"What are they symbolic of?" questioned Tanya.
"Each candle is the symbol of the elf who placed it there," explained the elf prince. "Each candle will eventually sputter and die, as will the elf who placed it there. And as the candle is not free to move about, the elf will not walk away from this fight until the end of his life. That is the commitment the elven people have made to Valon."
Chapter 8
Wild Horses
Galdan strolled along the lonely paths of Glendor basking in the silence of the moonlit night air. The elven valley, situated in the heart of the Boulder Mountains, was deserted. The elven warriors had heeded the call to defend Tagaret and Valon.
Galdan stopped in a clearing and gazed upward at the stars. He smiled inwardly at the absence of the Darkness and thought about the ascension of King Arik of Alcea. He had never met the lad, but everyone had heard the tales of his adventures. Galdan knew that history was racing towards a decisive battle between good and evil. He had no doubt which side the elves of Glendor would stand with. His mind was troubled, however, by the lack of knowledge about which side the Mage would stand on. What concerned the elven mage were the rumors he had heard about Egam.
Word had arrived that Podil had left Sorelderal in the middle of the night. Later, word arrived that she traveled with the Mage. Mustar was also known to be traveling with the Mage, which Galdan found even more curious. Mustar had never been known to be involved with anything outside his small area of studies. The human mage lived somewhere under the Great Sordoan Desert, and nobody in recent memory had ever seen him outside his home. Galdan knew that something important was associated with these rumors, but he could not discern the meaning of the events.
Galdan suddenly stiffened. His eyes dropped from the stars and scanned the dim forest around him. It was not a sound that alarmed the elven mage; the forest was quiet and serene. His eyes detected no danger, only the beauty of Glendor on a moonlit night. Nor did his sense of smell receive anything but the freshest scent of an elven forest. Yet he could feel the presence of another entity.
The elven mage swiftly erected a shield around himself as his eyes continued to peer into the shadows crafted by the moon. A tremor of fear raced through Galdan as his normally invisible shield appeared to solidify, its surface composed of the most highly polished mirror imaginable. Galdan whirled in a circle, his reflection following him as he spun. Instead of a view of the forest of Glendor, all the elven mage could see was himself. His hand reached out and touched the mirror. It was solid. Frantically, Galdan dismissed his shield, preferring to take his chance at defending himself without it, over the loss of his field of vision. Nothing happened. The mirrored cell remained no matter how many times Galdan tried to dismiss it.
"Do you fear me?" boomed a voice outside Galdan's prison.
"Egam?" responded the elven magician.
"Do you fear me?" the voice repeated.
Galdan let the question roll through his mind. Did he fear the Mage? It was a question that he had never presented to himself. He did so now.
"I respect your power," answer Galdan. "Were it to be used against me, I would truly fear it. If it were used to my benefit, I would praise it. If the person Egam truly represents the essence of the Mage, then no, I do not fear you, for I know you to be a good person."
The mirrored shield winked out of existence, and Galdan stood facing the Mage.
"Yet you question my motives," replied the Mage. "You wonder why Podil travels with me, and why Mustar has left his sand burrow."
"I do," nodded Galdan as he wondered if Egam could read his mind without detection. "A mage should question everything."
"Then question why Balamor, a powerful magician who tends a flock of fishermen, should also walk by my side," retorted Egam. "Question also why Doryelgar, the high mage of Talman, now heads for my camp north of the Boulders."
"Doryelgar, too?" pondered Galdan. "What is it all about?"
"Question further," continued the Mage, "why you will also follow me, although you will not know where you are going."
"Why the mystery, Egam?" probed Galdan. "I have always aided you in the past whenever our paths have crossed. Now you almost sound threatening and take my services for granted. Why is this time different?"
"Because there has never been a time like this in all of history," replied the Mage. "I ask that you yield your life to me tonight."
