Elf Mastery

by Bryant Reil

  “Kyla!” Aspen gently shook her shoulder. “Are you alright?”

  “Thanks. Yeah, I'm fine. Look, you know my plan to catch Erebus? I think we can really do it. I realized there's a smith in High Haven who knows how to work aurichalcum and—”

  Eunoe blinked. “You realized there's a smith?”

  The information was clear in Kyla's head but she couldn't recall how she learned it. “I must have overheard it or read it somewhere.”

  There was a sudden wind and Aura coalesced behind Eunoe. “I am relieved that everyone is ok. Eunoe, are you hurt?”

  “No. This isn't my blood.”

  Kyla's jaw dropped. “Wait – I didn't know you could fight!”

  “I can't. Aias can, though. I'm not as skilled as he is, but he shows me how to stand and hold the spear. Having a tiger fighting beside me helps ease the learning curve.”

  Aura drifted closer to Kyla. “I heard you say you need to go to High Haven. You have a plan to defeat Erebus?”

  It occurred to Kyla that she had never told Aura the plan, and so relayed it to her. Eunoe rolled her eyes, but Aspen smiled.

  “It's wonderful, isn't it?” Aspen clapped. “I mean, we've got to try it.”

  Eunoe, unconvinced, stood with her arms crossed. “I'm sure relief will be coming soon.”

  Kyla, feeling somewhat braver after her confrontation with Erebus, stood as tall as she could, put her hands on her hips, and stared Eunoe in the eye. “I'm tired of no one listening to me. We don't know if help is coming. There could be attacks all over the place and Oberon's armies could be all spread out. We need to do something instead of waiting around to get chopped up while Erebus does who-knows-what!”

  “Yes,” Aura agreed. “I have received word from Aeolis that the major cities are safe but many smaller and less defended towns have been attacked. The purpose of the attack is unknown, but we believe it to be a distraction from Erebus' true purpose.”

  “The rubbing?”

  “Perhaps. We should recover it, anyway. And if you go to High Haven I shall accompany you, as I am headed there also.”

  Kyla nodded. “That sounds perfect but we'd better get home first and make sure the rubbing is still there. Hey, Eunoe and Aspen, could you track down some liquid light? That's the other part of my plan.”

  “Of course!” Aspen smiled. “I know just who to ask!”

  Eunoe, for her part, didn't look pleased but glanced over the burning buildings and bodies on the ground and followed.

  ***

  Where could she have hidden it? Marik sifted through the papers scattered across Kyla's desk. Homework, poorly written poetry, a shopping list. They were all weighed down with rocks, which he thought odd until he remembered her roommate was an air spirit. He checked the drawers, the bed, under the mattress, through all Kyla's bags.

  He froze as he heard the heavy door downstairs swing open and footsteps echo on the stone floor. The sounds of combat had stopped, yet Marik had no way of knowing which side had won, or if perhaps this was merely a break in the battle. Worried it might be either Kyla or one of the Avowed, he blew out the candle and ducked under the bed next to the desk. Kyla's, presumably; it was musky and a dirty sock lay coiled next to his face. Marik scowled and flicked it away.

  As the footsteps entered the room, Marik realized they were too heavy to be Kyla's. He recognized the well-polished boots of Anh-Bul. He heard a grunt and the sounds of sifting through drawers and papers. Marik gripped the hilt of his sword and debated his next move. Anh-Bul was a fool but he was still a gorgon, and Marik didn't like the idea of becoming the next statue in the Director's office. Gorgons were not creatures that were safe to startle.

  The door downstairs opened again. Anh-Bul hissed and Marik heard him open one of the wardrobes and climb inside. Were the Avowed storming the building? Did they even know what to look for? Marik wasn't sure if he should flee, but he was already hidden so decided to stay put.

  He could hear Kyla talking, though there was only one set of footsteps. That was a relief. As the door opened there was a breeze, and Kyla burst in with the air spirit.

  Marik held his breath. It would be difficult to explain his presence here, but his mind raced with excuses should he be caught. Kyla's chattering helped somewhat, as Marik didn't need to worry so much about her hearing him breathe. “Did you see all those statues on the way here? What happened? Someone turned all those people into stone! Were they on our side or the bad guys?”

