by C S Marks
That was a very good question. The Company spent much of the night laying careful plans, each lending his or her thoughts, as they prepared to deceive the Deceiver. Gaelen sat back down beside Rogond, and he could literally feel waves of heat emanating from her small frame. In the past, Gorgon’s presence has chilled her, but now she thinks she holds the upper hand. This is the heat of the battle to come. This plan could go awry so easily, and Rogond sighed, knowing that once Gaelen grabbed on to an idea there was no dissuading her. Well, I suppose it really doesn’t matter. I love her, and I’ll be going with her—no matter what.
Gaelen was not the only presence in Alterra that was sending forth the heat of impending battle upon that night. Lord Kotos had been summoned to parley with Lord Wrothgar, and this he had done. Gorgon sat nearby, as did the raven. It had learned to not fear Gorgon when Kotos was watching him.
Kotos wasn’t watching now, however, and the raven decided that it didn’t care for the expression on Gorgon’s face. It flew to a nearby dead tree, perching high on one twisted, forlorn limb. It had been a while since Gorgon had eaten.
Kotos met Wrothgar within the confines of the amulet, where he appeared to stand before the dark throne of his Master. The voice of the Shadowmancer came to him, and there was a hint of impatience in it.
What news, Persuader? It has been long since thou hast sent word. How goes the plan?
My apologies, My Lord, said Kotos. I have been occupied with ensuring our success, and my efforts are bearing fruit. The Elves were taken in, and even now they make plans in the Lake-realm, as we expected. I regret keeping Thee so long without news. In truth, Kotos was unhappy with Wrothgar’s timing, for he was uncertain as to whether the plans being made by the Elves were the plans he had intended, and he would not know the truth of it until they emerged from the Lake-realm. He would not dare fly near it again.
Art thou quite certain they were taken in? said Wrothgar. I sense reluctance in thee. Is there any cause for uncertainty?
Not that I am aware of, My Lord, said Kotos. Until the Elves emerge, I cannot be certain what plan they have made, and what course I must take…nothing more. I can relate that I have seen several encouraging signs—the massing of the Guardians, for example, and the disquiet I have sensed from Arialde and Lord Shandor. Shandor has gone within himself. I can no longer sense him. But all these signs indicate that the Elves are preparing for war.
I stand ready to aid thee, said Wrothgar. I have arranged a most convincing display of force in the Fell-ruin. If the Elves of Mountain-home seek to confirm the rumor that I will soon rise up, they will not be disappointed.
I believe that they will move the Stone in any event, said Kotos. They have no doubt realized just how disastrous it would be for them to fail in protecting it. And they are aware that Lord Wrothgar knows where the Stone may be found.
Yes, I have Gorgon Elfhunter to thank for that insight, said Wrothgar. Be certain to remind him that, if this plan succeeds, he will stand very high in My favor. Stress also the dire consequences of failure, though he is already well aware of them.”
He is looking forward to the downfall of the Elves, Master. There can be no greater reward for him, said Kotos.
Carry on, then, My loyal and most valuable servant,” said Wrothgar. Only be advised that I will want news of thy progress upon the rising of each full moon. Carry on now, and do not disappoint Me.
That is indeed the farthest thing from my mind, Great Lord, said Kotos.
“Yes, I am sure it is,” said Wrothgar. “Remember to call upon Me at need, and also know that the taking of the Stone must be done with delicacy. The Elves will destroy it rather than allow it to fall into My hands. Thou must act in secret, spiriting the Stone away. Do not attempt to take it by force. The Elves may destroy it, and that would not please Me, not at all. Use thy guile, and the stealth of the Elfhunter. Until our next meeting then…Farewell.
Kotos was now alone within the amulet. His spirit was unsettled, as it usually was when confronted by Lord Wrothgar in the midst of a plan. Now he would summon Gorgon and convey the Shadowmancer’s message. He hoped the Elves would not take too long in plotting and planning, as Kotos disliked uncertainty, particularly when the good graces of Wrothgar depended upon his success. He was not prepared to live outside those good graces.
