The Ruins on Stone Hill

by F. P. Spirit

  Glo did a double take. This balding, grey-haired gentleman had elven features, but with a fuller face like a human. He’s a half-elf. It surprised him to find one where there were purportedly no elves. Elven/human marriages were rare enough since elves were quite long-lived—their lives measured not in decades, but in centuries. The difference in lifespan alone made such unions difficult. Not only would the elf outlive their spouse, but their children as well, making cross-race marriages nearly intolerable for elves. Glo could not imagine falling in love with someone only to watch them wither away in a few decades.

  While all this went through Glo’s mind, Reise disembarked. He greeted the half-elven store owner, explaining to him all that had happened. The store owner, Pheldan, was elated to see them. It seems that they were the first caravan to make it here from central Thac in months. As the conversation continued, another figure exited the store—a young woman, perhaps in her late teens. Long dark hair reached down past her shoulders, framing a diamond-shaped face. Her complexion appeared quite pale. Her features were also elven, though not as pronounced as Pheldan’s. She turned out to be the store owner’s granddaughter, Xelda.

  Glo, Seth, and Aksel disembarked, retrieving their belongings from the wagon while Lloyd dismounted and hitched his horse to a post in front of the store. Reise and the shop owners came up to greet them.

  “These are the folks who saved the wagon train…” Reise began.

  “An elf!” Pheldan cried. “And a gnome and a halfling. What an odd trio!”

  “Grandfather!” Xelda’s eyes widened. “Where are your manners?”

  “Oh. Yes, you are quite right. My apologies, gentlemen. I am Pheldan and this is my granddaughter, Xelda.”

  Glo, Lloyd, Aksel and Seth introduced themselves in turn.

  “Thank you for saving the caravan and our goods,” Pheldan said when they were done.

  Aksel responded with a deep bow. “We are glad to have been of service. I’m just sorry we couldn’t save those poor guards and the driver.”

  Reise’s voice was heavy with sadness. “They were good men and far too young to pass on; but again, thank you. Please accept these tokens of our appreciation.” He took out his purse and paid Lloyd his promised fee. Furthermore, he refunded Glo, Seth, and Aksel their passage fare. Glo raised an eyebrow—that was quite generous of the caravan owner.

  Aksel cleared his throat. “Thank you. That is more than kind of you, but now I think it best if we be off. We need to find accommodations for the night.”

  “Please, go down to the Charging Minotaur,” Pheldan responded. “My good friend, Telpin, owns the place. Tell him that Pheldan sent you. He will set you up nice and comfortable.”

  Glolindir was touched by the gesture. “Thank you, my friend.” He added in formal elvish, “Aa’ lasser en lle coia orn n’ omenta gurtha.” It meant May the leaves of your life tree never turn brown.

  The old half-elf’s eyes welled up with tears. “Why, I haven’t heard elvish since mother left us.” He turned to his granddaughter. “Xelda, did you hear that?”

  The young woman nodded to her grandfather. “I did indeed.” She turned toward Glo. “He’s been trying to teach me elvish ever since I was old enough to walk.” She gazed from Glo to her grandfather, her eyes dancing with amusement.

  “But she claimed she would never use it. If you had just listened to me, you could give this nice young fellow a proper reply.” The old man folded his arms across his chest and fixed his granddaughter with a triumphant stare.

  Xelda glared back at him. “Really, Grandfather?” She spun back toward Glo and then said in nearly perfect elvish, “Aa’ menle nauva calen ar’ ta hwesta e’ ale’quenle”. It was a well-known elven farewell. May thy paths be green and the breeze on thy back. She followed it with a perfect curtsey.

  Pheldan stared at his granddaughter, flabbergasted. “Xelda, you’ve been holding out on me!”

  It was her turn to fix him with a stare. “Not really. I just needed someone who can actually speak elvish to converse with.”

  Pheldan glanced from his granddaughter to Glo and back again. “Kids these days.” He shook his head.

  Xelda laughed. It was a light, lyrical sound.