"Ask?" questioned the elven magician. "It sounds more like a demand. You enter Glendor like a thief in the night and ask for my life? This is not the Egam that I once knew."
"Egam is no more," the Mage declared. "Soon Boris Khatama shall join Egam in the leavings of history. They are of no importance. Your own life is finite, Galdan. Shall you spend it trying to discover mysteries that matter not in their significance? Or will you walk with the Mage unto your death?"
"Answer first one question," responded Galdan. "Whose side are you on, King Arik's or Sarac's?"
"You speak of worldly matters," the Mage replied. "I am no longer involved in the Ancient Prophecy. It shall unfold as it shall. I need you for an eternal struggle. Will you follow me?"
Galdan looked around at the towering trees of Glendor. The crickets chirped peacefully, and a gentle wind rustled the leaves overhead. Visions of elven children running through the forest flashed before his eyes. Finally, he looked upward and stared at the rising moon high overhead. Galdan smiled grimly and sighed.
"I will follow you," he decided. "I have faith that what you are about is good for my people. Where do I go?"
The Mage waved his hand and a mirrored shield surrounded both of them. Galdan stared at the reflections for only a second before the shield dissipated. No longer was he in Glendor.
"Galdan!" greeted Doryelgar as the dwarf rose from the campfire that was surround by magicians. "I am glad that you were chosen."
"Chosen?" echoed the elven magician as he gazed at the other mages. "I guess I was. Greetings Podil, Mustar. And I suppose Balamor?"
"We have never met," responded the gaunt red-haired mage, "but I have heard of you. Welcome."
* * *
The mood was festive at the western gates of Tagaret as people milled about discussing the arrival of the elves. The large collection of candles cast bright flickering lights against the new defensive wall. While King Arik shared in the enthusiasm of the people, he felt a need to be alone and think about what he had gotten himself into. He knew that Prince Garong and Prince Darok would be furious, but the king slipped away and mounted Chaco for the ride back to the Royal Palace.
He dismounted and left Chaco in the courtyard of the Royal Palace. He nodded to the Red Swords stationed there and entered the palace. Instead of going to his room, the king walked through the length of the palace and out the back door to the gardens. The paths of the garden, which had hosted the wedding party earlier in the evening, were now deserted. King Arik wandered the paths for a few moments before settling on a bench near a small pond. He reclined on the bench and stared up at the stars. The isolation felt comforting to him.
His mind drifted over the early days of his childhood, the carefree days when the daily routine was fishing with Konic or hunting for rabbits. He smiled inwardly as the images of his innocent youth flowed across his mind. Life had been so simple back then. He pictured Master Tern in the kitchen of the Fisherman's Inn and chuckled to himself.
He frowned as the picture of Wolinda came unbidden to his mind. That had been the day that his life changed forever. He found it curious that the people he met that day and the next were to become instrumental in shaping who he would become. He thought of Garth Shado, the evil, deadly bandit who would later become Alexander Tork; the witch Kalina, who had evolved into the great Jenneva, probably the greatest mage who ever lived; Master Khatama, the humble merchant who in truth was the Mage, a timeless magician of legends; and the merchant's boy helper, who really turned out to be the female mage, Tanya. Where would Arik Clava be today without the steering of
those four special people?
Their arrival in Lorgo was certainly no accident. Alex and Jenneva had spent years of their lives searching for the Children of the Ancient Prophecy. Arik now believed that Master Khatama had as well. Yet Boris was now off on some other adventure that might be odds with the Ancient Prophecy. What did it all mean?
Arik's hand went subconsciously to his pouch, his fingers resting on the small box that Master Khatama had sent with Fredrik. He sat up on the bench and pulled the box from his pouch. He opened it and took out one of the vials and held it up to the moon. It shone pale amber against the moonlight. The king shrugged as he uncapped the vial and drank the contents. He waited for some significant feeling to accompany the amber liquid, but nothing happened. He capped the empty vial and returned it to the box, and the box to his pouch.
