by Jake Adler
“I could eat an entire Kazzak,” Vank said as he shuffled behind Ellaminva.
“Don’t’ forget the barbecue sauce.” Ellaminva grinned at the thought of him eating such a large animal that could easily sate the appetite of over twenty grown men.
“We’re here,” Givarax said as they approached the gates.
The entranceway glimmered with a blue-white light that touched the leaves of nearby trees, turning their lush green foliage into a curious turquoise colour. Without announcement, the gates began to swing inward, signalling that they were cleared to proceed.
As they entered the main courtyard, Ellaminva felt the vibration of a powerful magic that emanated from deep within the ground. She glanced towards the earth to find its grasses glowing with the same turquoise colour that she’d seen on the trees. Her gaze lifted upwards to find the sleek form of the parliament building glimmering with the incandescent blue-white light that filled the air with an ethereal promise of morning.
Within moments they had passed through the entranceway and entered the foyer. A diminutive Fairy flew to greet them and asked them to provide details for his register. A frown passed over his face as the Hesparind names were spoken out loud and he asked them to wait there as he swiftly departed.
A few moments later a tall Elven man approached them dressed in a striking dark green crushed velvet outfit that was decorated with golden embroidery. He completed his opulent ensemble with a tricorn hat that was further embellished with a golden tail feather. His mannerisms exuded an air of aggression before his eyes flashed in recognition of Givarax, causing him to soften his stance and offer the group an insincere smile, “I am Paradil Moravine, High Councillor of East Scribillon,” his dark eyes narrowed as he spoke directly to Givarax, “there are some in your party who do not belong here.”
“We will all attend the meeting.” Givarax replied calmly.
“Preposterous,” Moravine spat, “I will not allow–“.
“Silence!” Givarax boomed as his voice echoed down the hallway.
Councillor Moravine stiffened in response, then promptly spun on his heels and walked away. Givarax snorted in anger as he led the group towards the main chamber and there were no further challenges to their entry.
The golden dome of the ceiling sparkled as columns of light fell down upon a blue marbled floor. Chairs made of white granite faced inwards towards the most central part of the room that had been left clear for keynote speakers. The most Eastern section had clearly been designed for the Akrullin, as the seats were enlarged to accommodate for their sizeable bulk.
Ellaminva stood in awe as she surveyed her surroundings. She felt a soft tug on her sleeve to find Lady Cillina, the clan leader of the Hesparind, gently motioning for her to take a seat. Ellaminva blinked in surprise as she realised the room was rapidly becoming crowded with Wood Nymphs, Elves, Fairies and dragons as they bustled forth to grab a seat for the meeting of the Tuatha Dé Dannan. Over the commotion she saw a familiar face. It was Axcil. He looked as handsome as ever and she felt her heart beat quicken as her eyes watched his every move. A Fairy was guiding him towards a seat in the guest section of the chamber and he was accompanied by a human and a couple of Dwarves, one of which looked decidedly bad tempered. The second Dwarf nudged his friend in the ribs and offered him a faint smile, this lightened his mood somewhat but he clearly looked disgruntled about something.
“I am guessing that you know this man?” Lady Cillina asked as they sat down next to one another.
“Who?”
“Is he your boyfriend?” Lady Cillina pressed, ignoring her attempt at ignorance.
Ellaminva’s gaze fell and she felt her cheeks blush, “Yes,” she answered softly, not confident in her initial response but then realising that she meant it, “absolutely,” she announced more firmly as her eyes flashed towards Axcil.
The King of the Wood Nymphs now stood within the central clearing and raised his hands to call for silence. After a short period of excited chatter the crowd fell silent, “My friends,” he announced loudly as he slowly began to pace the clearing, “what we decide here tonight will affect all of Nemedia.”
A murmur of nervous whispers filled the chamber, causing King Belenus to raise his hands once more, “You will all have heard by now about the sightings of demons across the lands,” his eyes glittered with emotion, “but not all of your will have heard of the invasion of Takrak nor of our success in routing out the filth.”