  Glo found the whole encounter amusing. He also had to admit he was intrigued by the shop owner and his granddaughter. It had been some months now since he had spoken elvish with anyone, and this brief encounter was a welcome change of pace.

  While Pheldan fumed, Xelda gave them directions to the Charging Minotaur. The inn was only a few blocks over from where they were now. “They even have a stable.” She nodded toward Lloyd’s horse.

  The companions said their farewells and started down the dimly lit street in the direction of the inn. Xelda waved after them. “Feel free to stop by anytime! I’m sure grandfather would enjoy lessons in elvish!”

  Glo chuckled softly to himself. This Xelda had quite the sense of humor. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to stop by Pheldan’s store once in a while.

  The foursome walked along the dark quiet side streets of the little town while Lloyd told them what he knew of Ravenford. It was a small village with about two hundred residents in and around the town. The towns folks were primarily fishermen and farmers. Being the only seaport between the cities of Dunwynn and Penwick, it was a typical stop for ships passing through as they made their way up the coast. The village and surrounding territory was ruled by a hereditary barony that for some reason never seemed to last more than a generation or so. The current baron, Gryswold, was the fourth son of the previous Baron of Penwick. He fought to win his own lands and titles and was a warrior of some renown in his younger days. Gryswold was awarded the titles to the town of Ravenford when he slew the dragon, Ullarak, who had slain the previous baron. Gryswold’s wife, Gracelynn, was the only sibling of the current Duke of Dunwynn, who had yet to produce an heir. These circumstances made Gracelynn and Gryswold’s daughter, Andrella, the object of every noble suitor in the surrounding area.

  When Lloyd was done, Seth had to comment. “I was wondering how you knew all this, until you mentioned that Gryswold was from Penwick.”

  Lloyd smiled at his new friend. “I guess it’s no secret that I am interested in anything that involves Penwick.”

  Glo could definitely see that, but was surprised by Lloyd’s interest in politics. “Perhaps, but this business with the baron’s daughter—Andrella was it—does not seem like something that would concern you.”

  Lloyd grinned sheepishly, his hand going to back of his neck. “Well, it’s not that I’m interested in her in that way. It’s just that I understand what it’s like when things are expected of you just because of who your family is.”

  Thoughts of his father came unbidden to Glo, and he briefly relived one of Amrod’s many lectures on ‘The proper way for an elf from the House of Eodin to behave.’ Glo did not believe that he should act like some pompous fool just because his family was one of the oldest and well known in Cairthrellon. Notions like that were what led him to leave home in the first place.

  The group had grown silent. Glo observed the others; they all seemed lost in their own thoughts. Seth in particular had a dark expression. Lloyd let out a deep sigh. Glo felt a wave of empathy for this big human, who obviously had parental troubles of his own. Perhaps that was part of the reason he had left Penwick.

  Glo reached out and placed a hand on Lloyd’s broad shoulder. “Trust me, I understand.”

  Abruptly, the Charging Minotaur came into view. It was a fairly large building, two stories tall, with walls made from white painted stone and a red shingled roof. A covered porch wrapped around the front of the building, with a few chairs and benches on it. Above that hung a large sign with the picture of a minotaur’s head. A couple of old-timers sat on the porch grabbing a late-night smoke. They nodded to the foursome as they approached the inn. Lloyd tie
d his horse to a hitching post out front and the four travelers walked through the front door.

  They entered into a large common area, its center filled with a few rounded tables. Along the front wall were a couple of booths. There were two more booths along the left wall on either side of a large stone hearth. An inviting fire burnt inside, taking the chill out of the night air. On the right wall sat a long bar with a minotaur’s head hanging over it. It seemed rather appropriate considering the tavern’s name. On this side of the bar were two doorways, while past the bar was the entrance to a hall. Even at this late hour, there were a few patrons here, most with a glass of ale, but some with plates of hearty-looking food. Behind the bar stood a hefty man with short dark hair and a moustache, wearing an apron. Two barmaids carried trays in and out of a door, making the rounds between the kitchen and their customers.

