by C S Marks
Nelwyn and Galador spent nearly half the winter working with their comrades to construct a barrier to the wretched Úlfar, for in winter they migrated back downstream to the unnaturally warm sludge-fens surrounding Tûr Dorcha. The Elves made a great dam of stones, over which the waters of the Brunner Ia could flow without restriction, but the horrid Úlfar, who were not sufficiently strong swimmers, would not be able to scale it from below. Soon the waters were clean again.
By the time Nelwyn had finished with the dam, Gaelen had emerged back into the forest, where she took up her old habit of wandering for days. But this time Rogond wandered with her. At first she was at a loss, for since her enemy had been vanquished she had lost the purpose that had compelled her for the past several years. Yet there were always new challenges to be met, and Gaelen would soon find them.
Fima and Duinar were like old friends already. Fima explored the admittedly limited library of the Greatwood, finding some things of interest. He spent endless hours in debate and conversation with Duinar, for each had much to learn from the other. The winter passed quickly, and the spirits of the Company were high.
But then the arrival of spring brought with it some difficult decisions. Not everyone wanted to spend the rest of their lives in the Greatwood, yet there were some who would not leave it.
Fima wanted to return to Mountain-home, as did Rogond, for his brother was there. Duinar would go with them, for he would look upon the Lady Ordath again. Then he would decide whether to journey to Dûn Bennas, or to Dûn Arian, and make a permanent home.
Gaelen, of course, would not forsake Rogond. That meant she would leave her dearest friend behind. Nelwyn, who had never cared for long journeys, would not leave the Greatwood. Therefore, Galador’s traveling days had ended.
They spent as much time as possible in fellowship as the time of departure drew near. They laughed and played, told tales, and told themselves that there would be no parting, but they knew otherwise, and the sadness they felt could not be denied.
One day, as Gaelen and Nelwyn sat together in the hollow trunk of a tall tree, Nelwyn suddenly blurted out: “You must come to the Greatwood each and every spring, Gaelen, and spend time with Galador and me.”
“I cannot promise that,” said Gaelen. “I do not know where my path will lead.”
“Still, you must try,” said Nelwyn. “You must come and see my daughter, for I would have her know her most famous and valiant relative.” Gaelen looked at her cousin in wonder. “It’s true,” said Nelwyn. “If all goes right, Gwynnyth will come after summer’s end, during the harvest.”
“Then by all means, I shall try to come,” said Gaelen. “After all, autumn is my favorite time of year in the Greatwood.”
The day of parting came at last. Friends and loved ones had spoken very little to one another in recent days, as though they grieved already. Eros and Toran stood ready with the ever-useful Faladinn, as Galador and Nelwyn embraced Fima, Rogond, and Gaelen. There were few words to say that had not been said already. Even Duinar, who had seen much of sadness in his very long life, wept for his friends. He was a kind and sympathetic spirit, and their sorrow tore his heart.
Ri-Aruin had wanted to bestow the status of Most Honored Warrior upon Gaelen for seeing to the death of Gorgon, but she had declined. “He took his own life, my lord,” she said. “In the end, his pride accomplished what I could not.” Still, Ri-Aruin insisted upon giving her a token, another beautiful ring of gold and adamant. Gaelen thanked him, thinking to herself that if people did not stop bestowing rings on her, she would no longer be able to conceal herself for all the glittering and flashing of stones and gold.
The King attended the departure, wishing them safe journey. Fima was silent as he waited with the horses…he loved Nelwyn dearly, and his heart was broken.
Galador and Rogond now said their last farewells.
“We have journeyed long and seen much,” said Galador. “I will not wish to live forever without hearing news of you. Will you make certain that you return once in a while, so that I may recall your face?” Rogond nodded, as words had failed him. “Take care of the Fire-heart, my friend,” said Galador. “I shall miss her.”
“One day, I shall send her back to you,” said Rogond. Then he turned away, lest tears should come.
Gaelen and Nelwyn embraced long, and their tears were plain to see. Yet they could not remain so forever, and at last they parted, saying no words. Gaelen walked Toran over to a fallen log, and turned back toward Nelwyn with a wry smile. “Ridiculous, huge horse,” she said, and swung gracefully aboard.
She turned and left her friends without another word, riding with Rogond and Fima, as Duinar walked beside her. Réalta called plaintively from the courtyard, but Eros did not answer him.
They left the Greatwood, and Gaelen’s old life, behind them. Yet as they walked, and the time and miles passed, their silence gave way at last. They had not seen the last of Galador and Nelwyn. Fima reflected on the vast distances they had traveled and the many realms they had seen.
“If these experiences have taught me anything at all, it is that the world is a whole lot bigger than I ever knew it was. I suspect there are vast lands and fascinating people that even we have not yet discovered.”
“Yes,” said Rogond. “I believe that. Still, from what I have seen, the world is small.”
Lady Ordath looked out over the south marches of Mountain-home at the ruined forest, wondering at the slight tingling in her fingertips as the west wind stirred her long, dark hair. She was not concerned for the forest, as it would renew itself, but there was something else that had aroused her this morning. The horn-calls from the watchers to the west announced the arrival of a lone traveler, and she hurried to see who might approach. Yet when she arrived on the west march, the sentinels were simply staring out in puzzlement.
