The Woodland Tombs of Eliantar

by Gary Gaugler, Jr

Chapter 5

  As Grim raged on, Ara decided to make the best use of his time, trapped in the Ivory Towers, to educate both himself and Crown Prince Vale on the art of self-defense. It may have seemed pointless to some of the guards but if Vale was threatened again it would be better to have some knowledge and confidence than none at all. Much to Ara’s chagrin, Vale’s twin brother, Prode, the Ambassador of Tacia, was spending the month in the castle as well.

  Being a drifter, Ara was well-versed in basic combat and self-defense techniques. However, he always tried to make peace. These times, however, may not be times of peace. It may have been an isolated attack on the Prince or it may have been a more sinister force at work. There was no way to know. And so for several days following the Regulation Committee meeting, Ara locked himself in the castle’s armory, located in the east wing of the 7th floor training with other members of the Royal Guard.

  The armory was one of the most impressive rooms in the Ivory Towers and that was saying something. It was an enormous square that was 40 yards long and 40 yards wide. The ceilings had the same ornate, arched ceilings that the other rooms had, but that was where the similarities ended. The floors were covered with a soft blue mat that was very plush for duels and training exercises. One wall consisted entirely of windows that allowed massive amounts of sunlight in and boasted glorious views of the fields and village. The opposite wall was completely covered in assorted weaponry and pieces of armor. Overall, in spite of his aversion to fighting, he found that he enjoyed spending time in the massive war room.

  He honed his skill with members of the Royal Guard for days. He sparred with several of them both hand-to-hand and using a trelamna.

  He had seen the weapons of the Royal Family before. There were two of them crossed in a large “X” on every royal crest across Eliantar. Still, he had never actually held one before, but he found them an easy-to-use and graceful weapon. Each one was basically a staff measuring in at five feet in length. Usually made of a dark, solid wood, the trelamna was exceptionally light, but strong. This made it easy, even for novices, to use. On either end of the staff were three spikes that jutted out like an enormous fork. When confronted, a guard could hold the staff with both hands and use it as a stick to beat away enemies.

  It could be far more interesting than just that though. When holding the staff, with a turn of each wrist and a pull the rod came apart in the middle making two smaller weapons. This doubled its effectiveness since, if used correctly, it could completely catch an enemy off guard.

  When Ara felt that he was competent enough with his trelamna, he summoned Vale and Prode to the large armory. He wiped the sweat, which was flowing profusely, from his bald head. He didn’t know if he was perspiring because of his exercise or because of his lack of experience as a bodyguard and trainer. Maybe, he thought to himself, he might be nervous because he was starting to truly feel affection for another. This made him most uneasy, as it was not a feeling that he had any knowledge of how to deal with.

  Ara wasn’t sure why he felt so drawn to Vale. He was great looking, but hadn’t he dismissed handsome men before? Certainly it wasn’t the Prince’s power or authority, for those were two qualities that never impressed him previously. He could only assume that it was the combination of his innocence and ambition. He was innocently thrown into a world that he clearly didn’t know what to do with. Dealing with assassinations and political upheaval in the first day was not what he had signed on for. Nevertheless, he had accepted his destiny and showed the ambition to endure and make the necessary changes. Yes, those self-sacrifices made Vale highly likeable and charming to be around.

  He was snapped back to attention as the heavy metal doors to the room creaked open slowly and the twins walked in. Both wore black athletic-style pants and sleeveless, tight shirts. Ara could immediately tell them apart because Prode’s was a deep forest green and Vale wore a pale blue. It was a kind of requirement that Ambassadors wear their realms signature color and as Prode represented the forest realm, he wore green. It suited him, but Vale stood out as more handsome to Ara in his various shades of blue. They perfectly accented his bright blue eyes and dark as night hair.

  Prode had personally requested to be trained along with Vale. Ara had originally said no for a multitude of reasons, the biggest being his immaturity. Eventually Prode had convinced him by pointing out that, as a twin, he could be used as a decoy if need be.

  Ara was impressed to see that they were both well-muscled; especially considering they had lived rather pampered lives. Their long dark hair fell loosely onto their shoulders and they both smiled at Ara as they walked towards him. Prode gave a stupid grin and raised his eyebrows suggestively. His brother, who was embarrassed by Prode’s obnoxiousness, merely blushed and looked away sheepishly after he had smiled at his new bodyguard.

  “The purpose of today’s exercise,” began Ara trying not to stare at Vale, “is to learn how to use the trelamna. I realize that as members of royalty you’ve already had some basic training. We shall review only the basics. We’re going to do this in three phases. After all, the last thing I want to do is overwhelm you. To start off, we will practice how best to handle the trelamna as a shaft.”

  Prode immediately burst into giggles. Running up alongside Ara he made a play grab at Ara’s crotch before running away sniggering ridiculously. Vale looked away, aghast with embarrassment.

