Tovi jumped up and followed her… and the dagger. “You coming, Marzi?”
“I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”
As they approached the tents, Ran emerged and stretched, glancing up at the sun. When he caught sight of the approaching trio, his gaze focused on the dagger in Elle’s hand. “What’s that?”
“It is Tovi’s. I am going to make him a sheath and belt.” Elle slid past him into the tent. “I will get my things and be right back. The light is better out here.”
Ran chuckled. “Azyreans and their daggers. Who would have known?”
Marzi sauntered over to his side, and the two sat down together. Tovi noticed something between them although he couldn’t say what. It was almost like Ran was her older brother. Tovi wasn’t sure about that. After all, she had a brother already.
Elle emerged from the tent, dagger in one hand and a leather bag in the other. “Okay. I will have to take measurements for your belt first. Come over here, Tovi.” She held out a long strip of measuring cloth.
A peace settled in. Elle focused on her cutting and stitching. Marzi and Ran spoke softly, each staring out into the expanse of sand. Tovi watched Elle’s capable hands as they moved deftly, working the needle in and out of the leather.
“You were going to tell me about the moonbeams, Tovi. What did it feel like, I mean, when you were on the blue beam?” She glanced up, that same warm smile on her face.
Tovi thought back. When he first arrived, he had been afraid. And, as best he could remember, he was maybe a little scared when he was on the blue beam. “It was fun, exciting. Like when you’re doing something new. And everything happens really fast. I was gliding down the hill, picking up speed. The wind blew my hair. And I had to hold my arms out to keep my balance. And then, plop, I ended up in a dark, moonless desert.” Yep, that summed it up. It was great fun, though, as he recalled.
“Were you not afraid? Finding yourself in a strange land at night?” She held his gaze.
“Naw. It was fun. And it happened so fast that I didn’t have time to be scared. The worst part was during the next day when it got hot and I didn’t have any water. But I met Klunk pretty soon after that and he shared his food and water.” He hadn’t really been afraid, after all. Maybe a little concerned, but not scared.
She shook her head and went back to her sewing. “It sounds like you were lucky then. But, I do not know, Tovi. For being so small, you Azyreans seem brave. I am glad you are on our side.”
Tovi swelled with pride. And something else. First the ogres and now the elves. They were like friends. They liked him. And Myhrren had told him that he would need help.
Ran turned toward Tovi. “Very nice. Now just be careful with that dagger. Do not cut yourself.”
Chapter 31: Crystal Sands
Tovi adjusted his new belt, moving the sheath for his dagger back more on his left side. It felt right. Elle had done a great job. He turned to Virgil, the human captain. “We’re going to be leaving first thing in the morning?”
“I’d like to be on our way before sunrise. That way, we might possibly reach the site before day’s end and have a chance to set a perimeter and survey the area while it’s still daylight.” He placed wrapped packages, presumably food, in his rucksack without looking up. “You all set to go?”
“I guess so.” Tovi had become so used to traveling across the desert that it hardly felt worth the effort of worrying about. Then, out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of an approaching elf. She looked enough like Elle to be her sister.
“Good afternoon. You are Captain Virgil?”
The captain straightened up, and Tovi thought he caught just a hint of a shudder course through the human. “Yes. I am. And you are?”
“I am Ryshara, dark elf of the Twilight Bough.” She nodded her head in an abbreviated bow. Her hair, the color of moon-kissed corn silk hung over her shoulders, front and back. Her brilliant blue eyes sparkled as she spoke. “I have been ordered to accompany you to the mines. Our leadership desires to know more about the portal and the area surrounding it.”
Virgil stared at her for a moment, and then glanced over at the bulk of his troops before returning his attention to her. “Regretfully, I am already tasked with watching over a child on this journey. I would prefer not to take on another responsibility.”
Ryshara’s eyes flashed. “In case you have not noticed, I am hardly a child. I have seen battle with the humans and am still alive.” Her stare softened, and amusement played in her eyes. “Perhaps the fact that I am a female bothers you.” She arched a well-defined brow.