  “Director Anh-Bul is a gorgon. Likely he petrified some of the attackers.”

  “I hope it was him. Hey, if I get turned to stone could you put me in my uniform and place me in the square? That way they could just hang a bag from my shoulder and fill it with flyers. Pretty sad that I could do that job as a statue, huh?”

  There was a pause, as though Kyla waited for a response, but none were forthcoming.

  “Anyway we just need a way to lure him into the ball. I have a plan but I'll need help working it out. Maybe we could talk to Saul. He's good at that sort of thing. Hey, why did you put my blanket over the window?”

  “I didn't do that.”

  Fortunately, Kyla was too easily distracted to become suspicious. “The rubbing's right here. I accidentally wrote my shopping list on the back.”

  Marik silently cursed himself. He had seen the shopping list and not thought to turn it over.

  “You gonna ride on Denzig with me?”

  “I can fly, Kyla.”

  “Well, yeah, but then you could tell everybody that you rode on a dragon. Let me change out of this mammoth fur before we go.”

  Marik felt the hilt of his sword. He half-expected Kyla to find Anh-Bul hiding among her clothes, which might force the gorgon to petrify her, which in turn might provide Marik a window of opportunity to run his sword through the Director’s neck. However, Anh-Bul had been lucky enough to hide in Aura’s wardrobe.

  A filthy, smoke-scented fur dropped on the floor next to Marik’s face and there was what seemed an eternity of shuffling sounds as she dressed herself. As the two girls finally walked out Marik briefly debated following them into the hallway, stabbing Kyla from behind, and taking the rubbing, but he didn't know how to deal with Aura. She had done a number on Dunkin. He also had to worry about Anh-Bul coming out behind him.

  Marik needed a new plan. If Dunkin or Linkin caught up with Kyla they'd kill her and give the rubbing to Erebus. If Anh-Bul caught up with her, she'd likely give it to him, if he demanded it. Then it would end up with Oberon and out of reach. He sighed as he caressed the hilt of his sword. Life just never handed him a break.

  The door downstairs slammed shut. Marik waited a moment for Anh-Bul to emerge from the closet, the snakes on his head hissing madly. When Anh-Bul’s heavy boots echoed down the stairs, Marik slid out from under the bed. He needed to think of a way to slow the gorgon down so he didn't catch up to Kyla, and he had to be especially careful not to get himself petrified in the process. He sighed.

  ***

  “What do you need? I am busy.” Phaethusa's bright corona lit the walkway. Aspen sped her pace to catch up to her singing instructor. She wasn't approachable at the best of times, yet Aspen admired her strength and presence.

  “Oh, dear. I'm sorry, teacher, but could I ask you something?”

  “Fine.”

  “I need some liquid light.”

  Phaethusa didn't even turn her head. “I have given away all I have. Light has become a precious commodity.”

  To the right Aspen caught sight of a team of naiads fighting smoldering flames, while Lili and her patrol gathered bodies and heaved them into a cart. Phaethusa didn't turn her head to see the grim leftovers of the battle and so came across colder than usual.

  Eunoe stepped ahead. “Yes, we understand. However, we need it for a very important purpose.”

  “More important than the hospital? The militia? The nursery?”

  Aspen clapped. “Oh! I didn't know Equinox had a nursery!”


  “Yes,” Eunoe replied. “We have a plan to catch Erebus.”

  “Our friend has a plan,” Aspen corrected.

  Phaethusa looked to Eunoe, then to Aspen. She didn't look impressed. Her glowing eyes and thunderous voice made her mood difficult to read. “Everyone has a plan. Why should I give up precious resources for yours?”

  “Just get us to the sun,” Eunoe pleaded. “We can take what we need.”

  “The sun has fallen. Delivery by the Steeds has ceased. Production has likely stopped.”

  Aspen knew the angel of light had a home and family on the sun and was likely worried. “Please. Perhaps you could come with us. You could see to your family. We'll help you.”