  “You know every man’s dream, Ara. I know the drill. You get some alone time with a set of twins and then ‘handle the shaft.’ Trust me Ara, we’ve heard it all before.”

  Ara rolled his eyes in disgust while Vale punched Prode in the arm and shushed him. It was becoming crystal clear that this was a common scenario for the two twin brothers.

  “If I can continue,” Ara said rudely. “The second phase of our exercise will be to separate the trelamna into two pieces, two separate weapons, and fight accordingly.

  “In the final phase, we will discuss the ways to use our special abilities while battling with trelamnas. Now, if you’re both ready, then let’s begin. If you could please do some quick stretches and then bring out your trelamnas we can start the day’s exercises immediately.”

  Prode continued to laugh like a fool. He clutched his stomach as tears welled in his eyes. Ara wondered what his problem was this time.

  “Seriously? Everybody whip out your sticks so we can clash them together! Oh, that’s just too rich!”

  The rest of the day progressed in much the same way. The balance of the morning Ara taught the twins how to use the trelamna as a single weapon. They learned how to strike high, strike low, perform a sweep attack, and how to judge where their enemy would strike.

  Ara was taken with how mature Vale was and what a quick learner he could be. At the same time, Ara found himself disgusted with how little Prode paid attention and how many immature jokes he would make, followed by the standard cackle. How two brothers could be so different, he wasn’t sure. He tried his best to maintain his patience but it was becoming increasingly difficult.

  “That’s excellent Vale,” encouraged Ara. “You’re catching on so quickly. That’s it! When your enemy strikes high, you must also strike high. As soon as you block the high attack perform a low attack and jab at the legs. If you’re quick enough, they’ll still be off balance from their high stab.”

  “You two are far too serious,” scoffed Prode. “It doesn’t always have to be life or death you know? I think the two of you could both use a good jab at the heads with those things to get you to relax.”

  After a quick lunch of some fruit and nuts, which of course Prode had to cackle about how much he loved eating nuts, Ara taught the twins how to separate the trelamna into two weapons and use them both. This proved to be more difficult and much more dangerous, even though he strongly emphasized only using the motions and not actually striking. In no time the twins both had cuts all over their arms.

  T
his only proved to bring their defining characteristics out even more. Vale became even more serious and determined. Prode became even goofier and overdramatic, accusing Ara of intentionally trying to cut his arms off so he could take advantage of him. It didn’t seem possible, but Ara was finding himself even more appalled by the crude twin.

  “The trick with the trelamna, as two weapons, is defense. You’re used to countering only one attack and in the back of your mind planning your own retaliation. With one weapon, the enemy can only strike in one direction at a time. However, when separated your mind is being split into two different directions. You must accept that there is too much going on to plan your own attack and you must focus on keeping your weapons where your enemies’ weapons are headed. If you can do this properly and strongly, you will stun your opponent and then be able to strike your own attack. This will take more time and practice without a doubt, but I’m sure you’ll learn. Now, let me show you some of the attacks you can use with the two weapons once your enemy is distracted.”

  With that he taught them how to twirl the mini-trelamnas to distract the opponent. He taught them how to perform an upper attack by holding both weapons over their head and bringing them down on their opponent’s shoulders. They learned how to do the scissor and reverse scissor by spreading their arms out and swinging them in to a cross and then swinging back out. He reminded them to be careful as the trelamnas were highly dangerous and any of these attacks could behead, impale, or cause severe damage to each other.

  After a great deal of practice, Vale and Prode were at least able to defend each other’s assaults without receiving any damage of their own. This was a great accomplishment for two young men who had rarely been exposed to weaponry or battle before.

  “Very good, I’m really impressed with both of you,” Ara repeated, trying not to stare too hard at Vale’s body as he wiped the sweat from his brow. “I haven’t asked either of you about your powers. I certainly don’t know if they will even be useful in battle but I have noticed that several Elite Guards have trained themselves to use trelamnas along with their power. And I have to say that some of their abilities are more powerful than the weapons they carry.”

  “Well I could show you my gift while I hold the trelamna, if that’s what you want,” began Prode. “My only fear is that the trelamna may look a lot less impressive next to my “gift.”

  “Don’t you ever cease to talk?!” yelled Vale as his trelamna that had been lying on the ground, lifted up by itself and flew through the air at Prode. It looked as though it was going to take Prode’s head off.

  Prode stared at the flying weapon and waved his hand. The trelamna flew off to the far side of the room and clattered against the metal doors before falling to the ground, motionless once more.

  Ara stood transfixed, “You’re both telekinetic! That is such an amazing gift! And if I may say so, that’s a very useful gift to have in battle.”

  “Not quite,” Vale sighed. “Our powers are opposite in nature. I am able to move organic things with my mind such as the wood of the trelamna. Prode can move inorganic objects, such as the metal of the trelamna. We’ve played this game for years, throwing things at each other.”

