by Jeff Sabean
Epilogue
Back in Terminus, Shenroc and Yutri sat at the table in the main hall eating their dinner, a roaring fire blazing in the hearth beside them. As they laughed and talked together, they did not notice the fire dwindling faster than normal. The shadows around the room seemed to condense at the side of the hearth, which finally blotted out the light of the fire entirely, causing the two to look up simultaneously.
A figure stepped from the shadows, shorter than either at the table, its slight frame moving easily toward them as the shadows seemed to follow its form. Red eyes glowed from the shadows, and as the two stood from the table and reached for their weapons, they felt themselves stopped in place, unable to move a muscle.
“Tsk, tsk, there is no need for hostility,” the shadow stated, the voice oozing with politeness. “I came simply to have a conversation with the heroes of Terminus, not for a fight.”
“You could have come to the gate, if you come as a friend,” Shenroc stated, still attempting to reach his daggers as his anger burned hotter.
The shadows slid back, and the light from the fire became visible again, allowing the comrades to see their adversary for the first time. He was a shadow elf, standing around the same height as their friend Di’eslo, with burning red eyes, and his body hidden under a cloak that was so black it absorbed the light around it. He held his left hand out toward the two who were still frozen in place, palm facing them, and fingers extended, and in his right hand he held a staff as black as the darkest night.
“Allow me to introduce myself, and when I am convinced that we may converse civilly I will release you from my hold. Agreed?” the shadow elf asked.
“It would appear we are at your mercy, elf,” Shenroc snarled, and Yutri grunted his agreement.
“You may call me Fion, and I mean you no harm, although you have been a nuisance to me,” the shadow elf stated matter-of-factly. “I had use for Jim and losing his influence over the Chondri has set back my plans considerably.”
Shenroc and Yutri both began struggling against their invisible bonds anew upon hearing this shadow elf was associated with Jim, but their effort proved fruitless.
“Now, now, I thought we had an agreement,” cooed Fion, shaking his head. “You must hear me out before deciding if you want to kill me. I can hardly release you if you are going to attempt to attack me every time I say something you do not like.”
“You could release us now, if you truly mean us no harm,” Yutri stated, eyeing the elf dangerously.
“That is true,” Fion conceded, taking a step backward and lowering his hand, releasing the two from his hold. “I am willing to have a polite conversation if you are, Master Shenroc,” he stated, as Shenroc snatched his daggers from the sheaths at his hips.
“Go ahead and speak, elf, but I won’t put away my blades until I am convinced you mean us no harm,” he replied, grinding his teeth and causing his tusks to protrude menacingly.
“Fair enough, good orc. As I stated, I had use for Jim and his influence with the Chondri. They are brutes, and cannot be trusted, but when building an army, it is important to have fodder to throw against your enemy’s defenses.”
Shenroc’s eyes widened as he realized that Fion had just admitted to building the army Heishi had seen attacking Harmonui.
“Yes, your friend saw my army when he touched my orb. Yes, it is my orb, let us move past this without violence, shall we? What do you know of Harmonui, good orc?” Fion asked, his voice dripping honey.
“I know it is an elvish city, that they live in peace with everyone there, and that we will be stopping your attack of the city,” Shenroc stated, glaring uncertainly at the shadow elf.
“You are only partially correct,” Fion corrected. “It is an elvish city, yes, and there technically is peace in the city and surrounding area, but the terms of this peace are the reason why my army will crush them. The ruler of this elvish city is a tyrant, and rules through fear. Any who do not conform to his vision of peace are removed from the city. Families ripped apart, children taken from parents, all in the name of peace and prosperity. Do you think that you, a half-orc, would be welcome in that city? Or you, Master Dwarf, product of the coupling of a dwarf and a giant, would you be accepted?
“The answer is no. Only those who fit in with the elvish leaders are accepted, all others are quietly disposed of. Of course, the leaders of the city maintain a facade of tolerance in the face of visitors and traders, but you would never be allowed to settle in that city of ‘harmony,’ or even to roam freely through the city. You would be jailed, put to work, or outright killed for disrupting the peace and attempting to live with a ‘civilized’ race.
“I do not expect for either of you to believe me, but if you have a means of communication with your other-world friends, you should reach out to them. If they have arrived in Harmonui, they have most likely already been removed from ‘polite society.’ Do you believe the leaders of the city will allow your friends access to the city with a shadow elf in their party? If the truth of the other-worlders is discovered, do you think they will be welcomed, or turned away as a risk to the ‘harmony’ of the city?
“See if what I tell you is true, and when you realize I speak truth, rally support for my army and march upon those wretched elves with me. You have cost me the army of the Chondri by removing Jim from power. So be it. I would have removed him myself when my use for him was complete, so you have saved me the trouble, you just completed the task too soon and removed the fodder from my army.
“I WILL see the city of Harmonui, and all her allies, burn. Do not side with them in this.”
With that last statement, Fion stepped into the shadows and disappeared, leaving Shenroc and Yutri to puzzle over his strange speech.
“Just because he is evil does not mean he is wrong...” Yutri said, a pensive look on his face.