  Across the room stood a half-oval stage, raised up about three feet off the floor. A pair of stairs led up to it on either side. In the center stood a lavishly dressed gentleman with a lute, singing a lively tune about the Duke of Dunwynn. It appeared the Duke had caused a mess by introducing hippogriffs to the eastern seaport of Karajon. The magical beasts, a strange crossbreed of eagle, lion, and horse, were raining down excrements from the sky, inundating the poor town. The patrons of the inn roared with laughter as the bard continued describing the town’s predicament, and how the rulers of Karajon were woefully inept in trying to handle the crisis. The foursome exchanged grins, then headed to the bar.

  The bartender looked up from the mug he was drying. “What can I get you gents?”

  Aksel motioned toward the group. “We’d like some rooms. We were told by Mr. Pheldan that Telpin could help us.”

  “Pheldan sent you, huh? No problem.” He turned to a barmaid who was just exiting the kitchen. “Hey, Kailay! Can you tell Telpin that we have some guests to see him?”

  Kailay turned out to be a young woman, with long, curly, strawberry blonde hair, and a shapely figure, which her outfit accentuated quite effectively. She turned toward them, surprise registering briefly on her face as she took in the newcomers. Her gaze lingered an extra moment or two on Lloyd.

  “Sure, I’ll go get him.”

  Kailay flitted by the companions. As she passed, she flashed a sweet smile at the tall warrior. Lloyd gave her a shy smile, his face turning almost as red as his outfit. When she reached the other end of the bar, Kailay glanced back over her shoulder, her eyes fixed on Lloyd. “Now don’t you go anywhere,” she said in a playful tone, then disappeared down the hallway.

  The bartender grinned at Lloyd. “I think she likes you.”

  Lloyd did not respond, his face turning redder, if that was possible.

  The foursome waited at the bar until Kailay returned with a short, fat, balding gentleman. The young barmaid smiled at Lloyd one last time. “Let me know if there is anything I can get you.”

  “S-sure thing.”

  Kailay smiled sweetly then disappeared back into the kitchen, long hair swishing behind her.

  “So what can I do for you folks?” Telpin asked.

  “We’d like some rooms. Pheldan told us to come here and ask for you,” Aksel told him.

  “Ah, Pheldan, my good friend. Yes, yes, of course. I can take care of you. Follow me.”

  Telpin led the travelers back down the hall. They passed the stage, nodding to the bard as he continued to sing his witty songs. The innkeeper led them down a long hall lined with doors on one side and windows on the other. The hall turned right and continued past another door and a set of stairs. Beyond that was a doorway labeled Office. Telpin ushered them into a small room, most of which was taken up by a large desk with so many papers covering it, they could hardly see the wood underneath. Telpin opened a drawer and rummaged around, finally pulling out two keys.

  “These are for rooms six and ten. Those are the best rooms I have. Both on the second floor, with lots of space and two beds each. You should be very comfortable.” His voice dropped low. “I’ll rent them to you for two-thirds the price. That’s only eighteen silver pieces per room, mind you.”

  “Also, my horse is out front,” Lloyd added.

  “Yes, yes.” Telpin waved his hands. “We have a stable. It’ll only cost an extra four silver pieces for your horse. Bring him around back, and my stable boy will take care of him.”

  Aksel nodded his appreciation. “Done.” He pulled a purse from under his robe.

  They were interrupted by a loud growling noise. Everyone turned and saw Lloyd holding his stomach, his face turning red. “Sorry. Is the kitchen still open?”

  “Sure, sure.” Telpin winked. “We’ll get you settled into your rooms, and then I’ll have Kailay and Morwen get you something.”

  The innkeeper led them upstairs. The first room was right at the top. Aksel and Seth decided to bunk there together. The second room was just across the hall. Telpin ushered Lloyd and Glo inside, and handed them the key.

  “Hope you enjoy your accommodations.” With that, the innkeeper spun on his heel and disappeared down the hall.