  “I think you may both be ready. I’d like to have you both stand in the center of the room facing each other. We’re going to have a little sparring battle to see what you’ve learned. Please be careful as you are not real enemies. Remember to use fake attacks. Use the motions that you would use, but use them slowly. It’s not an active battle. You should use any skills you have learned to this point and incorporate your telekinesis at any point during the sparring.”

  The twins stood in the middle of the room facing each other. Vale had a serious, committed look on his face. Prode, to no one’s shock, sported a silly grin. This wasn’t going to go well.

  “On your guard, Highnesses…get poised…and begin!” bellowed Ara and the twins attacked.

  They were fast, faster than Ara wanted them to be for a sparring event, which immediately made him tense. Vale swung his staff high and Prode blocked it high. The two clashed over and over again from high to low. Ara was pleased to see that they had both mastered a good sense of defense.

  “Do not assault each other!” Ara yelled over the clashing of metal. “There aren’t enough healing ointments in the storage room if one of you gets injured.”

  They ignored him and continued. After what seemed like an hour of this, Prode blocked another high attack and fell to his knees swinging his staff low to the ground. He succeeded in sweeping Vale off of his feet. Prode leapt up and struck his staff down but Vale had already rolled aside and jumped into the air separating his trelamna before he had touched the ground. Ara was speechless thinking that Vale could have just been stabbed, had he not rolled away. This was getting dangerous.

  “Maybe we should take a little break,” Ara called out. “This is getting tense for an exercise.”

  Vale swung his weapons together in a scissor attack and Prode avoided this by bending so far back that he fell down in pain. Quickly as he could he separated his trelamna and crossed them into an X over his body as Vale brought his down to strike. Their sets of weaponry clashed between their bodies and stayed in place as both tried to overcome the other’s strength. Strain and anger showed on both of their faces, surprisingly even Prode’s.

  “Cease now!” We’ve finished for the day!”

  Prode smiled and pushed hard. Vale fell back onto the ground and laid there for a moment. Prode got up fast and stalked towards his brother with his weapons drawn.

  Vale mentally lifted his own weapons and sent them hurling across the room at Prode, blades first. Prode swung both his weapons hard at the first trelamna that sailed in his direction and knocked it to the ground. He wasn’t fast enough for the second one that sliced his arm as it sailed by and he howled out in pain and rage. It was obvious that Vale was trying to get his brother to stop, rather than actually hurt him but that made little difference.

  There was a definite look of fury on Prode’s face as he examined the trickle of blood from the flesh wound. Raising his hands he sent a tremor through the ground that shook the opposite wall that held the hundreds of different weapons. When the weapons began to loosen and fall, Vale raised his arms and used his power to slow them so they wouldn’t crash to the ground.

  Ara continued yelling for them to stop, but dared not step between them. He had only wanted this to be a friendly sparring contest and all of a sudden he felt that both brothers were dead serious about winning. Being an only child, Ara never did quite understand sibling rivalry. But, judging from this he could see that it definitely existed and it was ugly.

  Standing up finally, Vale raised his hands and Prode’s own weapons flew out of his hands, flew directly behind him, and cracked him hard in the back of his legs, with the wood and not the blades, thank goodness. He fell hard on his back and Vale, furrowing his eyebrows with his arms still outstretched, used his mental energies to keep Prode pinned down.

  “Well done to both of you! End game! Vale wins!” Ara yelled before there was retaliation.

  “Isn’t this a surprise?” Prode said sarcastically. Vale wins again.”

  Vale released his brother and leant down to give him a hand. Prode took it and rose to his feet, brushing himself off and then smiling. The anger that had been all over his face washed away as quickly as a downpour might wash away a speck of dirt or dust.

  “I mean I could’ve won but I know how sensitive you can be and I just didn’t want to hurt you. I certainly don’t want to embarrass the future King of Eliantar. And besides that, if I had won, wouldn’t that be considered treason?”

  They caught their breath for a few minutes and enjoyed a couple of laughs. Overall, it was a very successful training session and Ara was impressed. Even Prode, who Ara had been sure wasn’t paying attention, had the potential to be a fierce warrior. Somewhere in the midst o
f all his silliness, Prode must’ve been making mental notes of Ara’s lessons.

  This moment of relaxation was only brief as the large metal doors swung open and Forr Suosor came in looking quite upset. Vale approached him quickly to see what was wrong.

  “Forr, what in the world is the matter? What is it, my friend?”

  Finally Forr focused his eyes on the Prince and a look of mixed pride and fear filled his old face as he whispered to Vale with a touch of glee in his voice, loud enough that Prode and Ara could hear him.

  “I know who it is. It took me a while to figure it out, but I know who’s trying to kill you.”

