The Pool And The Pedestal (Book 2)

by Daniel McHugh

  “No.” replied Vieri. “Only Rada would meet the Counselor. Each summer season the Shan Borz camped near the Nagur and Rada would disappear into the wood to spend several days with the Counselor. None were allowed to enter the wood when this meeting took place.”

  “Why?” asked Kael.

  “The Counselor asked Rada to abide by these rules.” said Vieri. “He warned Rada that the eyes of Amird were everywhere, even amongst the Shan Borz. All the good that the Counselor wished to do in the world would be compromised if his identity were known to the Deceiver and his troops. The Counselor hoped for the Shan Borz to be used as a tool for the glorification of Avra, but feared his death or that of Rada would halt those plans.

  The minions of Amird fight their battle by destroying those who lead, leaving the rest of us without direction. Even if our hearts be pure, we all require direction to find the road. Rada agreed with the Counselor’s request and my father never revealed the Counselor’s true name.”

  “And so your next task became Kael.” stated Teeg.

  The girl shook her head in dissent.

  “Our next task was the formation of the army of Avra.” stated the girl.

  “What?!” exclaimed Ader.

  “Several years ago the Counselor came to Rada with distressing news. The peoples of this world lost their way. They fell under the influence of Chaos and its lord, Amird. The Keltar joined the rank of the Ulrog and spent much of their existence harassing the Zodrian nation. The Grey Elves retreated to their woods, increasingly content to let the Zodrians face the onslaught of Amird’s forces.

  The Counselor told Rada that the Borz would one day be called upon to fight in the name of Avra. The plan became clear. We stopped fighting ourselves those many years ago in order to build our strength for the battle to come. The battle we would wage in Avra’s name against the Grey Elves when they finally succumbed to the influence of Amird.”

  “WHAT?!” exclaimed Eidyn. “That is ridiculous! We are as committed as ever! How could Rada believe this nonsense?”

  “I said it once before, Elf!” snapped Vieri. “We are not simpletons! Rada is a wise and learned man!”

  “They were willing to believe because they were receiving their information from an Elf, my prince.” growled Teeg. “Someone who claimed to be a witness to just how deeply the Elves were being influenced.”

  “Simply because an Elf gave them this information doesn’t make it accurate enough to begin the conquest of a friendly neighbor!” said Eidyn.

  “Not just an Elf.” said Teeg prodding Vieri.

  Eidyn turned to face the girl.

  “Rada assured us the Counselor was a member of the Royal Household.” said Vieri.

  “I ... that is...” Eidyn’s words were choked off as he stood mouth agape staring at Teeg.

  The old Elf simply stared at the ground, a profound sorrow spread across his face.

  “Under my very nose...” mumbled Teeg.

  “I don’t believe it.” hissed Eidyn.

  “Doubt if you wish, Elf.” said Vieri. “But my story is true. My father agreed to never reveal the Counselor’s identity, but he swore to us the Counselor was from the Royal House in Luxlor.”

  “But all this comes from the lips of your father.” scoffed Eidyn. “ How could Rada be sure the Counselor was truly of the Royal House?”

  “Rada believed.” returned Vieri. “Rada’s belief is all that is needed for the Shan Borz.”

  “Faith is not enough when it comes to the tales some men weave!” snapped Eidyn. “Surely you had some questions yourself?”

  “I had some questions,” said Vieri nodding. “but they were laid to rest.”

  Teeg nodded, prompting the girl to continue.

  “Several weeks ago the Counselor sent word to Rada that we were needed. My father has a secret means of communicating with the Counselor. That is how we were told that the plot to return Amird to this world was underway. Of course Rada offered assistance to disrupt the plot. The Counselor met with him on the edge of the Nagur late one evening. Rada was instructed to provide the Counselor with an assassin. If the vessel could be eliminated from this earth, we could stave off doom for a time.

  I was offered as the Counselor’s weapon. The Shan Borz camped close to the southern Nagur and I was told I would be called upon when the time was right. Late one evening he came. He wore the colors of the house of Valpreux but kept his face covered and his body cloaked. There was no mistaking him for anything other than an Elf of proud bearing. The Counselor told Rada that the vessel was sent for by the conspirators of Amird. He said the Royal House blessed the boy’s existence by meeting with him. A move that showed the Elves had truly given over.