It wouldn’t matter how impatient either Kotos or Gaelen might have been—the implementation of the Elves’ plan would take some time to achieve.The artisans of Tal-sithian would be tested in creating a crystal to match the great Stone. Yet, as Arialde pointed out, this replica would not need to bear close scrutiny, therefore a perfect match was not required. The artisans were sworn to secrecy, and they worked in seclusion.
A messenger would be dispatched to Mountain-home, for if the Elves had believed Nelwyn’s vision, they would have sought to warn Ordath at once. Therefore, a small party mounted on swift horses rode forth a few days later, expecting that the raven might take notice of them. Nothing must interfere with the illusion that Lord Kotos’ plan was succeeding.
The Company kept to itself much of the time, as all had been instructed not to discuss the plan with the people. Yet there were happy times in that wondrous place. Azori, Estle, Carmyn, and Hallagond, who had yet to experience High-elven hospitality, were enchanted. The Company would not leave for several weeks, which would allow all in the group to gain a thorough acquaintance with the food, drink, and beautiful vistas of the Island.
One evening, as the owls called in the trees and the stars brightened overhead, Gaelen and Nelwyn called down to Estle, asking that she climb a tall tree so that she might experience star-gazing in true Wood-elven fashion. “Come, Estle, and watch the skies with us. The breezes are warm, and the leaves are fragrant. Come up and join us!”
Estle was reluctant, but she did not wish to refuse the invitation, as she did not wish to admit that she was afraid. “I have no experience in tree-climbing,” she said. “Will you not come down that we might lie upon the soft grass and view the sky?”
“The stars will be obscured by the canopy from the ground, Estle,” said Nelwyn. “You cannot appreciate this fine view until you have shared it. Do not fear…we will not let you fall.”
“Is there honey involved?” asked Estle with suspicion. She did not trust any Wood-elf who was under the influence of sweet things. In answer, Gaelen suddenly appeared to her immediate left, with barely a rustling leaf. She was quite sober.
“I am going to join Rogond and Fima, who have asked for my presence in a matter of debate this evening,” she said. “Nelwyn would much prefer to share this fine night with a friend, and we do not know where Galador is. You would not wish for Nelwyn to be lonely, would you?”
“Of course not,” said Estle. “But I do not enjoy tree-climbing, as I have no experience in it.”
“Then how do you know that you do not enjoy it?” asked Gaelen.
“Because I don’t like high places,” said Estle. “There. I have admitted it. Now taunt me if you will, Gaelen. I know you will appreciate the opportunity.”
Gaelen just stared at her. “Taunting by invitation is not all that rewarding. And, begging your pardon, you have already given me plenty of opportunity, and I have used utmost restraint in taunting you. You expect such behavior because you cannot resist doing it yourself. Am I right?”
“You’re Gaelen, aren’t you? That means you’re always right,” said Estle.
“You see? You have just proved my point,” said Gaelen, smiling at her. “Will you not at least try to climb up? I assure you that the end will be worth the effort.”
“It’s the ‘end’ I’m worried about,” Estle muttered, having already imagined falling to her death several times.
“Just follow my lead,” said Gaelen, and a moment later she had vaulted into the lower branches, scrambling up like a very limber squirrel. Estle shook her head. What a ridiculous notion!
“I’m sorry, but as I claim no squirrels or fruit-bats among my ancestors,
I will just keep my feet on the ground, thank you very much!” A moment later both Elves dropped down beside her as she turned to leave.
“If you would truly enjoy lying upon the soft grass, then that is what we will do,” said Nelwyn. “It is worth it to have your company. I would never intend to make you uncomfortable.” Estle smiled, unable to imagine that anyone could dislike Nelwyn.
“Farewell then, both of you,” said Gaelen. “Until we meet again!” She gave a short, musical laugh and walked away, turning back at the last minute. “You really don’t know what you’re missing, Estle,” she said and winked.
“On the contrary, I believe I do,” Estle replied. “I also know what you appear to be missing!” She twirled an index finger beside her right ear.
Gaelen laughed again, but did not reply. Then she was gone.