The captain turned a deep shade of scarlet. Clenching his jaw for a moment, he appeared to think through the challenge before responding. He gestured toward his troops. “As you can see, I have two females among my band, and my commander is a female as well. So no, that you are a woman does not alarm me at all. But I am concerned that I do not know you.” He stood and brushed a hand over his tunic. “My people know and understand me. I know what to expect of them. I am sure that you are competent and courageous. But adding you to my group brings additional responsibility and uncertainty, both of which I already have in abundance.”
Ryshara glanced over at his group, then back at Virgil and shrugged. “So I should return to my leaders and tell them that you politely decline. Is that it?”
Tovi almost burst out laughing. He could not recall ever seeing anyone who appeared so uncomfortable as Virgil did at that moment. The captain alternately clenched and unclenched his fists as he looked around, as though expecting an answer from someone else.
“Well?” The elf pushed.
“I see you carry a longbow. You are a ranger?”
She reached back and touched her weapon. “I am not sure I know that word, ranger. But, yes, I am skilled with both long and short bows.”
“And for close quarters fighting?” He tilted his head in question.
In response, Ryshara swiftly and deftly reached down and pulled two daggers—one from a sheath attached to each of her lower legs. She held them up, their blades glinting in the sun.
Virgil glared alternately at the blades and her face. “Is there another with your skills available to accompany us?”
“What? You don’t trust me to work alone? I am quite self-sufficient, if that is what you are worried about.”
“I coordinate in pairs. We have two advance scouts, two rear guards, and two columns. No one works alone.”
“I have a friend, a magic caster. She also excels at daggers as well. Would that work?”
Virgil nodded. “Yes. That would be acceptable.”
“Good. We shall both be ready before first light then.” He watched as she turned and walked at a very quick pace back toward the elven tents.
Virgil shook his head as though bewildered. Tovi had never seen anyone react the way the captain had. It was as though he had completely melted in the presence of the elf maiden.
Chapter 32: Crystal Sands
A thin sliver of moon had just peeked over the eastern horizon when Tovi entered the circle of humans. His pack was lighter than usual—they would be gone only two days and one night if all went well.
Captain Virgil greeted him, “Morning. We’re just waiting for the elves. Then we’ll be ready to go.” He glanced across the compound, flaring campfires being lit in preparation for breakfast. “Speaking of the elves, they come.”
Tovi turned toward the compound to see Ryshara and Ellemareth making their way toward the group, seemingly deep in discussion. He didn’t know much about Rys, but he was glad that Elle was coming along. His hand made its way down to the leather belt around his waist. He adjusted the dagger sheath to fit farther back on his left side. She had done an incredible job.
“Welcome, Ryshara, if I recall.” Virgil nodded his head and smiled. “And your companion?”
“This is Ellemareth. She is the magic caster I spoke of. She is an experienced fighter as well as tracker.” Ryshara glanced over and nod
ded at Tovi, offering him a slight smile.
Elle tilted her head as she appeared to take stock of the group. “It will be an honor to travel with you, Captain.” She turned her gaze to the Azyrean. “And good morning, Tovi. I heard you would be with us. You have been to the portal before?”
“Yes.” He stood as tall as he could, still coming only just above her waist. “Me and Klunk and Kharla, we were there when the demon created the portal. Well, we were in the cave. But I know where it is.”
“So, you have seen our foe close-up as well, I take it?”
“If you mean Dredwyn, yeah. We saw him in the cave, only he looked like an ogre ghost and called himself Mugrok or something like that. He told us a bunch of lies, but we figured him out pretty quick.” He found himself rambling. Still, Elle seemed impressed. She listened, her eyes intent upon him. He liked her.
She knelt down and put a hand on his shoulder, her smile warm and genuine. “Then I am glad to have you along.”