"What am I to do with the other vial?" he asked himself.
Assuming that Jenneva was correct about its properties, whom should he give it to? Supposedly it was designed to serve Alcea by prolonging the life of people who would be needed to properly serve the people. Should he give it to Prince Oscar? Oscar certainly had skills that would be necessary to rebuild the economies of all parts of the new Alcea. The king could think of nobody else who could work that special kind of magic.
Or should it be Tedi? Tedi had been with Arik since the beginning. They were as close to brothers as Arik would ever have. Perhaps General Gregor, whose skills and strategies were so important in battle. The king was not naïve enough to believe that all the threats against Alcea would disappear with the death of Sarac. Greed would infect others who would seek to carve up Alcea for their own benefit. The general's skills could be very valuable in the future.
Alex and Jenneva had already consumed vials of their own. There was no point in considering them, although their help would be extremely important. That left Tanya. King Arik's brow creased dramatically as he thought about his ever-present shadow. Tanya was almost always by his side. She never asked for anything, nor did she seem to think of herself as special in any way, yet she was always a source of encouragement. Her advice had proven valuable on many occasions. In fact, all of the Knights of Alcea had insights into whatever problems they had encountered along the way.
The king began to dwell upon the days that might follow the end of Sarac's reign. The need for the Knights of Alcea would be over. What would happen to them all? Would they spread all over the world and never be seen again? That would hardly be a good use of their talents.
"So there you are?" Tanya said softly. "You are causing quite a stir. Those responsible for your safety are beside themselves with worry. You are not supposed to wander off on your own."
"Have I brought freedom to the people of the world only to be shackled myself?" King Arik asked rhetorically. "Are you going to alert everyone to where I am?"
Tanya smiled and sat down next to the king. "What is bothering you?" she asked.
"What makes you think that something is bothering me?" responded the king.
"I think I have come to know you well enough to understand when your mind is heavy with questions for which you have no answers," replied Tanya. "I understand the need for solitude better than most. If you wish to talk about your troubles, I will stay. If you prefer the solitude, I shall leave and go to bed. I see no danger in your being in the garden."
"Why are you so easy to get along with?" asked King Arik. "Everyone else would pressure me to do what is right."
"Who is to say what is right or what is wrong?" quizzed Tanya. "Others feel an obligation to protect you because they love you. That does not make it right. You are the king of Alcea. While you may think that you were destined for this position, I think that you have earned it on your own accord. Many a chance was given for you to fail. You rose to every occasion. If you can accomplish all of that, then who is to say that you should not enjoy whatever solitude you desire?"
"You look at things differently than most people," smiled Arik. "Stay a moment. Maybe your insights will help me sort things out in my mind."
"What have you been thinking?" asked Tanya.
"Many thoughts have invaded me this evening," shrugged the king. "The last thought that I was entertaining when you arrived was the use of the Knights of Alcea after Sarac is dead."
"Well," replied Tanya, "at least you have some time to dwell on that one. The Dark One is far from dead right now. Are you so sure of success tomorrow against his army?"
"No," King Arik admitted, "but I do not always control my thoughts very well. I was thinking about including the Knights of Alcea on the Council of Advisors. They each have a unique perspective of things."
"There is merit to that thought," nodded Tanya. "The Council is much older than you are right now. I think it would be good to include some younger members who will age as you do. It would not do good to have all of your Council die of old age at the same time."
King Arik's thoughts immediately returned to the vial of amber liquid in his pouch. None of his friends would age as slowly as Arik would in the future. He brought the box out again and opened it. He sensed Tanya gazing at the contents.
"Do you know what this is?" he asked.
"I have never seen the likes of it before," Tanya answered. "What is it?"
"A gift from the Mage," answered King Arik. "Jenneva said it was an elixir that slowed the aging process."
"I have heard of the amber liquid that Alex and Jenneva drank in their youth," declared Tanya. "If this is the same, it is a precious gift. Why is one empty?"
