Lesser Prince (Guardians of Gaeland Book 1)

by Jamie McFarlane

  “We pump the water from the lower lake to the upper,” Rex had seen the question before Tig asked it. “Sit next to the pond there. It’s one of our gathering spots.”

  Tig sat on a grassy hill next to the pond. The air temperature in the greenhouse was a little chilly, but bearable. A familiar shape flew at him and landed in his lap, knocking him back.

  “Where have you been?” Tig asked the small dragon, massaging its ears. The dragon was all wiggles.

  “She’s a Faerie creature, just like you Prince Tigerious. Castles and human cities are no place for Faerie.

  A Full Circle

  It was a quiet group that sat down at the dining table that night. Kat’s team had provided vegetable pot pies, apple juice and even a mug of beer for Glavious.

  “I know why the lassie and I are quiet. What have you laddies been up to?”

  Sam looked up from the large volume in his hands and lowered his head. Tig, exhausted, wasn’t feeling chatty so he just smiled with a small shrug and kept eating.

  “Alright, squirt. Out with it! I know that look,” Amber said.

  Sam looked back over his book and raised his eyebrows, not hearing anything but his sister’s tone.

  “Uh. Right. It’s not that complicated. It’s like they were all illiterate or something.”

  “What’s putting yer knickers in a twist, Sammy?” Glavious asked.

  “Our families. They’re stupid,” Sam said matter-of-factly.

  “Careful, Sammy. That be a lot o’ good people yer slanderin’,” Glavious warned.

  “What our ancestors did makes no sense. Faerie was their history. What were the elves thinking to separate themselves from Faerie and drain this world of most of its defenders? For what? So they could stop the Blackhalls from taking over? So they could live in peace in a new world? They thought separating themselves from Faerie would somehow save it?” Sam paused to let his words sink in.

  When he saw the look in their eyes, Sam continued. “Did you know that the difference between High Elves and Wood Elves was originally where they lived? High Elves were from the highlands and Wood Elves were from lower lying areas. They created a hierarchy based on zip code and made rules about mixing the races. They gave up the forests for castles and lost contact with Faerie. The elves turned their backs on their own history. They forgot to read the books that were right here in the castle. How could they give up and just leave? How could they miss the chance to fix things here?” Sam’s voice was almost pleading.

  “Maybe that’s because they didn’t miss it at all. Maybe they saw what was coming and they didn’t want to be here,” Glavious interjected.

  Tig, Amber and Sam just stared at him.

  “Maybe they lost faith. Dun you think they knew all what’s in those books? It’s easy to think yer parents are stupid, but look at the facts, laddie. What happened to the elves who were faithful early on, who stayed and fought when the evil first arrived? I’ll tell you what. They were slaughtered by the thousands. People make hard decisions in hard times and ya can’t be judging them for that.”

  “We don’t have to make those same decisions,” Tig said quietly.

  Glavious didn’t miss it. “And yah might just get slaughtered like yer ancestors.”

  “Let’s say we could escape. Then what? Won’t the demons eventually take over the castle? What happens to the children - Pettiford, Cupcake, and Mite? Gnomes are loving, peaceful people, they wouldn’t stand a chance.”

  “What are you saying, Tig?” Amber asked.

  “I’m saying I can’t walk away. Even if we had a portal home right now, I wouldn’t go. For the first time in my life, I feel like I’ve got a purpose."

  “It’s not like it’s a hard problem to identify,” Sam said. “We’ve got to stop the flood of demons into Gaeland.”

  “How do you think they’re getting here?” Amber asked.

  “There are only two ways; summon or portal and I don’t think it’s a portal,” Sam said.

  “Why’s that?”

  “I’ll show you. You all up for a tour?” Sam asked.

  They followed Sam out to the center ring and teleported to the Wizard’s Library. A brilliantly colored map of Gaeland was displayed on the stone dais several steps away from the seating area.