  “What?! Who is it?” Vale asked. “How in the gods’ names did you find this information?”

  “It’s her. I don’t know why I didn’t assume it right away. It’s that awful woman, the one we knew would come back and cause catastrophe.”

  “What are you talking about Forr? What woman?” Vale sounded just as nervous as Forr did, his eyes wide with worry. “I don’t have any idea who you are talking about. Please speak clearly.

  “The corpse woman had sworn her revenge, Vale.” Forr looked up, tears in his eyes. “I’ve failed you, Your Highness. I couldn’t foresee her evil. I couldn’t foresee that the Lady of Death would return.”

  With that Forr collapsed on the ground. Ara picked him up and Vale asked him to carry him back to his quarters. Twilight had already fallen and Ara was terribly lost in the monstrous castle as he followed Vale through long, dark corridors and winding staircases. When at last they reached Forr’s tower, Vale asked the guard standing there to unlock the door.

  Ara had met this guard before. Kally was very young for a soldier in the Royal Guard but very eager to please and very polite. This young man was definitely going to go places, Ara thought as the teenager fumbled with his keys.

  Upon entering, Vale directed Ara to place the old man on his bed. Ara did as he was told but felt very uncomfortable. Being in the old psychic’s room gave him an eerie feeling. It was dark and all around the room were black curtains keeping any light out. Dozens of candles littered the room, hardened wax covering the floor. There were jars that lined the walls filled with assorted crystals, future cards, and anonymous liquids. The room gave off odd red and purple glows from the mixture of lights that hit the billowing smoke that poured profusely from a small cauldron in the corner. Why in all the gods’ names would Forr have a cauldron in his chamber? What was he up to in here?

  “Please leave me with him for a few minutes,” Vale requested. “Wait for me outside. I won’t be long. He’ll calm down quickly if there aren’t so many people surrounding him.”

  Stepping outside, Ara saw Prode had already sent Kally away for privacy. He closed the door and looked at Prode, who was staring back, and couldn’t help but give a slight shudder.

  “Oh you don’t have to tell me,” whispered Prode. “That guy has always given me chills. Mother always loved him and had him around her all of the time. She practically worshipped the ground he walked on and frankly I’m worried that Vale’s starting to do the same thing. I, for one, have always thought he was nothing more than a crazy, old charlatan.”

  “Has he made mistakes before?” Ara questioned. “He claimed the Prince was in no danger before he was nearly killed.”

  “No, I don’t think so,” Prode responded, thoughtfully. “I’d never heard any of his prophecies before Mother died but she swore he was quite good. She would brag about his accuracy and say that he never led her astray. Ever since Vale has taken over though…”

  “Who’s the woman that he’s talking about? He sounded all mystic and overdramatic about it.”

  “Oh I don’t have a clue. I suspect he’s making it up for dramatic effect. You were the one that told all of us that Scurus Subo said he was working for a woman. Now, all of a sudden, Forr sees a dark lady behind the attack. Go figure.

  “If you want my honest opinion, Forr’s lost his visions of the future. Nothing wrong with that at all, don’t get me wrong. Every Elite knows that when we get old, our powers sometimes fade or disappear completely. It’s just a natural part of aging. A lot of Elites don’t handle that very well if it happens to them. I’m guessing he’s afraid that without his powers Vale will cast him out on the street with nowhere to go, hence these outrageous false visions. It’s becoming a bit like one of those small town “psychics” with all the smoke and drama and no real answers. Do you know what I mean?”

  Having been to several small towns, Ara knew exactly what he was talking about and was even inclined to agree. Still, he thought it may be unprofessional to voice his own opinions too readily since he was still new to his post.

  “And that old cauldron,” Prode went on. “He’s in there acting like one of those old Skars Shadows that we learned about in our history classes that used all of that dark magic to terrorize the country. Mark my words, in the next week or two, he’ll be in there charging money per visit.”

  Ara let out a little chuckle as the beaten door to Forr’s room swung open. Vale gave a dirty look to Ara who lost his smile immediately. The look continued over to Prode who was already pretending to admire an old painting on the wall.

  “I love the way they’ve blended the oils in this piece, Ara. It’s a bit like looking at the clouds coming from a cauldron. You know, like the ones that those fake seers have in their chambers.”

  “I want to see you both in the Regulation Committee room in one hour. I think we’ve got some serious problems to start worrying about. I’ll thank you both not to carry on like a couple of immature children during this time.”

  With that Vale began to walk off, but Prode and Ara hurried after him. Ara was worried and even Prode seemed a bit concerned as to what had upset Prince Vale so thoroughly.

  “What is it? What’s going on?” questioned Prode. “What did the old fraud tell you in there?”

  “I know there have been questions and jokes at Forr’s expense as to his ability to predict the future,” Vale snapped, coldly. “Let me assure you both that if Forr’s vision is correct, then all of us are already dead.”