“My son speaks the truth,” Darielle added. “I was surprised when he asked me to mention it to the king. I, like my brother, do not think a human can survive the trial. It is a rigorous test of skill, stamina, and intellect. The only elves who undertake the trial are those who wish to be considered for the position of elf king. That is why it is called the King’s Trial. It is considered a sacred rite to prepare the elf for kinghood. If the warrior survives the trial, he becomes eligible to be the next king of the elves. Are you willing to sacrifice your life in an attempt to complete the trial?”
“Yes,” Traven replied uneasily. “If it is the only chance I have to win the right to wear the armband of endurance, I have to do it.”
“I want you to understand just how difficult it is,” Darielle continued. “In the last fifty years, only fourteen elves have been brave enough to attempt it. Out of those fourteen, only two survived. One now sits on the throne. The other lost his mind in the trial and wandered off into the forest never to be heard of again. Once you begin the trial, there is no turning back.”
He wondered why Darian had suggested the trial as an option if it was so dangerous. If so many elven warriors had died during it, why did Darian think he would survive? Traven wondered if his special abilities as a wielder and his command of the ambience would make it easier for him than it had been for the elven warriors. In any case, the trial was now the only thing standing between him and the armband.
“I’m willing to face the risk and would like to begin the trial as soon as possible,” Traven replied. “What exactly does the trial entail?”
“Darian will explain it,” Darielle said. “He was planning on undergoing the trial after his service as a guardian and is very familiar with it. If you are certain you wish to proceed, I will inform the elf king of your decision. You can make the necessary preparations and begin the trial at midday.”
“Go ahead and inform the king,” Traven said resolutely. “I will be ready.”
“Good luck in your preparation,” Darielle said as he stood up. “I will meet with the king and be present when the trial begins. If you feel that you are not sufficiently prepared or you come to your senses and decide not to undergo the trial, you will have the chance to turn back before it begins.”
Darielle bowed slightly and walked over to the half hidden door. He opened it, stepped inside, and closed the door behind him. Traven was glad to hear the trial could begin so soon and was anxious to learn the details of it from Darian. He knew it wouldn’t be easy but hoped it could be accomplished quickly. He took a deep breath and turned to Darian.
“Tell me what the trial entails.”
“My father was not exaggerating when he said how dangerous it was,” Darian began seriously. “I mentioned the idea to him because I believed it would be the only way for you to gain the armband. It is incredibly difficult to survive the trial, but it is by no means impossible. I believe you can overcome its challenges. Simply put, to complete the trial you must climb Mount Morian and return with a rare flower that grows in a cave near its summit.”
“That doesn’t sound too difficult,” Traven said more as a question than a statement.
“The rules of the trial are what cause it to be difficult,” Darian explained. “The mountain must be scaled without the use of weapons, equipment, or help from others. You also will not be allowed to use the ambience.”
Traven frowned.
“Those are the rules,” Darian continued. “You are forbidden to take anything that you can use to aid you except for a cloak.”
“How will they know if I use the ambience?” Traven asked with a sly smile.
“You would know,” the elf responded. “It is said that only the most honest of men can withstand the secrets of the cave. If you return with your mind intact, it will be because you are just and true.”
Traven wrinkled his brow. If he couldn’t use the ambience or take any supplies with him, it would be much more difficult than he had at first suspected. Would he become another victim of the trial? Maybe it wasn’t worth the risk of dying. If he failed, he would be of no help to anyone.
“Do not worry,” Darian said, seeing the change come over his face. “I believe you have the heart of a king. If your visions tell you that you need the armband of endurance, they also foretell your success in completing the King’s Trial.”
Darian’s logic made sense. The hope Traven had felt earlier returned. He relaxed and focused on learning as much as he could about the trial from his devoted servant.
“The trial consists of three parts,” Darian explained. “The first is a test of skill and leadership. At the base of Mount Morian there is a clearing directly in front of the only accessible part of the mountain. Ten elven warriors will be positioned there with the command to keep you from ever reaching the actual mountain. They will only have practice swords but will all be very adept warriors. You will be allowed a practice sword only to defend yourself as you try to pass through them and reach the mountain.
“This is the first test. Only a skilled warrior can make it past the ten elves guarding the mountain. It is rare for a candidate to reach the mountain without sustaining several injuries. Thus, you will most likely begin the second part of the trial already at a disadvantage because of the injuries you will sustain while battling your way through the ten warriors.”
“Ten experienced warriors against one seems like extremely difficult odds,” Traven commented.
“You will not fight them alone,” the elf responded. “I mentioned that the first trial tests not only skill but also leadership. A candidate must find someone willing to face the first portion of the trial with him. His companion will most certainly end up beaten and bruised. It is to show that at least one other elf has faith that you can overcome the trial and is willing to sacrifice to follow you. If the candidate cannot find someone to stand with him, he is not even worthy to begin the trial.”
“So it will be two against ten,” Traven mused. “Still not favorable odds, but it does sound a little better. Does it matter who I choose?”