  “This is just like the map I have, except with upgrades,” Sam said. “One important upgrade is that it seems to show the location of our portal from home.” He pointed at a location on the map that pulsed yellow. “And watch this …” Sam placed his right hand on the map and executed the familiar zoom-in motion that was common to touch screen devices. The entire map zoomed in further and further as he continued.

  “How does it know how to do that?” Amber asked.

  “Simple, dummy, it’s like everything else, it’s about intent. I could probably place my hand on it and ask it to do stuff too,” Sam explained.

  Sam continued to zoom in until they were able to see only the area highlighted by the pulsing yellow outline. The scene showed a picture of the snowy meadow where they’d initially landed, complete with the truck they’d pushed through the portal.

  “This is live?” Amber asked.

  “I’d have to guess it is,” Sam said. "I don’t really have any way to verify that, though."

  “That wouldn’t be hard,” Tig said. “Someone could stand outside the tower and wave.”

  Sam gave him a contemplative look and then nodded. “Bert, go stand on the balcony over there.”

  Amber shrugged her agreement and pulled open a pair of nearby doors, revealing a balustrade looking out on the mountainside rising behind the castle. Sam manipulated the surface of the dais until he had zoomed back into the Wizard’s Tower. Sure enough, they were able to clearly see Amber standing behind the railing, waving at them.

  “Too bad there’s no sound,” Tig said.

  “Seems like one ought to be able to count on a wee bit o’ privacy,” Glavious snorted indignantly.

  “It only works outdoors, as far as I can tell,” Sam said.

  “You should shut the doors,” Tig said suddenly.

  Amber caught his tone and pushed the doors shut. “What?” she asked.

  “If we have this, what’s to say that Finias Blackhall doesn’t?” Tig explained. “Show Piet Wallow,” he said to Sam.

  They were all surprised when the map changed, showing an imposing stone castle. Fires burned in braziers on top of the walls and grim men stood watch. The castle was in much worse shape than Parnassus Castle but there were signs of recent repairs.

  “Aye, that be Piet Wallow. Nary an uglier castle e’er built,” Glavious said glumly.

  Sam zoomed the map out. Piet Wallow and the town to its south bordered a river that spread into a muddy delta leading to the sea. A dark forest was north of the castle.

  “That’d be the Great Peat Bog,” Glavious instructed, pointing to the forest. “It follows the river and stretches a good piece to the east. Believe me it looks better from here than it does on the ground. There’d be all manner of nasty beings in there.”

  “No portal?” Amber asked.

  “Nope, but I can show you where the demons are coming from,” Sam said.

  “Seriously, twerp? How long were you going to wait?” Amber asked.

  Sam adjusted the map, expanding an area inside Piet Wallow’s walls to show a large open courtyard. Fires set in braziers were placed around a round stone platform. At the center of the platform stood a tall, black crystal pylon. Etched into the platform around the pylon was a complex network of shapes and symbols. A stone altar stood nearby.

  “What is that?” Amber asked the question on everyone’s mind.

  “Earlier today, I saw Finias and Lyka use it and the altar to summon a demon.”

  “Used the altar, how?” Glavious asked.

  “I don’t want to talk about it,” Sam answered, his shoulders giving a small shiver. “I think it’s taking a toll on Finias though. He looks real bad, like he’s thirty years ol
der.”

  “Demon magic always takes something,” Glavious said. “It’ll kill him. It dun make sense, why would anyone get involved with those demons?”

  “Where are all the demons?” Tig asked.

  “I’m not following,” Sam said.

  “You said you were on the wall and the demons were at Piet Wallow. Why aren’t we seeing them?”

  “Oh. Good point. That’s weird. They were all over that courtyard earlier today,” Sam said. He opened up the view of the courtyard to encompass the entire castle, but there were no demons to be seen. “Give me a sec.” Sam’s figure shimmered for a second as he started to wind-walk. He reverted back long enough to open the doors to the balustrade, but then was off, disappearing over the railing.

  A minute later he showed up in the middle of the room, out of breath. “The demons are headed to the Glade. We’ve got to warn them!”

  “Sam. Go. We’ll follow on horseback,” Amber said.