"I drank it earlier tonight," admitted the king. "Some of my thoughts have been in regards to the second vial. Jenneva thinks that I should save it for my mate, but I am not sure. I was thinking that it should go to someone whose skills are necessary for Alcea to thrive in the future."
"Both are valid thoughts," shrugged Tanya. "While it would be nice to find a particular person who means so much to Alcea that you want to elongate their life, that may not be possible. There is something else to consider, too, and that might be why Jenneva urges what she does."
"What is that?" asked the king.
"There is little doubt that you are essential to Alcea," explained Tanya. "You obviously agree with this thought, or you would not have already consumed one vial. I think where Jenneva is coming from, is to preserve your state of mind as well as your body. Picture yourself some years down the road when the light of your life has died. Will your spirit die with her? Will you cease to give your all to Alcea because you are too busy pining for your lost love? Maybe that is why Jenneva recommends giving the last vial to your mate."
"That is a good point," nodded King Arik. "I would never have looked at it from that perspective. You see, that is exactly what I was talking about before. Each of the Knights of Alcea brings a different perspective to things. We really make a good team. Why shouldn't the Knights be my Council of Advisors?"
"They certainly could be," agreed Tanya, "but do not abandon those with great experience in order to have only your friends advise you. Strike a balance and I think you will be well served."
"I can live with that," nodded King Arik. "I will keep my current advisors and add the Knights to the Council."
"Well," smiled Tanya. "I am glad that I was able to help. I think I should retire now. Tomorrow is bound to be a full day if Sarac's forces arrive as expected."
"I should as well," nodded the king with a grin. "Welcome to the Council of Advisors."
"Oh," frowned Tanya. "I could not accept such a position. I thought you were talking in generalities."
"What do you mean?" questioned the king. "Why couldn't you accept a seat on the Council? If it is because of nobility, I can make you a noble. That is not something that should get in the way."
"It is not about nobility," replied Tanya. "While it is not widely known, my parents are Duke and Duchess of Gandy. They do not think much about their titles. Nor is it about serving you or Alcea. I will always be there for you. You have only to ask and I w
ill come. No, it is because I do not see myself tied down to Tagaret when this is all over. I think of this city as a cocoon, and it is my task to escape from it. My whole life has been one of traveling. I doubt that I could settle down anywhere. I hope you are not disappointed."
"Actually," frowned the king, "I am. I guess I envisioned you as always being here. I suppose I need to think on this some more. Good night, Tanya."
Tanya rose and walked off. King Arik's eyes followed her until she disappeared around a bend in the path. He rose from the bench and began pacing irritably. Tanya's words made sense to him. He often felt exactly the same about escaping from the city. So why then did her words sting so much? He felt like she had slapped his face.
"There are many people looking for you," Prince Oscar said as he approached. "You must learn that there are responsibilities that come with the office of king. Being constantly protected is one of them."
"Then perhaps someone else should be king," snapped Arik.
Prince Oscar stopped short and stared at his son. He had seen many faces of Arik over the time he had known him, but this was not one that had been revealed before.
"What is the trouble?" Prince Oscar asked softly. "Are you worried about the battle tomorrow?"
"No," sighed King Arik as he sat on the bench again. "I am sorry for snapping at you. I guess I am just tense."
"The problem is Tanya," announced Konic as he joined the group.
"Perhaps I need to expand this garden," scowled the king as he stormed off to the next bench farther down the trail. "It appears that I am too easy to find out here."
"What do you mean, Konic?" Prince Oscar asked after the king had moved away..
"I do not know what transpired out here tonight," frowned Konic, "but I passed Tanya on the way out of the palace. It is the first time I ever saw her crying. She normally hides her emotions very well."
"Ah," Prince Oscar nodded knowingly. "Do you want to handle this, or should I?"
"He is a product of both us," smiled Konic. "Let's try it together."
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