“No,” Darian replied. “It would be best to choose the most skilled warrior you can find who is willing to follow you. That will give you the greatest chance of reaching the mountain with the fewest injuries possible.”
“It appears I’m fortunate to have you as a devoted servant,” Traven said with a smile. “I’ve heard you’re one of the most skilled elven warriors around. Will you be my fighting companion?”
“Of course,” Darian replied with a smile of his own. “You know you did not even need to ask. I was the one who suggested you face the trial. The least I can do is help my master reach the mountain in one piece. Besides, I will never be able to undertake the trial myself. At least this way I can be a participant in someone else succeeding at it.”
“I’m glad for your help.”
Darian was the most skilled swordsman he had ever met. Only Blaize came close. Traven was very grateful to have the elven warrior at his side.
“So, when I reach the mountain, the first portion of the trial comes to an end?”
“Yes,” Darian continued. “Once you pass through the two poles on the far side of the clearing, the warriors who are trying to stop you cannot attack anymore. They will kneel down and bow to you, accepting that you are a superior warrior. The first part of the trial will come to an end. I will have fulfilled my duty and will wait at the base of the mountain for your return. When you return successfully, I will be accorded a piece of your honor for having been the first to support you. If you haven’t guessed, my father was the companion to his brother. That is part of the reason he has such a high status among the elves.
“When you reach the base of the mountain you must relinquish your practice sword. You will then proceed up the mountain with only the clothes on your back. Most warriors choose to begin the trial wearing a warm cloak so that they will have something warm to protect them on their journey up the slope. You will not be allowed to
bring food, supplies, tools, or weapons of any kind. The candidate is only allowed their own knowledge, physical prowess, and determination.”
“How long does it take to reach the cave?” Traven asked.
“If you hike and climb at a rapid pace it can be accomplished in two days,” Darian answered.
“Two days!”
“If you move quickly. It then takes about half a day to descend the mountain. Some candidates have returned in two and a half days but most take three to four days to complete the trial.”
“One would have a difficult time lasting that long without food or water,” Traven observed.
“There is no rule against eating or drinking,” Darian explained. “Just because you cannot bring certain provisions with you does not mean you are deprived of them. Mount Morian is sacred. Thus, nothing is allowed to be brought onto it. However, you are allowed to drink from the streams, forage for food, and create any tools or weapons you desire. It is essential that you utilize the resources around you in order to survive.
“First you will need to fashion some type of spear. It will allow you to defend yourself and perhaps catch food. There are plenty of wild beasts that live on Mount Morian, so you will have to be wary of them. Fire is forbidden on the sacred mount. If you do catch food, you will have to eat it raw. I would suggest eating roots, berries, and grubs to sustain you. There is a plant that grows on the lower slope of the mountain that has small white and yellow flowers. The roots of it are very nutritious. There is also a bush that has dark purple berries that are tart but edible. I would spend part of your first day on the mountain gathering enough of these to sustain you on the rest of your climb. If you are lucky, you will also find enough grubs to help give you more strength.”
The thought of eating grubs made Traven squeamish, but he knew better than to completely disregard Darian’s advice.
“After a full day of climbing, you should reach the edge of the tree line,” Darian continued. “From there until the cave there will be little vegetation or shelter. You will be at a high enough elevation that the snow never melts. It will be cold, and the elevation will make it harder for you to breathe. The second full day will by far be the hardest. You will not be able to stop or you will likely freeze to death. You must continue on until you reach the cave.”
“How will I find the cave?” Traven asked. “The mountain seems big enough that I could spend the entire day just searching for it.”
“It is said that the cave is easy to find,” Darian replied. “There is only one straightforward path up the mountain, and it follows a stream. The stream passes directly into the mouth of the cave. That is your ultimate destination and is easily recognizable. It is called the Cave of the Eternal Flame. They say the entrance to it resembles the jaws of a mountain cat.”
“I hope all your information is correct,” Traven mused.
“It is,” Darian replied. “I heard it from the lips of my uncle, the elf king himself.”
“I suppose that’s a reliable source. What do I do when I reach the cave?”
“All that is required is to pick one of the brilliant red flowers that grow just inside the entrance and return to the base of the mountain with it. However, the Cave of the Eternal Flame holds life changing secrets. You will want to discover them before returning with the flower.”
“What kind of secrets?” Traven asked with curiosity.
“They say that in the cave an elf learns who he truly is. That is all anyone who has entered the cave has ever replied with when asked what they found. To understand who you are is an essential truth to comprehend before you can hope to justly rule over others. Some of the elves who reach the cave cannot handle what they find and lose their minds. If an elf is able to complete the King’s Trial with his mind intact, he has proven that he is a skilled warrior, he is strong enough to overcome the most difficult challenges, and he is intelligent, wise, and not afraid of truth. Thus, an elf who overcomes the King’s Trial is worthy to be a king.”