  “Hold yer horses a minute,” Glavious commanded. They all stopped and looked at him.

  “Dun go rushing off without a plan. What do you hope to accomplish by all this?”

  “We have to warn them,” Sam said.

  “And there’ll be injuries,” Tig added.

  “All noble objectives, I’m sure. Yer jus’ not using your resources. What about weapons and armor?” Glavious asked. “If’n I recall correctly, young Sammy here can take the both of you. I’ll come along on the ponies behind ya.”

  ***

  The Glade looked much like it had the last time they’d approached, with cheerful lights illuminating the tree homes of elven families. Sam, not interested in getting netted, slowed when they were within a hundred yards of the enclave and broke the wind-walk. The dense forest barely let any of the winter’s snow through, much less the light of the moon.

  “We need to be quick. There are demon scouts nearby, and they know we’re here,” Sam said. It was all any of them needed to hear and they broke into a run along the narrow path. The outside border was surrounded by heavily intertwined trees. Marmy had explained that the trees were encouraged to grow to provide this protection. From experience, the teens knew they’d have to navigate a narrow channel of thick growth before they’d have free access. They also knew a challenge would come well before that.

  Two elves dropped from hidden positions onto the path behind them. Keena, the older, less aggressive elf who’d kept Tempra from bashing in their heads on their previous visit, appeared on the path in front of them.

  “It’s not safe for you to be out here,” she said.

  “We need to talk to the Elders. We have urgent news,” Tig said, breathing heavily from their sprint.

  “Aelix, Geoff, resume patrol. I’ll take them to the captain,” Keena said. “This way.” She walked quickly, not mindful of both boys’ winded condition. They’d barely made it past the first tree home when Tempra nimbly sprinted into view, with two elves following her.

  “Report,” Tempra ordered.

  Tig started to talk and Keena placed her hand on his arm. “Captain. They have requested a meeting with the Elders.”

  Tempra raised an eyebrow at the sight of Tig in his finely crafted, leather armor and then Amber who was dressed similarly, but bristled with weapons. Sam, unable to find armor that fit, still wore the clothing he’d been given by the elves and Tig held the oaken staff that Tempra had given him on their last visit.

  “Rejoin the patrol, Keena.” Tempra said. “Peitra, run ahead and ask Elder Triest to meet us in council chambers.” The two elves sped off on their designated missions.

  Tempra impatiently led them to the huge central redwood that hosted the council chambers. Sam and Tig struggled to scale the steps behind her.

  “Place your weapons on the table before entering the chamber,” Tempra said looking at Amber.

  Amber didn’t say anything other than to raise her eyebrows. She started unloading and by the time she was done, the count was impressive. Two hand-axes, two truncheons, five daggers, a belt full of finger sized darts, and two unopened pouches. Tig had only the staff and Sam had nothing to donate.

  “That’s a lot, Bert,” Sam observed. Amber just nodded.

  Tempra opened the door to the chambers but didn’t enter. “They’re waiting for you.”

  “I think you need to hear this,” Tig said.

  “This is not my decision,” she said stiffly. Tig nodded and entered the chamber.

  Elder Triest was accompanied by two other older elves. Tig wasn’t sure how he could tell age other than a feeling he had. They looked to be in their mid-twenties, by any human standard. He realized that his dad had this same look.

  “Captain, would you join us?” Triest called through the door. She then turned to Tig. “Welcome, young prince. It is indeed glad news to see you are well.”

  Tig wished he knew how to respond as gracefully. “Uh, thank you, Elder… er… Triest,” he stumbled verbally.

  She smiled and pulled him into a warm embrace. She smelled of cedar and rosemary. The aura radiating from her settled on him, calming his jangled nerves. She turned and embraced Sam and finally Amber.

  “You have ill news to share with us,” she said. “Please, you are welcome at our fire.” Tig felt her words were laced with meaning, but wasn’t sure what it was. A small fire burned in a copper basin inset into the floor.

  “Prince Tigerious, may I present to you Elder Poappa and Elder Seiyre.”