  The rooms were spacious and comfortable as promised. The beds were overly large for Aksel and Seth, but just long enough for the tall Glolindir and Lloyd. The travelers swiftly dumped their gear and met back in the common room. Kailay served them a late dinner, more than happy to fuss over them, especially Lloyd. Starving after a long hard day, the companions dug in with relish. There was a hearty vegetable soup, whole chickens, corn, muffins, with ale and cider to wash it all down.

  As they ate, Lloyd nodded to Glo. “I thought elves didn’t eat meat.”

  Glo smiled between bites. “That’s a myth. I think people came up with that story because my people are so respectful of the forests and the land. But they forget that elves are hunters as well as farmers. Trust me, when an elven party takes down game, we all share in the feast.”

  Seth tore off a second chicken leg and waved it around as if fending off a monster. “And everyone knows us halflings will eat anything put in front of us!”

  Lloyd’s expression was one of chagrin. “Sorry. I don’t know very much about other races. As I told you before, there aren’t very many in the Penwick area, other than a few dwarves.”

  Aksel came to his defense. “It’s fine, Lloyd. Pay no attention to Seth. It’s just that in the short time we’ve been traveling, we’ve heard a lot of myths about our various races. Sometimes it’s rather humorous, and sometimes it’s not.”

  Lloyd’s expression grew serious. “Well, I meant no disrespect. Personally, I think that all people are equal and should be treated that way.”

  Glo looked at Lloyd with newfound respect—not many shared his viewpoint. In his travels, he had observed tolerance between the races, but their cultures and perspectives were so different that true understanding was difficult at best. Yet he believed that Lloyd meant what he said and would stand by those words.

  Glo raised his glass. “A toast, then, to new friends. May our friendship be the beginning of a new understanding between the races.”

  Aksel and Lloyd raised their glasses as well. All eyes turned to Seth. The halfling gazed back at them with a cynical expression. “Really?”

  “Come on, Seth,” Aksel urged him.

  Seth rolled his eyes, then raised his glass. “Oh very well—but don’t expect peace to break out across the lands overnight.”

  The four clinked their mugs together and took a deep draft of ale. As they placed them down, Kailay walked up to the table. She held a steaming hot pie in each hand. “Well, that’s what I like to see—good friends enjoying a good meal.” She placed the pies on the table one at a time. “The fruit in these are from our own orchards just outside of town; this one’s apple, and this one’s cherry.” She winked at them and flashed Lloyd a big smile, making the young man blush all over again.

 
As Kailay walked back to the kitchen, Glo observed Lloyd’s discomfort with her attention. It was hard to believe that he was the same human that just faced a dozen or so orcs in combat. Glo turned back to the table just in time to see a knife appear in Seth’s hand out of thin air. The halfling’s blade flickered over the pies, challenging the eye to keep up. When he was done, they were both cut into four large slices. Seth helped himself to a quarter of the apple pie.

  The four of them dug in, swiftly finishing both pies. Their appetites sated, they sat back, exhaustion setting in after a long, arduous day. They stood up as one, left a generous tip, then headed upstairs to their rooms. The four agreed to meet in the common room first thing in the morning.

  Lloyd stripped off his boots and armor, lay in bed, and was asleep almost immediately. Glo sat motionless on his bed for a while, the events of the day playing through his mind. It had been fraught with danger, but the worst was when he froze as that huge orc attacked. Still, thanks to teamwork, they had survived and even saved most of their fellow travelers. Perhaps his father was wrong after all. With his new-found friends, they had made a difference this day. Glo felt they had started something important here, and he was determined to see it through.

  More than that, he liked these three fellows: Seth with his cynical view of the world, Aksel with his desire to save lives, and Lloyd with his belief that all people were equal. He was certain his mother would like them. His father, of course, would not approve of any of them, but that was his loss. A grim expression crossed Glo’s face at the thought. Elves can be friends with other races, no matter what Amrod says.

  Glo glanced over at his sleeping companion. He appeared so relaxed that Glo envied him. Elves did not need sleep like the other races; some in fact would point to it as a human weakness, but Glo found it fascinating. Their differences made them stronger, as evidenced by their victory today. With that final thought, the young elf closed his eyes and entered a restful trance.