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“Do you have any other questions?” Darian asked with an excited light in his eyes.
“No,” Traven replied. “I think I understand what I will face and what I need to do in order to overcome the trial.”
“Good,” Darian said as he stood. “I would suggest returning to my parent’s house. There you can rest and eat a good meal before you begin the trial.”
“Lead the way.”
Traven followed Darian back through the tunnel and into the amphitheater. Giselle followed silently at his heels. The giant arena was now empty. He followed Darian up the steps to the top and out into the forest. They passed many elves along the paths back to Darian’s family’s home, but Traven didn’t really notice any of them. He was lost in his own thoughts.
Despite Darian’s warning that the trial was indeed difficult, the elf had explained everything as if it was simple. Traven had no illusions that it would be simple. When he had thought he could use the ambience to aid him, he hadn’t been overly worried. Now, he was very concerned. If the greatest of the elven warriors had difficulties completing the trial, he knew it wouldn’t be easy. He had an idea of the difficulties he would face in fighting the ten elven guards and ascending the mountain. However, he had no idea how to prepare for a magical cave that caused people to lose their minds. The fear of the unknown troubled him the most.
Before he realized it, they had arrived at Darian’s home and were passing through the trunk of the giant tree. They entered the courtyard and headed towards the main building. Celeste was waiting for them just outside the door.
“Congratulations,” she said to Traven in greeting with a sad smile. “Now you have the chance to die on Mount Morian instead of at the hands of the galdaks.”
“Do not be so pessimistic,” Darian said in reply. “I have complete confidence that Traven will survive the trial.”
Traven wished he felt as confident as Darian did. He was nervous and scared of what lay before him. He only had a few hours to prepare himself mentally for a challenge that others spent months or even years preparing for.
“But he cannot use the ambience,” Celeste said. “I have no doubt he could easily accomplish his goal with his incredible magic, but how will he survive without it?”
“The same way he survived before he began wielding the ambience,” Darian replied. “Did you know he only began using the ambience at the beginning of spring?”
Celeste looked between her brother and Traven. The skeptical look on her face made it clear she did not believe him.
“It’s true,” Traven confirmed.
“You two are not jesting?” Giselle spoke up from behind.
“No,” Darian replied seriously.
A strange smile crossed Giselle’s face, and she shook her head in wonder. Celeste turned her attention from Traven back to Darian. She pointed a finger directly at her brother’s face.
“Did you talk Giselle into devoting herself?” she demanded.
“Of course not,” Darian replied quickly. He glanced back at Giselle, but she wouldn’t meet his gaze. “This is ridiculous. Why all the questions, Celeste? Traven needs to rest and prepare for the trial. He plans to undertake it at midday.”
“So soon?” she asked with surprise. She turned her head and looked Traven earnestly in the eye. “Are you sure you want to do it?”
He felt the strange sensation he had felt the previous evening when he had first met her. He hadn’t forgotten Darian’s advice and quickly averted his eyes, breaking the compulsion. The feeling almost immediately disappeared.
“I have my concerns,” Traven replied, “but it is something I must do. Every hour I delay, my people are suffering. I may already be too late to save the city I traveled here from.”
He glanced back into Celeste’s enchanting eyes and was grateful to not feel the compulsion this time. She smiled back at him and shrugged her shoulders.
“If you must do this, I will make sure you have a meal that will sustai
n you in your quest,” Celeste said. “Come and help me, Giselle. I want to talk with you.”
Giselle looked to Traven for approval before taking Celeste’s outstretched hand and disappearing into the house with her. Darian ran his hands through his hair and turned to Traven.
“Women confuse me,” he stated. “Come, you should rest. In the mean time, I will find you a proper cloak. I will fetch you when the food is ready.”
Traven thanked Darian and returned to the room he had slept in the night before. He unbuckled his sword, laid it in the corner, and climbed up into the hammock to try to sleep. He was tired after his demonstration of power in the amphitheater, but sleep wouldn’t come. His mind was too occupied with the trial that lay before him. With Darian fighting beside him, the first part of the trial would be interesting. Traven didn’t doubt he would receive a few bruises and welts, but he supposed he would be able to get past the ten elven guards with Darian’s help.
He certainly wasn’t looking forward to the second part. He disliked traveling alone through unfamiliar territory, and it would be even worse without supplies or a proper weapon. Sleeping on the ground without a fire or proper shelter wouldn’t be enjoyable either. His only consolation was that the ascent should only last two days.
As for the third part, the cave worried him most of all. What secrets could a cave reveal to a candidate? What could show him who he truly was? The mystery of the cave caused all types of strange ideas to flit across his mind. He was occupied with entertaining these strange ideas when he finally dropped off into a fitful slumber full of nightmares.
He shot awake and fell out of the hammock as a knock sounded loudly on the door. Darian opened the door and began laughing as Traven pushed himself up off the ground and rubbed his eyes.
“I thought you would have figured out the trick by now,” Darian said, full of good humor.
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