  Elder Poappa had a quick smile and also embraced Tig. He radiated confidence. Elder Seiyre nodded demurely when he turned her way. Elder Triest introduced Sam and Amber, and Tig wondered if there was something significant in the order of introductions.

  “Please share with us what you would,” Elder Triest said once they’d all taken a seat in front of the fire.

  “Sam?” Tig requested.

  Sam nodded and said, “There is currently a demon scout in the forest within close range. A larger group, maybe a dozen, have crossed the southern river and are headed in this direction.” He stopped to let the words sink in.

  Elder Poappa was the first to speak. “How is this possible? Tempra, have your scouts reported this?”

  “We are aware of the demon nearby, as I’ve shared with you. It’s the one that killed Captain Drenaux. Otherwise, our scouts haven’t reported any movements between here and the river.”

  “I can see them when I wind-walk,” Sam interrupted. “You have to believe me, they’re on their way.”

  Elder Triest gently laid her hand on Sam’s arm.

  War

  “Captain, what preparations do we need to make?”

  “It is hard for me to believe these children," Tempra said. "I agree, they have proven themselves both resourceful and brave, but it is hard to believe that such a force of demons is coming here. How did their numbers grow so quickly?”

  “Finias Blackhall is summoning them at Piet Wallow,” Sam answered. “He’s sacrificing people and there’s a big purple crystal.”

  Triest looked to the mostly silent Seiyre, who nodded affirmatively.

  “Tempra, we will have time to discuss this all, but I believe we are about to be beset with demons.”

  “Yes, of course. A force this large will eventually breach our defenses. If they concentrate in a single area, I’d estimate the city will fall within a day. The appropriate response would be to send those who are not of fighting age over the mountain to join our people in the Wylde. We will give them the most time by making a stand here. The elders should accompany our people.”

  “Is there no other way?” Triest asked.

  “No. Once our warriors fail, the demons will slaughter our people. Do not put that on us, I beg of you.” Tempra’s voice broke as she said the last.

  Triest stood and walked over to Tempra and lay a comforting hand on her shoulder. “It will be done as you ask. And I dare say that no demon will find an elf child in the Wylde if they have no desire to be found.”

  Tempra
looked up at the elder and gave a brave smile. “And you’ll go too?”

  “Elder Poappa will lead our people with Elder Seiyre’s help. But no, Tempra. I will not go. I’m an able warrior and will defend my home.”

  “Why can’t you all run?” Tig asked. “Escape to the Wylde. You would all live, no one would have to die.”

  “Oh, child. Your heart is pure, and I share your agony, but we must take a stand to protect our home. I do not share Tempra’s assessment of our eventual outcome. Faerie will have a say in this yet. I do, however, appreciate her planning. Elder Poappa, Elder Seiyre. Do you accept this mission that I place on you?”

  Poappa wordlessly stood and stepped to Triest, warmly embracing her, and left the building.

  Seiyre laid a hand on Triest’s shoulder. “It will be as you request. May our ancestors guide your staff.”

  “I will spread the word,” Tempra said. “Amber, Sam, you should accompany the elders. Prince Tigerious we will need your healing before the night is out. If you wished to stay we would have you.”

  “I’m the only person in this entire town who can see where the demons are and you want to send me off? Are you daft?” Sam spat. “You need me by your side so I can tell you where they’re coming from.”

  “You’re a child,” Tempra returned. “And I don’t have time for this.”

  “You need to get used to it, because I’m going to follow you around and tell you where they are, whether you want me to or not.” Amber had never seen her brother behave so disrespectfully to anyone other than herself.

  “I will have you netted and taken away.” Tempra’s face flushed angrily.

  “Perhaps you could give Samuel Elendahl a chance,” Triest suggested. “With his wind-walk capability, he very well might be the only one of us to survive the night and his information would be quite valuable to you.”

  “And her?” Tempra looked at Amber.

  “I will stay and protect Tig,” Amber responded.

  Tempra huffed, but saw that she wasn’t going to win the conversation. “I don’t like it, but I don’t have time for it either. Do as you wish, but do not get in the way.”