Before he could speak further the room erupted into a cacophony of cheers. He nodded briefly in acknowledgement and then signalled again for silence, “We have not yet ascertained the exact reason why some races have allied themselves with the demons, but we do know that it has something to do with Halaxan.”
Ellaminva saw Lady Cillina flinch at the mention of the High Dragon’s name. They had not yet had the opportunity to reveal their knowledge of what had happened to the High Dragon. The statue of Halaxan lay upon a cloth spun out of pure silver that glittered in response to the light that shone down from domed ceiling above. A distinct air of menace emanated from the dark object, but Lady Cillina seemed unaffected by it. Ellaminva glanced at her face to find her staring resolutely ahead, her head held high and proud as she watched every movement of King Belenus. Lady Cillina had already stated to her in Toralan that she would not rest until the rights of her people were acknowledged and she had led in the rescue of the High Dragon. Ellaminva did not doubt for one moment that both things would come to pass.
Prior to their arrival, Givarax and Lady Cillina had agreed that he should speak first. Taking advantage of a slight lull in proceedings he stood up, “Your Highness, I have news of what has befallen Halaxan.”
King Belenus frowned as his eyes searched the dragon’s face for answers that were not there, “You may speak.”
Givarax addressed the chamber in a deep, booming voice, “Just over two weeks ago, Fort Varok was destroyed and the High Dragon captured. The means of his imprisonment were most foul and involved the use of dark magic,” the chamber remained deathly quiet as he continued, “however, by the grace of the Creator, the Hesparind people managed to intercept a small party of Orcs that were taking him to Mirin Cave. We now have him back but we do not yet know how to free him from his imprisonment.”
Without speaking, Lady Cillina rose from her seat and held aloft the statue of the High Dragon. A ripple of horrified murmurs filled the chamber as all eyes fixed upon the dark, ominous looking object in her hands that seemed to swallow the light that surrounded it. A high pitched wail emanated from the back rear of the room as a female fairy sobbed at the sight.
Givarax’s eyes flashed with anger, “It is thanks to the Hesparind that we have him back at all. I ask for the chamber to pass a resolution this night that formally recognises the Hesparind people’s status as part of the Tuatha Dé Dannan.”
“I second that call!” shouted Ellaminva as she quickly stood up. She felt all eyes fall upon her and she glanced towards Axcil, to find him staring at her with a bemused expression which caused her to blush bright scarlet and promptly sit down again.
King Belenus rubbed his chin reflectively while using his hand to cover a smile, “I am aware of the high regard in which the Akrullin hold the Hesparind,” his eyes flicked over towards Ellaminva, “this view is clearly shared by others. On behalf of my own people, I would support such a resolution.”
“Preposterous!” roared Councillor Moravine who had already risen from his seat, “They are nothing but savages who -.”
“Be silent!” King Belenus thundered as his expression darkened, “As always, it is the putrid rot in the minds of the few that attempt to spoil the minds of the many. Sit down Councillor or I will have you forcibly removed.”
Councillor Moravine slumped back down upon his seat, his hat landing slightly askew as he did so. King Belenus gestured for Lady Cillina to approach him and within moments she was stood by his side.
“All those in favour of the formal
recognition of the Hesparind, say ‘Aye’.”
The room erupted into a chorus of approval.
King Belenus nodded in satisfaction, “Good. Now we must return to matters of war. I suspect that Halaxan knows why the Northern races have allied themselves with the demons. We must attempt to rescue him to find out what he knows.”
“Did the prisoners tell us nothing?” enquired a silver haired Elf of Jarl Egill.
The Jarl shook his head, “They were merely soldiers following orders. The demons have kept their secrets well hidden.”
Axcil rose to his feet, “Your Highness, I know of someone who could help us. He is a childhood friend of mine.” He paused briefly as he searched for the right words to use, “We became very close due our shared difficult childhoods in Takrak. Folki is a full blooded Goblin.”
