Knight Fire (The Champion Chronicles Book 4)

by Brad Clark

  “They are very wise men. They must see the dangers. I would not be worried about them. I am sure they will make the right decision.”

  “I hope you’re right.” Elissa leaned back and closed her eyes, letting the steaming hot water continue to relax her mind as well as her muscles.

  Hallendrielle took a seat on a stool next to the tub and started to work on a finely crafted silk dress. Elissa was endowed much greater than the typical Elven female, so Hellendirelle needed to make some alterations to the dress.

  After some time of quiet, Elissa asked in a soft voice, “What’s it like? To be married?”

  Hellendrielle stopped what she was doing and looked up, staring through the walls. “If you asked me that question a day ago, I would have given you a different answer.” She took a deep breath and said, “It has been hard. I love him, and I knew he loved me, but there was so much anger and rage in him that he could never let that love out. He treated me fine and respectful enough, but there was nothing more than that. Nothing special. But the moment I saw him when he came back, I could see in his eyes that he was back. The love that we had when we were young was so strong and so…passionate.”

  “I was actually married,” Elissa said.

  “Oh?” Hallendrielle set down the thread and needle to listen more intently.

  “Being just a queen is not enough in our kingdom. The lords who hold land around the kingdom wanted a man in charge because they didn’t think I could handle that.”

  “Of course they did,” Hallendrielle said dryly.

  “Yes. One of the more powerful lords was the one chosen. Supposedly he would keep the kingdom from infighting and squabbling. Not many liked him, but he had his own castle and a bunch of his own soldiers. Very powerful.”

  “What was he like?”

  Elissa shook her head and made a gagging sound. “Large. I mean really, really large. And unpleasant to look at and talk to.”

  Hallendrielle put a hand over her mouth. “You poor thing. What happened?”

  Elissa blushed. “The first night. Our first night, I could not imagine doing what his intentions were. He repulsed me. He didn’t take kindly to that, so he struck me and threw me around the room.”

  Hallendrielle could only sit and stare with her mouth agape.

  “Conner came in and rescued me. He broke right through the door and killed him. Killed the king of our kingdom. He saved my life.”

  Hallendrielle recovered from the surprise and shock of Elissa’s story and said, “Why do I think that was not the only time he has been to your rescue.”

  “It was how we met, too. He’s been saving my life since the moment I first saw him.”

  “And that’s why you love him so?” Hallendrielle asked delicately.

  She waited for a moment while she pondered the answer to that question. She had thought about it many times since the moment she knew she had feelings for him. Saving her life and their time together running from the bandits had been a horrifying and an amazing experience all at the same time. But there was so much more to him than that. While he lived in the castle and trained with Master Goshin and the squires, they had spent time together. She truly liked him and enjoyed being with him. A lot of it had to do with the queasiness in her stomach when she thought about him.

  “I think it took some time. At first, I think it was just infatuation, but then it grew from that. I got to know him and then something started to bloom. But it wasn’t until he left in exile that I began to miss him and realize that I truly loved him. I had heard he was killed, and my heart was broken. That was around the time that our kingdom was being attacked by the neighboring Taran Empire.” She let a smile cross her lips. “Yet, when I saw him, I wasn’t surprised or relieved, or shocked, I was so angry at him!”

  They both laughed.

  “I can’t stand to be away from him,” Elissa asked. “Is that what being married is?”

  “Well, no. That’s love. Marriage is more than that. It’s a commitment to serving one another and growing with one another. To Elves, marriage is more than just words that we say during our ceremony, it is a true life-long commitment to one another. We are two individuals that exist together as one. At least that’s how it’s supposed to be. As time marches on, sometimes it gets harder. The raw feeling of love sometimes leaves or disappears for a while. But if a couple is truly committed, they will outlast those times and love will return even stronger.”

  Elissa dipped her head and splashed some water trying to distract herself from the question that was on the tip of her mind. At first, she wasn’t going to ask the question, but then it suddenly came out. “So, what about the other part. The intimacy part. What’s that like?”

  Hallendrielle burst out in laughter. “Oh, my! That is a question for your mother! Or maybe an older sister.”

  Emotion took over, and tears welled up at the corner of Elissa’s eyes. With a soft, shaky voice, she said, “My mother died when I was young. I have no one else.”

  Hallendrielle quickly moved to kneel next to the tub. She brought Elissa back into a hug. “My dear, I am so sorry.”

  They cried for some time and then they talked. Not as Human and Elf, but as sisters would. For the first time since her father died, she was able to open up and share her thoughts and feelings. There was much laughter and many tears as they continued to talk about the serious and not-so-serious.

  When the water cooled, Elissa slid out of the tub. Hallendrielle put a robe around Elissa’s shoulders, but also presented the dress to her.

  “What is this for?” Elissa asked.

  “You are a queen, my dear. You must look like one. This dress was made many, many years ago, spun from the finest silk and crafted using means that no Human could duplicate if you know what I mean. But, your, um, you wouldn’t quite fit in it before, so I had to take it out a little bit so that it wouldn’t be too tight on you.”