Ordath trained her sharp eyes on the distant walker, and her face filled with joy at what she beheld. For there, striding toward the gates of Mountain-home with power and purpose, his grey cloak unfurled behind him, was Shandor, the Asarla of Mountain-home. His cold blue eyes beheld Ordath and filled with warmth and light, as a rare smile played across his beautiful, stern face. He was home at last, and he knew that he was loved.
Epilogue
Gorgon Elfhunter stood upon the Shores of Eternity, wondering what his fate would be. He was not a little afraid, for he had never known belonging or acceptance ever in his life. Though his mother was Elven, he knew that the realm of Elysia was closed to him. No ships came to bear him, and no voices called to him. Would he stand forever, alone and wondering?
The waters of the dark lake grew turbulent, roiling and swirling until they threatened to rise up and engulf Gorgon, who took a step backward. Yet they did not escape their banks, rising instead into the air and parting as a dark curtain drawn back from a vast stage.
Now Gorgon beheld a wondrous sight as two realms were shown to him. On his one hand was Darkness, on the other was Light. He knew then that he was being shown the Fate of Men, for although his mother was an Elf, he was a half-blood Ulca, and Ulcas claimed men as their ancestors. An unknown voice was heard within his mind. “Choose” was all it said.
Gorgon looked into the Light, and for once it did not pain him. This was the light of love, the Light of Aontar. Gorgon had always cursed the Light, and he knew that, to choose it, he would need to lay aside his pride and forsake his power. He could not enter the Light without recognizing that all his life had been lived in error, and that love was the real power. He could not enter the Light without renouncing the darkness of his life. Yet the soft glow invited him, and he knew that, against all he had been taught, he would be welcome.
He turned back toward the comforting, familiar Darkness. It sought to persuade him, promising both power and freedom. He would be the Mighty Elfhunter once again. He could exercise his pride to the limit; there was no need for humility. The enemies of Light would welcome him also. They would set him high in favor among them. It
seemed that, for the first time in his life, he truly had a choice.
Gorgon looked from the Darkness to the Light, and then back to the Darkness. What had the light of love ever done for him? Could he surrender his pride and humble himself? Was love a choice that he could make? The Darkness had always comforted him, yet he had seen the stars, and they had filled him with wonder.
Choose.
Gorgon considered for only a moment longer, and then he made his choice.
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Book List
Tales of Alterra (The Elfhunter trilogy)
Elfhunter
Fire-heart
Ravenshade
Alterra Histories
The Fire King
Fallen Embers
The Shadow-man
Undiscovered Realms
Outcaste (2015)
About C.S. Marks
C.S. Marks has often been described as a Renaissance woman. The daughter of academic parents, she holds a Ph.D. in Biology and has spent the past two decades teaching Biology and Equine Science. She is currently a Full Professor at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in west central Indiana.
She began writing shortly after the untimely death of her father, who was a Professor of American Literature at Butler University. A gifted artist, she has produced illustrations and cover art for all three books. She plays and sings Celtic music and a few examples of her songwriting may be found within the pages of Fire-heart. She enjoys archery, and makes hand-crafted longbows using primitive tools.
Horses are her passion, and she is an accomplished horsewoman, having competed in the sport of endurance racing for many years. One of only a handful of Americans to complete the prestigious Tom Quilty Australian national championship hundred-mile ride, she has described this moment as her finest hour.
She has been happily married for nearly three decades. She and her husband, Jeff, share their home with ten dogs (predominantly Welsh Corgis) and five horses. They live deep in the forest, where there are miles and miles of trail riding to be had.
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C S Marks at Amazon
CSMarks.com
GLOSSARY OF NAMES
with aid to pronunciation:
Aeglainor (EYE-glay-nor): Elves name for the Fell-ruin, it means “place of grief.”
Agean calad (AH-gay-ahn CAH-lad): The large inlet between the lands of Tuathas and the mainland. Name means ”deep harbor.”
Aincor (INE-cor): Elf of the Èolar, a great scholar and warrior, known as the Fire-heart. He was among the most skilled and passionate of his people, but he was prideful and his reckless acts bore terrible consequences. It is unflattering to be compared with him in terms of willfulness. He produced two sons, Asgar and Dardis. Name means “fire-heart.” (ain-fire, cor-heart)
Ainya: The substance from which dragons generate flame; it will burn through nearly anything. It is also known as dread-fire, swift-fire, or dragon-fire.
Airan (EYE-rahn): Lord Airan, Elf of the Eádram that founded the realm of Tal-sithian with Lady Arialde. From airith (noble).
Aiyah! (EYE-yah): Elvish expression, translated as “Attend me!” It is also an expression of alarm (Pay attention! Look to yourselves!).
Al-amand (AL-amand): Name taken by Hallagond for use in the southlands, it means “the forsaken one.”
Alduinar (AL-dwee-nar): Ruler of Tuathas at the time of the Third Uprising. He successfully repelled Kotos, and was a good friend and ally of the High King. His name means “worthy guide.”