The chamber filled surprised murmurings, then promptly fell silent as the half Orc continued, “Nearly ten years ago, Folki and his wife moved just North of Lake Diabhal and now their business forms part of the largest trading route of the Northern races from the West coast of Zarton territories right through to the East coast of the Deevin Wilds. He is well known and trusted by all the Northern clans and he will know of all the gossip and rumours as to why they have allied themselves with the demons. He will also know more about Cave Mirin.”
King Belenus scratched his beard while deep in thought. There was a long moment of silence as the two men exchanged knowing glances, “Then you shall take the statue of the High Dragon to your friend. Gather a small party so you may travel relatively unnoticed while we shall focus the bulk of our forces on protecting our lands,” King Belenus turned towards Givarax, “You must appoint an interim leader for your people in the meantime.” Givarax stiffened in response but then swiftly nodded as he recognised the wisdom of the King’s words.
With the matter of the of the High Dragon decided, Axcil, Lady Cillina, Ellaminva, Vank, Gizurr, Ragni, Vimaltan, Jetzan and a small group of others totalling no more than thirteen people, were given the task journey Northwards in their quest to rescue the High Dragon.
The King then turned to matters surrounding the prophecy of the ‘End of Days’. He spoke of the events surrounding Master Bedwyr, Cara Bryne and of the arrival Ethan Palladino. They learned of the slaughter of the Council of Elders, the destruction of the College of Mages and of the suspected fall of the city under the control of the demons. After much debate, it was decided that their most effective strategy was to concentrate upon the protection of their lands while Ethan Palladino and Princess Talina searched for the ‘second seal’. Master Bedwyr’s planned rescue of the trainee mages was considered to only have a small chance of success. The most important thing that the Tuatha Dé Dannan could offer now was the gift of time. They would keep the enemy occupied until the ‘second seal’ was found.
Chapter 21
The Grand Mage gazed at the dying embers of the fire as the first light of dawn shone through the golden windows of the palatial sitting room. King Belenus had already left the day before to attend the grand meeting of the Tuatha Dé Dannan. Master Bedwyr and Cara had remained behind, staying up until the early hours of the following morning as they finalised their plan to rescue the trainee mages. The dungeons of Ellington were infamous and tales abound regarding the strange creatures that prowled its deeps. Over several generations, many unfortunate souls simply disappeared without a trace and theories abound from vampires to creatures from the Sea of Manannán. There was also the added problem of the need to action their plan swiftly. The puppet ruler of the city would waste no time in having the mages executed as soon as he felt able to get away with ordering such a dastardly deed.
Cara rubbed her tired eyes, “Tell me what your book says”.
Master Bedwyr grimaced, “I cannot.”
She had known Master Bedwyr since she had been brought to the College of Mages by her parents as a small child. For many weeks, she had suspected that he actually spoke with the fabled book of the Seer. His closed response was out of character for him and this unnerved her.
“You will recall that a warrant has been issued for my arrest?” he asked, clearly keen to change the subject, “well my alternate identity is named Lugus Corella.”
Cara remained silent.
Master Bedwyr closed his eyes and cupped his hands close to his face. Suddenly, the spirit rings on both his fingers began to emit an intense beam of blue-white light that immediately wrapped itself around both his face and body. The beams grew brighter and brighter until Cara was forced to look away but then as swiftly as it came, the light was gone. Cara looked back to no longer find the familiar visage of the old man she knew and loved but a middle aged man with a clean shaven face, dark brown eyes and shoulder length brown hair. His face was rather plain looking and immediately forgettable, but when he spoke she immediately recognised his voice, “You shall have to remind me to shave,” he said with chagrin as he rubbed his newly naked face.
“This is not a spell of illusion?” she asked with incredulity.
“No,” Master Bedwyr admitted, “it is actually a spell of transformation.”
Cara blinked.
Master Bedwyr laughed warmly, “This change is only temporary,” his expression grew more serious, “come, we have much to do. We will require the assistance of an old thief and I know exactly where he can be found.”