“We had better get in contact with Aki,” Shenroc replied, never taking his eyes from the spot where the shadow elf had disappeared as he reached for his wrist communicator. “If what this ‘Fion’ said is true, his reunion has just become a rescue...”
Fion
Shifting Planes Series: Book 3
Copyright © 2019 Jeff Sabean
All rights reserved.
Prologue
Circling high above the city of Terminus on the back of his dragon companion, the shadow elf Fion watched as the city continued to burn, his red eyes glowing in the darkness. The other-worlders had certainly cleaned up the mess created by Big Jim and his Chondri henchmen, but they had also thrown a wrench into his plans.
“It is time to make my presence known to the new rulers of Terminus, Dracorex,” Fion commented to the dragon. “We will need a larger army than we currently have if we will overthrow those despicable elves of Harmonui.”
“I am here for the destruction and treasure,” the shadow dragon replied, his voice sounding like distant thunder to those on the ground. “The sooner you start your war, the sooner I can end our current relationship. I care nothing for your revolution but will revel in the devastation.”
“Soon, my friend, very soon it shall begin,” Fion replied, searching for his intended target. “I will need you to land out of sight so I can slip into the city unannounced.”
“As you wish, Master," the dragon replied, smoothly banking toward a clearing in the trees outside the city.
“I understand the underlying sarcasm, my friend,” Fion replied, bristling a bit. “We both know I am not your master, but if you want the coming destruction you will still need to follow my, ahh, guidance. Soon, very soon, your dreams will come true.”
Dracorex landed in the clearing, allowing Fion to step down from his back. Looking the shadow elf in the eye, he nodded his massive head as he answered:
“Make no mistake, Master," he began, purposely sneering as he pronounced every syllable, “If you do not provide the carnage I require, I will travel to your home and find it there.”
Eyes flaring red in the darkne
ss, the shadows curling from his skin as his anger grew, Fion took a moment to compose himself before answering the dangerous dragon.
“That would be a mistake, my friend, as you seem to forget that my people are not weaklings who run at the first sight of a dragon. You will have your war, but I will also have your allegiance until then.”
“The provocability of your race is foreseeable, shadow elf,” the dragon’s sneer turned into a smirk, the closest thing to a smile this beast was capable of. “Run along to your meeting with the other lesser beings, but remember my warning, it is not an idle threat.”
Fion continued to glare at the smirking dragon as he enabled his innate ability to step into the shadows, disappearing from the spot and appearing at the other end of the clearing. He continued to shadow step until he reached the wall of Terminus, where he stepped smoothly to the shadows of a roof in the center of town.
Looking through an open window below him, he could see the two he travelled here to see sitting at a table eating their dinner. Seeing the shadows created by the curtains flickering in the firelight, the elf smiled and stepped one last time, the shadows spreading through the room until he appeared, startling Shenroc and Yutri, who promptly jumped up from the table and reached for their weapons.
Fion reached his left hand out toward the pair, palm facing them and fingers extended to help him focus, feeling the air moving around them and stopping its movement, causing them to freeze in place.
“Tsk, tsk, there is no need for hostility,” Fion stated, his voice oozing with politeness. “I came simply to have a conversation with the heroes of Terminus, not for a fight.”
I would hate to have to kill these fools and find a new leader for Terminus. That would set my plans back yet again...
“You could have come to the gate, if you come as a friend,” Shenroc stated, still attempting to reach his daggers, his eyes showing the rage building inside the half-orc leader of the city.
Fion paused a moment to allow the pair to understand he was in control of this situation, then allowed the shadows to curl back into themselves, letting the light from the fire dominate the room once more.
“Allow me to introduce myself, and when I am convinced that we may converse civilly I will release you from my hold. Agreed?” he asked politely, hoping the two would prove to be more level-headed than their heritage would denote.
“It would appear we are at your mercy, elf,” Shenroc snarled, and Yutri grunted his agreement.
“You may call me Fion, and I mean you no harm, although you have been a nuisance to me,” the shadow elf stated matter-of-factly. “I had use for Jim and losing his influence over the Chondri has set back my plans considerably.”
At the mention of Jim, the two began struggling again, causing Fion to sigh to himself.
So predictable.
“Now, now, I thought we had an agreement,” cooed Fion, shaking his head. “You must hear me out before deciding if you want to kill me. I can hardly release you if you are going to attempt to attack me every time I say something you do not like.”
“You could release us now, if you truly mean us no harm,” Yutri stated, eyeing the elf dangerously.
“That is true,” Fion conceded, taking a step backward and lowering his hand, releasing the two from his hold. “I am willing to have a polite conversation if you are, Master Shenroc,” he stated, as Shenroc snatched his daggers from the sheaths at his hips.
“Go ahead and speak, elf, but I won’t put away my blades until I am convinced you mean us no harm,” he replied, grinding his teeth and causing his tusks to protrude menacingly.
That was easier than I imagined. I thought that one would require more convincing to listen. Perhaps his human blood is stronger than I assumed.
“Fair enough, good orc. As I stated, I had use for Jim and his influence with the Chondri. They are brutes, and cannot be trusted, but when building an army, it is important to have fodder to throw against your enemy’s defenses.”