  The boy was moving North. I would journey with the Counselor and pick up the vessel’s track in Luxlor. From there I would hunt it down and eliminate it before it had the opportunity to fulfill its role.

  The Counselor threw me clothes similar to his own and provided me with a mount. We rode hard. As we approached Luxlor around midday, the Counselor ordered me to remain behind him. He and I remained cloaked , but he removed the mask from his face. He never turned to face me thereafter.

  As we approached the Elven city, all who looked upon the Counselor’s face recognized him and saluted. Our movement through the woods, then the city, was never questioned. We even entered the ring of giant trees without a challenge. The Counselor housed me in a small private chamber and told me he needed to attend to business.

  He returned hours later, masking his face before entering the room. He told me that we were in luck. The vessel returned to the city before the journey North. However, a conspiracy of protection arose around the vessel and it would be extremely difficult to eliminate the boy. This ring of conspirators would be heading North in the morning, and it would take all of my skill and cunning to complete my task.”

  “All this travel and talk and you never once saw his face?” asked Eidyn.

  “No.” replied Vieri, “He never allowed me to look upon his face, but I was allowed to look upon yours.”

  Eidyn exchanged a shocked look with Kael.

  “The Counselor came to the chamber in the middle of the night and took me to a house in the woods.” stated Vieri. “He told me to sit and watch the road, the vessel was to be spirited North that morning. I was to see his face and etch it in my memory so I could destroy him later. He told me to watch for a boy, accompanied by a large warrior, an old man and two elves. As proof of how deep the conspiracy ran, I was told a Keltaran giant was to be present. ”

  A deep look of concern spread across Ader’s face.

  “Why didn’t the Counselor allow you to make an attempt in Luxlor?” asked the Seraph.

  “He said his position was too important. He accomplished the work of Avra and couldn’t allow his place in the Elven court to be jeopardized. “ replied Vieri. “He worried that if I were captured, I would be tied to him. Many who knew him had seen me enter the city with him. Elven troops encircled the woods and escape even for me would be difficult. He suggested I eliminate the vessel on the open road. “ said Vieri nodding toward Kael.

  “Would you stop calling me that!?” exclaimed Kael. “I’m a vessel for no one!”

  “My apologies.” replied Vieri bowing.

  “I find this fantasy a little ridiculous!” scoffed Eidyn. “Why are we to ever believe you set foot in Luxlor?”

  Vieri ruminated for a moment then looked to Eidyn.

  “I waited in the room as the Counselor instructed.” replied Vieri. “Shortly after sunup, an old lamplighter strode through the city extinguishing the evening lamps. Your group moved slowly down the street. I strained to see the boy. I wanted to study his build, his gait, his mannerism. The Borz take pride that once a target is selected, only the target is eliminated. Accidental deaths caused many difficulties amongst the tribes.”

  “I’m sure they did.” snarled Eidyn sarcastically.

  Vieri ignored the Elf and continued.
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br />   “I was struck by the vess .... the boy when I first saw him. He was not what I expected, cheerfully greeting the old lamp lighter as your group passed. I was intrigued that one meant to be used in such a hideous manner, feigned such an amiable demeanor.”

  Ader grunted and frowned.

  “It appears we have a traitor amongst the Elves.” said Ader.

  “My Lord! This cannot be! The Grey Elves...” protested Eidyn.

  Ader held up a hand, quashing Eidyn.

  “My boy.” began the old man. “Certain things become self evident. To ignore the story of the Windrider....”

  “Vieri.” interrupted the girl.

  “Vieri Shan.” nodded Ader continuing. “...is foolish. She presents us with solid evidence of where we stand in our battle against Amird and Izgra. Now is not the time to allow pride to cloud our judgment. The other great nations faced treachery within their ranks, why should the Grey Elves be any different. This is how the Deceiver works. He attacks from without and corrupts from within. It is the same for any man as it is for a great nation.”

  Eidyn hung his head as a deep look of concern crossed his face.

  “Leinor and Eirtwin must be warned.” said the prince.