Nelwyn and Estle made their way to the shoreline, where the trees were kept back by high water during the rains. The water level had fallen enough since the snow-melt and early spring weather that there was a nice grassy area to lie upon, and they did so. “Tell me a tale, won’t you?” asked Nelwyn.
“I will, if you will in return,” said Estle. “Let me see…would you like to hear a story of how El-morah met his bride?”
“Oh, yes!” said Nelwyn. “And in return, would you like to hear a story of the Greatwood, in which Gaelen made a complete fool of herself with one of our friends, named Cúingael?”
“A complete fool, eh! How complete?” asked Estle.
“Let me put it this way…she was nearly thrown into prison for a week. There is something not so wise about digging a pit-trap for game and ensnaring the King instead!” At this, Nelwyn began to giggle. “And then there was the weasel…”
“Oh…I can’t think of anything that would please me more than that,” said Estle, her eyes gleaming in the ever-brightening starlight. She knew that she would soon have more grist for the mill of Gaelen’s future taunting.
Gaelen was unaware of the inevitability of future taunts from Estle as she made her way to the library. In Tal-sithian, as in many Elven-realms, it was below ground to keep it from fierce winds and extremes of heat and cold. When she arrived, she found Fima and Rogond sitting on either side of a low stone table on which was spread a very large map. Of the three proposed destinations, it had been decided that Tuathas was the most sensible. No one wanted to bring enemies among Grundin’s folk, and the ruin of Eádros was too close to Tûr Dorcha.
It was rumored that the northern realm had begun the slow process of recovery from near-total destruction. The fire-mountains had deposited so much poisonous ash and molten rock that all living things had perished. Only now, after hundreds of years, were things beginning to grow again.
“Ah, Gaelen, there you are!” said Fima. “Rogond and I were just trying to decide our future course. We would like your opinion, if you don’t mind.”
Gaelen nodded and sat down beside Rogond, who pointed to the map. “We have three possible ways in mind, but each has its difficulties. The first is to go north from here, cross the Artan, and then follow the Ambros north to the Eros. It takes us nearly all the way to the northern realm. The second way goes straight west, to the verdant mountains, and then north. The third crosses the mountains and goes north along the sea.”
“And how long will the journey take?” asked Gaelen. “We will not be able to travel swiftly, as we will be burdened with the replica of the Stone.”
“By my reckoning, this journey will extend for at least a thousand miles no matter what,” said Fima, “although the way along the Ambros is a little shorter.”
“I doubt we can make more than twenty miles a day, particularly since we are expected to travel only by day,” said Gaelen. “After all, we certainly would not risk an encounter with Ulcas or bandits by traveling in darkness, would we?”
“Even if we can make twenty miles a day, it will mean a journey of nearly two months,” said Rogond. “And we will not be able to travel without a few days of rest now and then. Depending on weather and unforeseen events, we may be delayed even further.”
“Summer will be coming on,” said Gaelen. “I would say our timing is excellent.”
“Our timing is vital,” said Fima, “for the northern lands may suffer violent weather, even in autumn. We must arrive before the onset of winter in any event. I know that I cannot ride twenty miles a day for two months without rest.”
“Even if we slow our progress down by half, we still will have one hundred days,” said Gaelen. “That will put us in the northland at harvest, and we will not be lingering long.”
“Yet in Tuathas there is still danger,” said Rogond. “Since the eruption of the fire-mountain, it is said that freakish blizzards assail the land as early as late summer. We had best carry warm clothing and be prepared for the worst.”
“I have not heard tell of those blizzards in many a year,” said Fima. “And I am not certain the accounts were reliable in any event. The fire-mountains continue to throw ash into the air whenever it pleases them, and ash looks very much like snow.”
“We will all find out the truth of it soon enough,” said Gaelen. “Meanwhile, we still have not agreed upon which path to take. I suggest that, of the three you have mentioned, the only acceptable way is the first one. The others pass near to Tal-ailean and the Twilight Shores. You forget that Gorgon will be following behind.”
“Yet he will be directed by Lord Kotos,” said Fima. “I doubt that the Deceiver will allow the Elfhunter to stray from the pursuit just to hunt Elves, as they might risk losing track of us.”