Allydar (AL-lee-dar): Noted ancestor of Rogond’s father, Diomar. Allydar was among the most reknowned of Tuathan swordsmen.
Alterra (Al-TAIR-ra): The World That Is; the Realm in which these tales take place. From terra (earth) and alta (being).
Amandir (AH-mahn-deer): Elf of Tal-Sithian, spouse of Brinneal. His name means “artful one.” From aman (artful).
Amari (Ah-MAR-ee): Collective name for the Amar Tuath and the Amar Dess.
Amar Dess (AH-mar DESS): The stream that flows into the Artan from the south of Monadh-talam. Name means “south-channel.” Known also as the Nachtan.
Amar Tuath (AH-mar TOO-ath): The wild stream that flows into the Artan from the north of Monadh-talam. Name means “north channel.”
Ambros (AHM-bros): Great River of Western Alterra, it is formed by the Eros and the Brocca in the north. From ambra (great) and ros (river).
Anori-men (Ah-NORI-men): Men who dwell in the eastern regions of Alterra. They are fierce fighters, have golden skin and dark brown eyes, and are slight of build. From anoir (east).
Aontar (Ay-ON-tar): The One Lord of All; the Creator.
Arad (Ah-RAHD): Elf of Eádros, brother of Miradyth.
Araman (AR-ah-Mahn): False name given El-morah by Lord Kotos.
Arlan (AR-lan): Elf of the Greatwood, elder son of Talrodin.
Arialde (Ah-ree-AL-deh): Lady Arialde, the Asarla who founded Tal-sithian with Lord Airan. She is the only female Asarla, and is the keeper of the Stone of Léir. From arialdas (beautiful).
Aridani (Ah-ree-DAHN-ee), sing. Aridan (AH-ree-dahn): Men. Name means “those that fade.” From aridas (fading).
Arrah!: Elvish expression of disgust, as when encountering something foul or distasteful.
Artan (AR-tan): River formed by the two streams that flow from Monadh-talam. From artan (stone).
Artemys (AR-teh-miss): Elf of Tal-sithian, master tactician sent to defend Mountain-home. Her name means “maiden of stone.”
Aruinnas (Ar-WEE-nas): The Greatwood Forest. From aruinnas (forest).
Aryiah (Ah-RYE-eeyah): Dark-skinned, blind Seer of Dûn Arian.
Asari (Ah-sah-REE) sing. Asarla: Immortal beings endowed with great knowledge, sent to enlighten the Children of Aontar. They were generally of the Light, but could be turned. Name means “teacher.”
Astor (AS-tor): Lore-master and chief of the Library of Dûn Bennas. His name means “of great worth.”
Avinashi (ah-vee-NAH-shee): Ravani name for Elves, it means “immortal ones.” (Sing. fem. avinasha, sing. masc. avinashan).
Azok (AH-zok): Second-in-command and brother of Azori, half-brother of Estle.
Azori (ah-ZOR-ree): Leader of Hallagond’s band of thieves, half-brother of Estle.
Ballali (bah-lah-LEE): Repressive cult of the Sandstone oasis. The Ballali are dangerous to anyone who disagrees with their very restrictive set of beliefs.
Baelta (Bah-EL-tah): Asarla, friend of Kotos, whose dark influence turned him into the unwitting servant of Wrothgar. Baelta so regretted the destruction caused by his deeds that he took his own life, the only Asarla ever to do so. His name means “bright light.”
Belegund (BEH-le-gund): Northman, Ranger, and friend of Rogond. His name means “noble warrior.” From bele- (noble) and gunnar (warrior).
Beori (Bay-OR-ri): Dwarf of the Northern Mountains; eldest son of Belko.
Bint Raed (Bint Rah-YED): Masterful weaver-woman, originally a citizen of Dûn Arian. Her name means “daughter of Raenien.”
Bödvari, sing. Bödvar (BODE-var): Dreadful servants of Wrothgar, they are the offspring of Dark Asari. They are as black demons that kill their enemies with fire after first paralyzing them with fear. They are terrible enemies in battle. From bödvar (demon).
Brinneal (BRIN-nee-al): Golden-haired Elf of the Èolar, she moved to Tal-sithian after the fall of Tal-elathas. She is the mother of Gorgon Elfhunter and the spouse of Amandir. Name means “beautiful young maid.”
Brocca: The river in the north that, along with the Eros, gives rise to the Ambros. It is as wild and turbulent as the Eros is smooth and gentle. From broca (restive).
Brunner Aigred (BROO-nair AYE-gred): The cold-spring that flows from the Monadh-hin into the Linnefionn. From aigred (cold, High-elven dialect) and brunner (spr
ing).
Brunner Ia (BROO-nair EE-ya): The cold-spring that flows through the Greatwood, eventually entering the Darkmere. From ia (cold, Wood-elven dialect) and brunner (spring).
Carmyn: Masterful map-maker of Dûn Arian, friend of Fima. Carmyn has a near-perfect memory.
Castalan (CAS-tah-LAHN): Coastal city near the mouth of the Ambros, it is known as a center of trade from the south. It is the home of Harsha, the wine-merchant.