  “There will be time for that later.” replied Ader. “We must concern ourselves with the here and now. The Ulrog from the cliffs above will undoubtedly be heading our way. I anticipate a report from Lilywynn at any moment.”

  A sharp gasp emitted from Vieri. Ader spun to look at the girl with the rest of the troop.

  “What is it?” asked Ader.

  Vieri lowered her head and looked down. Eidyn looked to Ader and saw the concern in the Seraph’s eyes. The Elf prince moved toward the Windrider.

  “What have you done?!” demanded the Eidyn.

  Vieri’s body went rigid and she braced herself.

  “I swore no harm to the boy, but do not test me, Elf!” snapped Vieri. “I will protect myself.”

  Once again Ader inserted himself between Vieri and a member of the troop. Eidyn clenched his fists.

  “Did you kill her?!” barked the prince.

  Vieri’s jaw set and she glared at Eidyn over the Seraph’s shoulder. Ader calmly addressed the Windrider.

  “What has befallen the girl?” asked Ader.

  “Ambush.” came the reply from just outside the camp.

  The assembly spun to face the darkness. From the brush strode the broad shouldered form of Nostr. The robed Ulrog carried something close to his chest. He walked confidently through the camp and lay the blanket wrapped body of Sprig next to the fire. All in the camp save Ader became tense. Granu stood taller as his knuckles went white gripping his staff. Vieri backed from the Ulrog and looked about the camp.

  “Lies!” hissed Vieri.

  Ader frowned at the Windrider.

  “Patience, daughter of the sands.” soothed Ader. “The Ulrog is a Delvin scribe and an outcast from the stone men. He is among us of his own accord, but gives no indication of treachery.”

  “Is he dead?” gasped a stunned Kael motioning to Sprig and moving forward.

  “No.” answered Ader without taking his eyes from the Ulrog. “He lives. No doubt the scribe will tell you why if you ask.”

  Nostr turned to face Kael. No expression was evident in his stony visage.

  “Well .... what happened?” asked an exasperated Kael.

  The Ulrog raised his brow then turned to the Windrider. A long rocky arm raised and his stony finger pointed at Vieri.

  “Ambush.” he said simply.

  Eidyn heard enough.

  “Somebody start talking!” demanded the Elf. “I want answers, NOW!”

  Vieri’s impassive face broke and the Windrider turned to Ader.

  “The girl directly supported the vessel...” pleaded Vieri.

  “...and you began to remove the supports to access your target.” completed Ader.

  “Yes.” sighed Vieri hanging her head.

  “WHAT?!” screamed Eidyn. “YOU KILLED HER?!”

  “Worse.” mumbled Vieri. “I delivered her into the hands of the Ulrog.

  CHAPTER 21: PLANS OF MERIT

  Eidyn’s eyes were wild and frantic. Kael angered. The boy rounded on Nostr.

  “What happened? Where is she?”

  Vieri snapped from her despair. She narrowed her eyes at the Ulrog.

  “You spoke to them!” she accused. “They listened to you and followed your directions.”

  Instantly, the Windrider snatched a pair of wicked curved blades from inside her black cloak. She circled away from the hulking stone man. Nostr stood impassively staring at the Windrider, seemingly unconcerned. Kael became nervous as Ader calmly watched the scene play out.

  “Well?” asked Kael excitedly. “Did you speak to the Ulrog?”

  “Yes.” replied the gruff voice of Nostr.

  Kael’s eyes followed Vieri. She seemed to be assessing the vulnerabilities of the Ulrog scribe.

  “Why?” questioned Kael frantically.

  The Ulrog’s eyes stayed locked on Kael as Vieri moved behind the stone man.

  “I wished to confirm where they were taking the girl.” stated Nostr. “They were ordered not to kill her by their leader. Very unusual. The Ulrog rarely take prisoners. “

  Vieri crouched, her body a wound coil ready to spring.

  “The Ulrog were properly motivated to instantly kill the girl.” continued Nostr. “The Windrider assassinated one of their priests and led the Ulrog to believe the Elf girl, crossing at the fjord, was to blame.”

  Vieri froze, and the group’s eyes locked on her. The Windrider clenched her teeth.