“Still, I cannot take the chance,” said Gaelen. “I have sworn that I will lead Gorgon away from the Elves, not bring him to their doorstep. Most certainly I would not direct him anywhere near to the Twilight Shores, as that is hallowed ground.”
“Fair enough,” said Rogond. “I also like this way, as it avoids the mountains. We will be in river valley for much of the time.”
“Crossing the Brocca should be interesting,” muttered Fima, who did not like swift water any more than he liked a swift horse. He most certainly was not looking forward to crossing swift water while trying to remain seated upon a swift horse.
“I would suggest that we not cross the Brocca,” said Rogond. “We should cross the Ambros instead, as it will be calmer and shallower in summer. The Brocca is too fierce at any time of year. There is no reason we cannot travel the southern bank of the Eros, as it is far enough from the Greatwood.”
“One thing is unfortunate,” said Fima. “A very large number of ravens dwell in the north. We may not be able to tell a harmless bird from a deadly foe.”
“That’s a cheery thought,” said Rogond. To his surprise, Gaelen began to laugh.
“What could you find amusing right now?” asked Fima.
“Oh, it’s just that I was remembering Sajid the Spider and his words to me in the Ravi-shan. He was doing his ridiculous rhyming speech, warning me to take his advice. He said, ‘I fear your fate will be Raven-bait.’” She laughed again. “And now, that is exactly what I will be.”
“Perhaps,” said Fima who did not care for the idea. “But I will tell you both something—if I ever get my hands on that raven, we’ll be eating it with a light sage dressing and fried apples.”
“Let us just hope it takes the bait,” said Gaelen, and she did not smile.
Chapter 19
DIFFICULT DECISIONS
Fima gathered the Company together with Arialde the following day. He stood before his friends, old and new, and laid before them the plan to lure Gorgon and Lord Kotos to Tuathas. “A small contingent will take the replica of the Stone northward, ensuring that Lord Kotos and Gorgon will follow. The membership of this contingent is as yet undecided, although it will include Gaelen and myself. We are both necessary to ensure Gorgon’s willing participation.”
“Tuathas!” said Hallagond. “Have you lost your minds? There must be another way.”
“Would the Shadowmancer exp
ect Arialde to charge Gaelen with such an important task?” said Estle. “Would she not send her own people, those she knows are especially capable and trustworthy?”
Everyone looked at Arialde, and then at Gaelen, who did not take offense. “Lady Arialde knows that I’m capable as well as trustworthy,” she said. “But more important—Gorgon knows these things, too. Lord Kotos may dismiss me, but Gorgon will not, I assure you. This will make perfect sense to him. And if you believe that the Elfhunter is only the thrall of Lord Kotos, allow me to enlighten you. Gorgon is cooperating, and it is true that he has been persuaded, but he will not be subjugated. He serves his own ends, as he has always done. And what he wants more than anything in the world is to see to my death, followed by the deaths of every other Elf in Alterra.” She shuddered. “I would rather not try to imagine what Lord Kotos has promised him.”
Arialde looked around the circle of companions. “Gaelen has spoken well, and I agree. But only a few may go with her. You must decide who will go, and who will aid in some other fashion. I will also send forces to Mountain-home, and I believe in my heart that Kotos will be expecting Nelwyn to go there, so that the full impact of her ‘vision’ may be shared.”
At this, Nelwyn rose to her feet, her cheeks and ears flushed. “And what is to prevent Lord Wrothgar from sending an army of Ulcas and Trolls down upon Gaelen the minute she is out of your influence? After all, that is what he wants…to seize the Stone. What is to prevent him from doing exactly that? And then, not only will he be aware that we have not been deceived, but he will have killed Gaelen and all who travel with her. I doubt very much that anyone will get anywhere near Tuathas. This plan is suicidal!”
“This sounds like one of Rogond’s ideas,” said Hallagond. “Have any of you been near the ruin of Tuathas? Well, I have. Long ago, while my brother was being wet-nursed by Elves, I dared to draw near to the fire-mountains of Monadh-ainnas, and I actually set foot in Tuathan lands. I was younger and more inquisitive then, and I thought myself invincible. I learned otherwise in that terrible place.”