  Elissa blushed but gleefully put it on. She wished there was a mirror where she could look at herself, but she would have to rely on Hallendrielle’s opinion.

  “Well?” Elissa asked.

  Hallendrielle smiled. “Yes, it is befitting of a queen. You are absolutely ravishing.”

  “Do you think Conner will like it?”

  Hallendirelle’s smile grew wider and then she laughed. “Of course, my dear! How could he not?”

  Chapter Eight

  Conner did not see them at first. It was Glaerion that first noticed Elissa and Hallendrielle walking along the edge of the forest. He stopped, while Conner kept moving. After a few steps, Conner realized he was walking alone. That was then that he saw her.

  Elissa wore a long, flowing gown that sparkled in the soft blue light of a lamp she carried. Her face was hidden in the shadows, so he didn’t know if she was looking at him or not. He hoped not, or he would be caught in a transfixed stare. Despite the darkness and shadows, there was a glow about her that he couldn't place. The sullenness that she carried on the voyage was gone from her step. She walked with long, purposeful strides and when he heard her giggle, he knew for sure that the sweet young lady that he had fallen in love with was back.

  “They are quite the sight,” Glaerion said softly.

  Conner looked at the Elf, hardly recognizing him. It was not that long ago that Glaerion was threatening his life with every other word. Whatever hatred he had for Humans, the Elf no longer held it for Conner. He was glad because not only was Glaerion a very accomplished warrior, but he was now a devoted friend.

  Glaerion’s words, soft as they were, traveled to the lady’s ears, and they looked over at them. Both had pleasant smiles on their faces.

  “Ho!” Conner called out, giving them a wave, and walking towards them.

  Elissa gave a quick glance around as Conner approached and then leaned up and kissed him on the cheek.

  “What was that for?” Conner asked.

  “It is how I wish to greet you each time I see you,” she replied with a giggle.

 
“Isn’t that just a little forward? And it’ll be awkward if you did that in the middle of holding court!”

  She didn’t respond. She continued to look up at him smiling.

  “What did the Elven Council decide?” Hallendrielle asked.

  Glaerion let out a long sigh before replying. “They continue to meet. I would surmise that they will discuss through the night and maybe for another day or more.”

  “Another day or more?” Elissa exclaimed, turning away from Conner. “Do they not know how dire the situation is?”

  “Of course they do,” Glaerion snapped back. “They are the wisest of the Elves. Chosen by the rest of us to be our leaders and rulers.”

  “Glaerion,” Hallendrielle chastised. “Queen Elissa has a right to question, does she not?”

  Glaerion opened his mouth to respond, but then he snapped his jaw closed. After a moment, he said, “Of course. I am just as frustrated. I know it is not an easy decision, for we have lived peacefully in exile for so long. But that should not be an excuse to continue to hide from the world.

  From the darkness of the trees, a voice said firmly, “It was you as much as anyone, my friend Glaerion, that advocated our exile from the world.”

  Glaerion and Hallendrielle both turned at the same time towards the forest. A moment later, the shadowed form of King Illichian appeared along the path.

  “That was a long time ago,” Glaerion replied. “Times change, and we must change with them.”

  “Oh, is that so? The lives of the Elven continue for as long as there is time, and we have done well enough without having to change.”

  “Maybe you would have done better if you had changed, too,” Conner retorted.

  King Illichian laughed and did not take Conner’s strong words as an insult. “Yes! Maybe so. But our culture has endured a peaceful existence for thousands of years. We must do all we can to continue not only our livelihood but our existence as well.”

  “Then you have made the decision?” Glaerion asked.

  “Please understand, it is not my decision. It is the Council’s decision. I advocated for a different position.”

  Silence overcame them for several long moments.

  King Illichian finally broke the silence and said, “I am sorry.”

  “How many were for helping us?” Elissa asked. “Could we not try and convince the others?”

  King Illichian shook his head. “The Council’s decisions are always unanimous. There will always be much discussion and arguing, but when there is a decision, they stand together.”

  “But you were not alone in your position?” Glaerion asked.

  “No, I was not. But it does not matter. The will of the Elven Council is the will of all Elves. We must abide by the decision.”

  Fear and anger welled up inside of Conner. He had not even given real thought to the Elven Council choosing not to help. Although he had always known it was a possibility, he could not imagine them making any other decision other than helping. “This does not make any sense!” Conner exclaimed, just a bit too loudly. “Did they not listen? We told them that the Deceiver is attacking our world! They have already destroyed my kingdom, and they will be coming here soon.”

  “The Council will be preparing us for that. We will defend Elvinkind, but first, we will move farther into the jungle. This will give us more time to prepare to defend against his attacks.”

  “You’re running away? What kind of cowards are you people!”

  Glaerion put a hand on Conner’s shoulder to calm him down. He was currently yelling at the King of Elves.

  “It is the prudent thing to do,” the king replied.

  “Prudent? It is cowardly.” Conner turned to leave, but he had no idea where he was going so he stopped after only a handful of steps.

  “I do not disagree,” the king said to Conner’s back.