  “It was a good plan.” snarled Vieri. “Let my enemies eliminate one another.”

  “It was an excellent plan.” nodded Ader. “Rada would be proud.”

  Vieri nodded her head at the compliment.

  “What?!” exclaimed Eidyn. “She delivers Lilywynn to certain death and you compliment her on the task!”

  Ader turned on the Elf.

  “You need to calm yourself, son of Leinor. You will be king some day. How you handle crisis is your most important attribute in that role.” stated Ader. “I compliment the Windrider for expertly manipulating the task put before her. It is not her fault that the task was the twisted result of manipulation of another kind.”

  Ader turned to face Nostr.

  “Besides, Lilywynn has not been delivered to certain death. Remain calm and listen to all you hear and you will ascertain that fact.” stated Ader calmly. “You say they were ordered not to kill her. You also say you wished to confirm where they were taking her. What do you mean confirm?”

  Nostr remained silent, serenely staring at Kael. The boy rolled his eyes.

  “Just answer him!” exclaimed Kael.

  The Ulrog slowly turned to Ader.

  “I have seen where she will be going.” stated Nostr.

  “And they will not kill her?” asked Ader.

  “No.” returned Nostr.

  “Because you have seen it or because they told you they would not?” questioned Ader.

  “Both because I have seen it and because they were told they must not.” answered Nostr. “The Ulrog will not disobey an order from Izgra the Chosen.”

  “Why would they be told not to kill Elves?” asked Kael.

  Nostr slowly raised his stony brow.

  “Is that not self-evident?” asked the Ulrog.

  Ader frowned.

  “He wants you.” began Ader. “Or at least he wanted you. The chain of command amongst the Ulrog is notoriously slow. That is a huge reason the Zodrians have been able to stave off their vast numbers for so long. The order to hold all Elves was probably issued weeks ago.”

  “But he wants to hold Elves.” started Kael. “I am ...”

  “An Elf.” interrupted Teeg. “More and more everyday.”

  Kael bit his lip and thought on the subject.

  “Wait a moment!” exclaimed Vieri. “Don’t diverge
from the subject. This ... this Ulrog spoke to the others and they obeyed his command. I don’t trust it!”

  “You are in good company on that point, Windrider.” boomed Granu turning to Nostr. “What befell the young Sprite?”

  Once again Nostr remained motionless. Kael exhaled then slowly addressed him.

  “How was Sprig harmed?” asked Kael.

  “I incapacitated him.” answered Nostr.

  “You did what!?” exclaimed Eidyn. “Why?!”

  Nostr looked to Kael and the boy nodded for him to continue.

  “His time is not now.” stated Nostr simply.

  “What do you mean ‘his time’?” asked Kael.

  “He is important. He was not supposed to go to Avra.” began Nostr. “I was forced to stop him from charging to his cousin’s rescue. It would have simply resulted in his own death.”

  “What?! You were there the whole time?!” shouted Eidyn. “Why didn’t you stop her?! Why didn’t you try to save her?!”

  Nostr did not wait for Kael’s approval before answering.

  “This is not my task.” grated the voice of the Ulrog.

  “Not your task!” scoffed Eidyn. “Are you pledged to Avra?! Do you do what is right, or do you follow some other code?!”

  “I ensured the Hackles would not kill the girl. This was the task foreseen for me. That is all I had foreseen. That is all I was supposed to do.” stated the Scribe.

  “This is ridiculous!” pleaded Eidyn to Ader. “We are wasting time. We must follow her! We must save her!”

  “We do.” replied Ader eyeing the Ulrog scribe. “It seems we are destined to do so. The questions are how and where.”

  Kael saw the question in Ader’s eyes and turned to face the Ulrog once more.

  “Where are we supposed to go? How are we supposed to save her?” asked Kael.

  The Ulrog scribe bowed to Kael then to Ader.

  “I leave you now, Kael Brelgson.” stated Nostr. “The Guardsman will recover shortly as well as the Sprite. You have some precious time here, for the Ulrog will not attack this camp. They .... fear me and wish no additional contact with me. May the Creator smile upon your endeavors.”

  Nostr spun and brushed past Vieri as he strode from the grove.