As they gathered their belonging and left Findias later that morning on horses gifted to them by King Belenus, the eyes of the Molgarth watched them leave. From the moment it had seen the human’s transformation, it had become fascinated by him. It had always thought that it was the only one of its kind and now it had found another. The Molgarth scratched its head reflectively. It liked the form of the Elven girl that it had chosen to copy and the thought of her kind being destroyed also disturbed it. There was no doubt now in its mind. It would not kill the Grande Mage as it had been commanded. Slowly, it moved out from behind the bushes where it had hidden and began to follow.
* * * *
Talina’s eyes brimmed with energy following a hearty breakfast. Marguerite had been so delighted to see the girl recovered from last night’s ordeal that she had returned from the local pâtisserie armed with several bags of sugary delights. Talina had readily consumed a croissant served with lashings of full fat butter and a huge dollop of strawberry jam. This was closely followed by an entire pain au chocolat that was washed down with several cups of strong black coffee.
With a quick dab of her serviette Talina motioned them towards her as she began to read aloud the contents of an ancient parchment taken from one of her travel bags, “Here,” she said, tapping a sugar dusted finger upon a particular section of text, “The wizard Manannán, brought forth many gifts to the Tuatha Dé Danann. These gifts came from the four great magical cities of Falias, Gorias, Findias and Murias. From Falias, came the talking stone of truth known as Lia Fail. It is also known as the Stone of Destiny and possesses the ability to reveal the rightful King of Eire, “she paused and stared at Ethan, “this stone rests inside the Throne of Vines.” She returned her gaze back towards the parchment and continued, “The other treasures and cities remain hidden on Earth. The second treasure is from Findias and is the sword called Freagarthach which means, ‘the Answerer’. The third treasure is from Gorias and is Lug’s Spear of Invincibility. The final treasure is from Murias and is the Cauldron of Dagda that can feed everyone in the land without ever emptying.” Talina looked at Ethan again, “I believe that the ‘second seal’ may be one of these three remaining treasures or at the location where they can be found. There is one final piece of the puzzle remaining though. The text mentions a talisman from the Parisii tribe in the City of Light that can be used to guide us to them.” Talina squinted at the text and frowned, “The talisman is in the Eastern cemetery in the hands of the High Sorceress and must be claimed by one who shares her blood.”
Anataloe rubbed his chin reflectively, “I believe that it is referring to Pére Lachaise
cemetery. Paris is the modern name of where the ancient Parisii tribe once lived and our city is also known as the City of Light,” he laughed awkwardly, “it is one of the few things I do remember from my history lessons at school.”
“Indeed,” Marguerite smiled, “Pére Lachaise is the largest and oldest cemetery in the Eastern part of the city”.
Ethan’s eyes widened, “You mean what we need is inside a grave?”
Talina looked at him silently for a moment, “I doubt there would be a grave to see after two thousand years. Maybe we’ll get lucky and find an old tooth.”
Ethan was unsure whether or not she was making fun of him but decided to keep the conversation serious, “Well we had better go there and check it out.”
Talina smiled at him and her eyes flickered towards his mouth to find it slightly open. He noticed her actions and leaned back, blushing furiously as he did so. Their gaze then locked for a moment, long enough for them to both acknowledge their mutual attraction of one another, “Right, well, let’s get started,” he said with a nervous laugh.
He felt Alexon stir inside him, “Take care.” Alexon warned, “I have sensed a demon enter your world. It knows your face and why you are here. It hunts for you and can track you for an entire day each time you use your magic.”
Ethan stood frozen in fear and he felt his heart thud deep inside his chest with the knowledge that a demon had already used the portal of Nemedia to enter Earth. He thought back to the Throne of Vines and remembered the large room with a golden desk centred upon a floor of black, polished marble. He remembered the man that sat behind the desk and how his dark eyes had immediately burrowed into his own, ripping thoughts from his mind as it sought to claw out all his secrets. He remembered hearing his own cry of fear as he sensed that what sat before him was utterly evil. It was this creature, he knew now, that hunted him.