  “You think I'd still be here if I had a way home?” Phaethusa's voice echoed a mixture of anger and fear. “The Stable has been locked down. The Sun is probably crawling with Avowed. Unless you have transport, and a way to fight through a horde of Erebus' minions, I cannot help you.”

  “I can get us into the stable,” Eunoe said. “And Aspen can fight.”

  Aspen gasped. “Oh, no! I can't, Eunoe. Not again.” Aspen knew she was gifted with her bonded wood, and did what she needed to do to defend herself and her friends. The previous battle had been fought in urgency, and Aspen had stepped up; but the thought of further violence made her uncomfortable.

  “It's war, Aspen. Go see your hickory tree and get your staff back. I'm sure it'll understand.”

  Phaethusa stopped a moment, her eyes cast to the ground. “Erebus' forces are no match for Oberon's army. We are on the winning side. I am to meet with a council right now to discuss a solar assault. I don't believe it is necessary for you to take such risks. For myself, I shall accompany the attack force and see to my family. I shall recover some aqualux for you, if you wish.”

  “Hooray!” Aspen clapped. “What is that?”

  “Liquid light.”

  Eunoe looked uncertain. “You might be inclined to stay there. To watch over your family.”

  “That is true. It may be a one-way trip. In that case I shall send the aqualux with someone.”

  “She'll do it, Eunoe!” Aspen said in hushed tones. She didn't want Phaethusa to think they didn't trust her. “She doesn't lie.”

  “I do whatever needs to be done. And I shall recover your aqualux for you.”

  “Thank you, teacher!” Aspen called out as Phaethusa walked away, leaving Aspen and Eunoe in the dark.

  ***

  Denzig had been kind enough to fly Kyla to his cave, with Aura tailing behind. The portal in High Haven was locked down and the closest one available was the foundry in Kavilim, about thirteen miles out. Denzig, for his part, stayed behind to help the humans in Whitehall through their own emergency. They hadn't been attacked but were involved in their own internal struggles based on strange beliefs about the lack of sun and stars. And so Aura and Kyla took to the road on their own.

  Yet it turned out they weren't alone. The road was crowded with travelers, many of whom wore rags covered in grime; some even had splatters of blood. Kyla assumed they were refugees from towns and villages that had been sacked by Erebus' forces. Not all looked poor or put out: guards and footmen escorted ornate carriages led by white horses with tack of blue and gold. There were gnomes, dwarves, elves, and fairies, and even a nymph riding a unicorn. This made Kyla worry about Lug. He'd be so excited to see this. Kyla greeted the nymph but was dismissed with a haughty gesture.

  There were other beings she couldn't identify. Kyla walked through a family of near-invisible creatures made of shimmering light and made a sound like tinkling chimes as she passed through them. She smiled and made several more passes before Aura grabbed her and made her stop. Ahead sauntered two great creatures of fire in the center of the road. Other travelers stepped onto the verge to escape the licking flames as they passed. A man with no head walked past her, which startled her until she saw he wore his face in the middle of his chest. She would have found him gruesome except for his bright smile and friendly hello, which made him rather handsome in his own fashion.

  Soon she and Aura were passed by a pair of four-eyed ogres with hairy arms pulling a row of large wagons. Following them were centaurs and minotaurs, avian folk (with whom Aura was familiar; she said there were many in Aeolis), reptilian folk, and a man with a snake tail instead of legs, which she hadn't noticed until she stepped on it and earned a stiff reprimand.

  Kyla could see the corona over High Haven before the city came into view over the horizon. Crystal spires pierced the sky and radiated a golden glow. She became so caught up looking at everyone around her and their interesting modes of transport and clothing and listening to how they spoke, and all the beautiful buildings lit against the black sky, that she was quite startled when she found herself at the guard post that led into the city.