Virgil’s voice interrupted their conversation. “Okay. Everyone’s here. A couple of things. Most of you know but it won’t hurt you to hear them again. First, no one goes off alone. Stay in groups of at least two. Don’t wander more than twenty meters or so without letting someone know. Second, pay attention. I don’t anticipate any major action between here and the portal, but nothing is certain. We’ll have scouts ahead and a rear guard. If they report trouble, take defensive positions. I don’t intend to go chasing anything or anyone. Our mission is to check out the area around the portal. Finally, when I tell you to do something, it is not a suggestion or a request. Any questions?”
“Where do you want Elle and me?” Ryshara had fitted her pack and was adjusting her longbow.
The captain considered the two elves for a moment. “Ryshara, if you would, please run advance scout. You’ll be working with Mathias over there.” He nodded toward the man Rys had met on her earlier excursion to the ogre kraal. “Ellemareth, for now, proceed with the main party. Take a spot in one of the two columns. Since you are a magic caster, we’ll depend on you to target any enemies that attack from range. Do you have weapons for close quarters?”
“Of course.” Elle reached down and pulled daggers from her ankle sheaths.
“Good.” Virgil gave her weapons a cursory look then turned his attention back to the larger group. “Okay, fall in. Ryshara and Mathias, lead out. We’ll give you three minutes and then follow.”
Tovi managed to secure a place in his column beside Elle, who walked in the adjacent column. “What is a magic caster?”
Elle looked up at the sky. “It is a more complicated question than you might think. You see, all people, well, at least all elves, as far as I know, are imbued with magic. We carry it inside us. Magic itself is neither good nor bad. It is what it is. It can be used for different purposes. Healers, like Arien, use it to care for the injured and sick. Magic, when used correctly, can help to ease sorrow. We can embed certain types of magic in building materials so that our structures are strong enough to withstand storm winds. And, as you might guess, it can be used for fighting—as a weapon. That is what I do. The staff that I carry helps me focus the magic within me to generate fireballs, ice shards, and even waves of dark shadow that poison the soul.”
“Wow, that sounds awsie. Maybe you can teach me some of it.” Tovi could just imagine throwing fireballs with his hands.
“If it were only that simple. It is not something that can be learned in a few hours or days. I have been taught the ways of the mage since I first began to walk and showed an interest and proficiency for the magic. And I have still only scratched the surface of what is possible. It is a lifelong study.” As Elle continued, her smile faded. “And truly, Tovi, the best magic, that which we treasure the most, is that which gives and nurtures life. Not the magic that takes it. I will show you a few things if we have time, but not the fighting magic.”
Disappointment swept over him. She didn’t think he was able to fight. She probably thought he was just a kid. But he’d been in fights before. And he remembered that ogres had died in those fights.
As if sensing his thoughts, Elle bent down and once again put her hand on his shoulder. “You are a good person, Tovi Gloam of Pangrove, just like your sister, Marzi. I believe that you are meant to bring light into this world, to make people smile.”
He didn’t know what to think. No one had ever talked to him like this. He nodded but wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry.
Virgil’s voice broke through the spell. “All right. Let’s move out.”
Chapter 33: Crystal Sands
Marzi sat cross-legged, her dagger resting upon open hands in her lap. But she stared at nothing in particular. The moon had shrunk to a sliver and would soon disappear, only to reappear in the western sky at evening. It would then grow to its full, round image before retreating yet again. Everything repeated itself, over and over.
Tovi was gone. He had accompanied the humans on their journey to the mines. She shouldn’t have let him go. He was just a child. Who am I kidding? He has grown up. And the young human captain had assured her that the mission was not likely to involve danger. They went merely to scout and gather information. Still, she had seen fighting and death on such journeys of her own. She shook her head to clear the haunting thoughts.
A strange scent found her. Valyn? No, it was not jasmine, lilac, and lemon. It was pleasant, but it was not Valyn.
“That is a formidable weapon you have.” The voice was soft, the words comforting… but not those of Valyn. And they were not in her head.