Shenroc’s eyes widened as he realized that Fion had just admitted to building the army Heishi had seen attacking Harmonui when he touched the orb recovered from the orc king, Sgel the Nasty, under the mountain.
“Yes, your friend saw my army when he touched my orb. Yes, it is my orb, let us move past this without violence, shall we? What do you know of Harmonui, good orc?” Fion asked, his voice dripping honey.
“I know it is an elvish city, that they live in peace with everyone there, and that we will be stopping your attack of the city,” Shenroc stated, glaring uncertainly at the shadow elf.
“You are only partially correct,” Fion corrected. “It is an elvish city, yes, and there technically is peace in the city and surrounding area, but the terms of this peace are the reason why my army will crush them. The ruler of this elvish city is a tyrant, and rules through fear. Any who do not conform to his vision of peace are removed from the city. Families ripped apart, children taken from parents, all in the name of peace and prosperity. Do you think that you, a half-orc, would be welcome in that city? Or you, Master Dwarf, product of the coupling of a dwarf and a giant, would you be accepted?
“The answer is no. Only those who fit in with the elvish leaders are accepted, all others are quietly disposed of. Of course, the leaders of the city maintain a facade of tolerance in the face of visitors and traders, but you would never be allowed to settle in that city of ‘harmony,’ or even to roam freely through the city. You would be jailed, put to work, or outright killed for disrupting the peace and attempting to live with a ‘civilized’ race.
“I do not expect for either of you to believe me, but if you have a means of communication with your other-world friends, you should reach out to them. If they have arrived in Harmonui, they have most likely already been removed from ‘polite society.’ Do you believe the leaders of the city will allow your friends access to the city with a shadow elf in their party? If the truth of the other-worlders is discovered, do you think they will be welcomed, or turned away as a risk to the ‘harmony’ of the city?
“See if what I tell you is true, and when you realize I speak truth, rally support for my army and march upon those wretched elves with me. You have cost me the army of the Chondri by removing Jim from power. So be it. I would have removed him myself when my use for him was complete, so you have saved me the trouble: you just completed the task too soon and removed the fodder from my army.
“I WILL see the city of Harmonui, and all her allies, burn. Do not side with them in this.”
With that last statement, Fion stepped into the shadows and disappeared, leaving Shenroc and Yutri to puzzle over his strange speech.
Outside once more, Fion paused beside the open window to listen as Shenroc used his communicator provided by Zatus to contact the group headed for Harmonui. Nodding his head after hearing the location of the companions, he retraced his shadow steps to the clearing where Dracorex waited impatiently for him to return.
“Did you learn the location of the other-worlders?” Dracorex asked, seeming irritated at having to ask.
“Yes, they are on a small ship just outside Eskanda, which is overrun with zombies. We can shadow their movements easily as they are following the coast and meet them before they enter the elf city.”
“Will they comply?” the dragon asked as Fion climbed into the saddle on his back.
“I am unsure if they are aware of it at this time, but yes, they will most definitely comply,” the elf replied, a dangerous gleam in his eye.
Just because ALL the stories of my people are not true does not mean NONE of them are.
Chapter 1 – The Plan
Five years ago...
Fion Raenvree stormed down the hallway of his family’s compound on the outskirts of the shadow elf city of Zylsandoral, located miles beneath the surface of Kartos. He entered his personal chambers, located on the top floor, and swept through the room collecting his armor and weapons. He could hear battle coming from the parapets, and he strapped his twin
swords to his hips as he rushed to his balcony enter the fray.
Looking from his balcony to the outside wall of the compound, he could see the hated surface elves storming the towers adjacent to the gate, their heads poking up between the crenellations long enough to launch flashing arrows at his guards. With a growl, he reached into his innate abilities and stepped into the shadows of his balcony, appearing along the wall with his guards. His arrival surprised the surface elf who was firing an arrow at one of the guards, and the shot went wide.
That will be your last mistake.
In a fluid movement, Fion drew both of his swords, the blades immediately bursting to life with blue flames. He dodged left as the other elf attempted to slide behind the crenellation again, then stabbed straight out with the flaming blade, burying it in the face of the attacker of his home.
He rolled to his right as the elves on the ground targeted him, several arrows missing him by a hair as he used the wall to cover his movements to the next attacker. Dispatching this one as quickly as the last, the flame of his blade seemed to intensify with each attack, as if hungering for more. He continued down the wall, shadow stepping between crenellations to use as cover from the nasty arrows from below that continued to slam into the ebony stone of the wall. With each movement, another attacker fell from their perch on the wall, some screaming in their last breaths, some decapitated, but all falling prey to the skilled shadow elf noble.
Just as it appeared Fion would single-handedly defend the wall, an arrow from below streaking silver in the gloom found its mark, burying itself in the side of his throat. As he slowed from the impact, a second arrow found its way into a crease in his magnificent armor, lodging itself in his right shoulder and causing him to drop his blade over the wall as he lurched for cover.
Laying behind the wall, he screamed as loud as he could through the bubbling blood in his throat for the defenders to press the attack, pushing the hated surface elves back.