grinned. “Perhaps I have been influenced poorly by my brief time with our friends. I think that I can find a way around all this. You have been told that you cannot give Landis the sword. But has anyone told you that he cannot take it?”
“If you are asking if he was told not to take the sword to Sedau then no, he was not specifically told that. But it was implied.”
“Implied but not clarified,” Jordan corrected, “one of the benefits of being told that you must have an advisor to look out for you is that you are expected to make mistakes. Why not make one now?”
“Will you help me with this?” Petra asked, “I will have the guest quarters prepared so that you can stay the night. I will send word to the garrison that I have requested you to remain with me.”
Jordan quickly accepted the offer. He would do anything that would allow him to spend more time with Petra.
The Queen summoned her servant and made the necessary arrangements, then called for more tea to be brought to them. After each had a freshly poured cup of tea in hand, and the serving girl had left the room, Petra looked across the small table at Jordan. Raising her cup in a toast-like manner she said, “Well, let’s get to work. We have to make this look believable.”
Chapter 36
Following a light breakfast, Landis and Katryn walked outside to meet the rest of the team that was about to undertake another expedition to Sedau. The half-elf had his sword, his bow and a fresh quiver of arrows; he still had not found the time to make his own arrows as he preferred. The rest of the gear he needed was packed in his knapsack. His bedroll would already be strapped to his horse, which would have been saddled by the keepers in the stables. Katryn carried a dagger and a sling as her only weapons. Landis noticed that the scratches that had covered her face and hands the evening before were now gone. He guessed that she had managed to use some of her healing powers on her own behalf for a change. Both wore heavy riding jackets to help protect them against the growing cold temperatures as every day brought them closer to winter. Landis was disappointed that Petra had not joined them for breakfast. He hoped that this did not mean that the Queen was upset with him.
They approached the stables to find that the others were already readying their horses to ride. Jaylen was taking inventory of his brace of throwing knives and wore both of his black short-swords across his back as was his norm. Unlike the others, Jaylen was not wearing and traditional cold weather gear. In contrast, Natis had on a long black winter riding coat over his robe and looked cold already. Landis wondered how the mage would fare if they ran into any real winter weather along the way. Jareel stood beside Natis as the two men had become quite chummy of late. Landis thought that it was odd for Natis to become close to the plainsman, but he was happy to have both riding with him. Jareel had proven to be quite trustworthy and a very capable riding companion during their short time together and Landis always worked well with Natis.
Bix stood beside his tall warhorse. The tan and white animal was several hands taller—and appeared quite more powerful—than any of the horses the rest of them would be riding. It had been bred and trained for combat. The General wore no markings of a soldier of the Alexonian Army having vowed the night before that until Boric and ReShard were apprehended or killed that he would not continue his command, saying that he would rather resign his commission than continue on in disgrace.
Eric stood by the stables speaking with Jordan. Landis was pleased to see that at least the Squire had turned out to see them off. He was about to walk over to greet them when Seebaul arrived. The old elf strolled around the corner with Trevor Kahn and Thenamin Sergius, who had both been asked to see the Arch-Prelate of Alexon off. Seebaul appeared to relish the attention that he was getting. The two men showed him to his horse and were surprised as the self-proclaimed Elf Lord began conversing with the animal. “I am happy that you will permit me to ride you to Sedau.” He spoke gingerly to the horse as he softly stroked the animal’s neck. Everyone watched with inte
rest to see if Seebaul heard a reply. The elf chuckled at their bemusement then elegantly swung into the saddle. “This will be fun. I have not ridden on a horse in over five hundred years. Horses are great, but you should have experienced what it was like to ride on the back of a dragon.” He added.
“Landis!” Jordan called, motioning for the half-elf to come join them. Landis left Katryn and walked over to speak with Jordan and Eric.
“Well, Jordan. You look like you are fit enough to ride with us.” He said in greeting.
“I might be fit enough to ride. But I do not think that I would be able to fight, or do much of anything else.” Jordan said, rolling his left shoulder and grimacing with pain while testing it. “That is not why I am here. Someone wants to say farewell to you, but she does not want to do so in front of Katryn.”
Both Thenamin and Trevor, who were standing nearby, raised their eyebrows at the comment. Trevor leaned closer to Thenamin and whispered, “I will have to tell you more about this when we are alone.”
“Where is she?” Landis asked.
Jordan used his head to motion for the stable door. “Inside, perhaps I should go at least to the doorway to offer some pretense of a chaperone being present.” Jordan walked with Landis to the entrance to the stables and stood there as Landis continued inside. Once he had entered far enough that no one outside could see them Petra stepped out from one of the empty stalls. “Planning to leave without saying good-bye?” She undid her sword-belt and hung it on the gate of the stall. “Perhaps you should do the same.” She offered.
“Look, Petra. We have been through this before. This really is not a good idea.”
Petra rushed forward and embraced him, kissing him as she held him tightly. Then she whispered, “Landis, you and I both know that this is foolish, but there is a good reason for what I am doing. Take off your damned sword belt and hang it up next to mine. We must pretend to be intimate and then, while I am resting, you will steal my sword out of its sheath and replace it with yours.”
Elf Lords: 01 - Pearls of the Elf Lords Page 27