“Who are you?” Marzi stood, grasping the dagger by the hilt as though she might need it. Truthfully, though, she had no idea how to wield it.
“I come bearing tidings from the goddess.” A shimmering, faint emerald light appeared in front of her, but was without form.
Marzi felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up, and a shiver swept through her body. “Why doesn’t she come and bring the tidings herself?” She stepped back and grasped the dagger tighter, raising it up at chest level.
The light began to take form and the shimmering image of a beautiful dark-haired elf maiden appeared. A gentle laugh came forth—genuine and warm. “Truly, Marzi Gloam of Pangrove, you would need to ask Valyn that, for she alone knows her purpose.” The laugh softened to a smile. With bright blue eyes sparkling, the glowing image beckoned. “Let us walk. I have much to tell you, and I find that the words come more easily if I wander as I speak.”
Everything inside Marzi told her that it was okay; this being meant her no harm. Still, her past experiences had shown the need for doubt. “Who are you?”
“I am Nelwyn. Or, more accurately, her spirit. As I said, I bring the tidings of the goddess, but I also have my own words to offer you.”
“Nelwyn? You were killed during the great war?”
“The same. And that is part of what I need to tell you. Come, please. I mean you no harm.”
The two wandered casually toward the distant oasis. The landscape was barely visible beneath the dying moon and millions of stars, but Marzi felt strangely comfortable.
Nelwyn’s voice came out apologetic. “I regret that there are dark times ahead for you.”
Marzi broke out in laughter. “I’ve already heard that, from elves, humans, and Valyn herself.”
“Yes, of course. Marzi, there is something that I believe you already know, which you must never lose sight of. The darkness of which everyone speaks is Dredwyn. And, truly, this is a danger that cannot be emphasized too much. There are other forces at work as well, forces not of the dark god. But they also have the ability to bring death and destruction.”
Marzi searched her mind. What kind of other danger could there be, well, other than dangerous animals and such? But remembering Valyn’s admonition to talk less and listen more, she waited for Nelwyn to continue.
“I died in a war that should have never happened. And I tell you true, Marzi, that war was not born of Dredwyn. It came
from the darkest part of the hearts of men and elves. The desire for power and domination, for greed and control, spawned the wave of death that swept over all the races. But of those races, the ogres were truly the innocents. They remain so today.”
Marzi considered the implication. “But the elves—Ariessa, Elondiel, and Saige—they are not here to bring harm to the ogres. And I don’t know these new humans that well, but their hearts also seem to be good. So, I’m not sure what kind of danger you’re talking about.”
Nelwyn offered a soft laugh. “Yes. And that is exactly what makes this so difficult. You see, among those with whom you make company, none sees themselves as bad. No one wants to willingly harm the others. All of them desire to do only what is right.”
“And so?” Marzi felt herself slipping back into the habit of talking more and listening less.
“And so, indeed. The problem, of course, is that knowing what is right and what is wrong is sometimes more complicated than it seems. All people—elves, humans, and ogres alike—see only a small part of the larger picture. There is nothing to be done about that. It is the nature of things. But all of the leaders must serve multiple masters. They all want what is right. They want peace and plenty. But they are also bound by their duties to their individual races. Ariessa serves the elven people first. The ogres are without a leader, but their spokesman, Klunk, must first consider the needs of his people, as does their battle leader, Kharla. And with the humans, it is even more complicated. Captain Virgil leads this small group. But his commander remains back in Ebon Hills. And even there, she competes for power with King Wyndred, who is but an incarnation of Dredwyn.”
“But if they all want peace and they all want to do the right thing, I don’t see the problem.”
“I think you do see it. You just do not want to acknowledge it. What is truly right may not be the very best solution for any of the three races. They must, in the end, agree to arrangements that benefit all equally. You are right, in that, among the leaders, mostly they are wise enough to accept this. They will posture and make gestures, but in the end, they will likely accede to satisfactory terms that benefit all.”
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