  There was no wall but a few ogres tried walking past the gate and the guards made no move to stop them, though they watched with annoyance. As the ogres approached there was a brief ripple of blue light. The ogres grunted and their walking slowed, and this difficulty grew the more they pushed forward. The lead ogre was flung by an unseen force back along the ground, and soon followed by his friends. They got up, scratched their heads, laughed, and tried again. This soon became a game for them to try and get through the invisible barrier. Kyla too was curious and ran over to try and push her way in. An invisible force enveloped her and tried to push her back. She didn't have the strength of the ogres and didn't make it near as far. The force amplified as she pushed ahead until she too was sent sprawling back.

  “Please behave,” Aura said in a tone that was more command than request. She drifted to one of the guards and pulled out a pendant. The guard, who had been watching Kyla with a scowl, looked the pendant over and waved Aura in. “The elf is with me.” She tilted her head in Kyla's direction. Kyla dusted herself off and jogged over, and the two passed through the gates into the Royal City.

  Everything was beautiful and clean. The buildings jutted from the ground much like the ones in Whitehall or Equinox, only these were cleaner and fancier.

  “This sector is mostly dwarves,” Aura explained. The buildings were stone and many bore signs of industry. “There is an Elvish neighborhood to the south. We shall pass by but have no time to sight-see. I will take you to see the smith, but then I must attend to some family business in the palace.”

  “What family business?” Kyla asked.

  “I must see to my betrothed.” A look from Aura hinted that she wasn't interested in discussing it further. Kyla was learning to respect her boundaries, though the curiosity made her brain itch.

  Only a few blocks into the city the scene changed into a park filled with greenery and vines. Fairy hives dotted the landscape, and instead of straight roads there were narrow winding paths. These were for travelers, of course, as the fairies had no need of roads. It was filled with flowers and rings of toadstools. The fairy homes looked like clusters of leaves decorated with blossoms, and fairies flitted in and out of the entanglement. Kyla took a close look at one and noted it was also full of thorns. The fairies were adept at dodging the thorns but anyone who reached in after them was likely to get a cut-up hand for the effort. Aura said these thorns also had a poison that could put a being of flesh to sleep.

  The next community, before the wall that marked the Royal Sanctum of the city where the palace lay, was of beautiful towers and spires. They were of Elvish make, Aura said, though they looked far different than any buildings Kyla had seen. They did not build into the trees as in Aspengrove. The color was many shades of greens and yellows, and some white, though Kyla couldn't tell from what they were made. It wasn't wood, nor stone, but when she started to climb one of the staircases for a closer look Aura yanked her back by her waistline and told her to hurry.

  The wall to the inner city was a sparking purple energy of alternating hues which hummed as they approached. There was a visible gate but no guard.

  “It tags you,” Aura explained. �
��Everyone who enters the inner city is marked and logged by magic. The Royal Guard has scrying pools which allow them to see anyone who has come through the gate and allows them to summon them directly into the court, the dungeon, or outside the city. So behave yourself.”

  Kyla nodded, though she secretly wanted to experience the summons. However, as she was not sure what behaviors would lead to which destination, she decided it was best not to risk it and follow Aura's lead. As soon as they passed the gate the colors of the palace grounds became more vibrant.

  “It's like a butterfly sneezed a rainbow onto a bed of flowers!” Kyla noted.

  Aura just looked at her and drifted on.

  The buildings sparkled. The palace walls were translucent crystal, and all the outer homes and shops glistened. Kyla stopped several times to look around only to be hurried along. There were no roads here. At least, no dirt or cobblestone roads. The area was covered in soft green grass and different paths were marked with a verge of different colors of flowers.

  “Red leads to the merchants. Gold goes to the palace gate. Green goes to residential areas. Blue flowers lead to the artisans and craftsmen. That's where we're going.” Aura did not need to follow the winding paths, of course, as she floated. Kyla, on the other hand, darted about looking at the variety of flowers and shrubs, until Aura lost her patience and Kyla rushed along behind her.

  ***

  Eunoe sat up to a knock at the door. She hadn't meant to fall asleep, but she had been exhausted from the journey to track down Kyla. Aspen peered into the room. “Phaethusa wants to talk to us.”

  The angel looked furious. Her corona was brighter than it had been last night, which was convenient for the sake of being able to see. Eunoe greeted her with a smile which quickly faded as the angel scowled.