  Conner spun back around. “If you disagree, then do something about it! Are you not king?”

  “Conner!” Glaerion called out as he perceived Conner to finally cross a thin line of protocol.

  King Illichian stepped up to Glaerion and said, “Glaerion, it is okay. I understand his anger.” To Conner, he said, “It is true I am king, and I hold many powers and responsibilities. But the Elven Council, as chosen by the Elves, has the final say in this. They listened to me, which was good, but they simply disagreed with me. That is their prerogative. But…” He let his words trail off while he glanced around. “Being the king, I still have much power and autonomy. It is why I sought you out. Please, come and return with me to the Great Hall.”

  Conner glanced behind him, towards the darkness of the trees.

  “Please, Conner. Trust me when I say I will do all I can to help.”

  “Conner?” Glaerion said softly.

  It was only when Glaerion spoke his name that Conner took a deep breath and let out a long sigh. “Okay.”

  The king led the four of them back along the path.

  Elissa slipped her hand back into Conner’s. When he looked down at her, she simply smiled and said nothing. He sensed something was going on with her, as she was certainly more affectionate that she had ever been. But he could only think about it for a moment as his mind was spinning with thoughts about what they were going to do next. Without help from the Elves, they would be hard-pressed to fight a war against creatures that had powers beyond what they could counter. If the Deceiver’s army were only men with sword and shield, they could fight them. But to go against magical powers and ancient beings that could not be killed was not something he nor any Human army could survive. Their only hope was to use the power of the Elves and their magic abilities. Without them, there was little hope.

  They reached the same stone structure that Glaerion and Conner had just left. Without hesitation, King Illichian led them down the stairs. Instead of following the long path downward towards the Great Hall of the Elven Council, King Illichian turned in the other direction. After a dozen steps, they came to a door, and he stopped at it. With a touch of his fingers on the door, the doorway fizzled out to expose a stairwell that led down several steps into a well-lit chamber.

  “Come,” King Illichian said. “These are my personal chambers. We will not be disturbed.”

  Glaerion led the way down the stairs. Conner was last. As he stepped through the doorway, the king glanced down the hallway before waving his hands. The doors reappeared.

  “For a king, you are being cautious,” Conner observed.

  “I prefer the term prudent. Come. Over here.”

  King Illichian led them through the well-furnished apartment to a back corner that was cluttered with books, scrolls, wooden chests of all sizes, and a table. He pushed aside the clutter on the table and then turned around.

  Taking a deep breath, he said, “Glaerion, Hallendrielle, I will need your help with this.”

  “Help?” Conner asked. “Help with what?”

  Glaerion narrowed his eyes as he had an idea as to what the king was doing. “Are you sure of this?”

  “It is the only help I can give. And you are sure he is Hurai?”

  “Yes.”

  “Hurai? Why does that matter?” Conner asked, suddenly realizing whatever the king was doing was going to involve him. “What is this all about?”

  Glaerion patted him on the shoulder. “Do not be afraid, as this will not put your life in danger.” He looked at his wife and said, “It is only our lives at risk. Are you okay with that?”

  Hallendrielle hesitated for a moment before she nodded her head. “If it is what I think it is, then yes.”

  “What is it?” Elissa asked, her face suddenly draining of all color. “Are you going to die?”

  Hallendrielle looked at her new friend and smiled. “No dear, of course not. What we are about to do is dangerous, but it has been done before. Many times.”

  “Many times, thousands of years ago,” Glaerion whispered. “And you have never done this!”

  “I can do this,” Hellendrie
lle hissed in a whisper. “Do not worry about me.”

  “Do what?” Conner pressed.

  King Illichian pointed to an old chest that sat on the floor next to the table. “In there. Open and bring me what is on top.”

  The chest the king pointed to was about as long as Conner’s wingspan and less than half as wide. The hinges that held the lid closed were rusty and groaned as Conner pulled up on the lid. Inside was a long item wrapped in a soft leather wrapping. It was much lighter than he expected. With caution, he handed the package to the king.

  King Illichian shook his head. “You can unwrap it.”

  The moment he started to pull the thick wrapping off, Conner knew the package contained two swords. His heart started to beat hard as he anticipated what they were. The blades were thin, like the Sak’Turana’s that Master Goshin had given him. The handles were wrapped in black leather that seemed new. There were no signs of wear or use. Carefully, he took each sword by the handle, looking up and down the blades. Although they were lighter than the swords he was used to wielding, they were just as equally balanced. With these, he would be even faster.

  “You’re giving these to me?” Conner asked.

  “These are forged from an alloy of metal that no longer exists. The Hurai metallurgist who created these weapons was killed soon after they were completed and he did not share his secrets. They have never been used in battle or drawn blood.”

  “They are so light. How is that possible?”

  “The Hurai were not only master swordsmen, but they were master swordsmiths. Their art has been lost to the world, which is a shame. These may be the only ones of their kind.”

  “I don’t know what to say. Thank you.”

  “Thank me by using them to defend our world,” the king said. “It is the least I can do. If I cannot give you an Elven army, I can give you something that can defeat the Deceiver’s army.”