Herald of Shalia

by Tamryn Tamer

  “No,” Lysandra answered. “Nobody is supposed to know we’re here.”

  “The only village we even have contact with is Filan,” Sumina volunteered. “But we always travel there. And we always disguise ourselves.”

  “Do you think somebody saw through our disguises?” Rania asked worriedly. “We wear hoods, hats, and scarves to cover up as much as possible. The only thing people can see is our eyes.”

  “Seriously?” Frost was in shock. Not only would the coverings make them even more suspicious, but their eyes were their second most noticeable trait. “There’s no way that works!”

  “Really?” Mira, the redheaded tailor asked. “Whenever I go to Filan to buy cloth nobody ever says anything.”

  “I can’t believe this,” Frost mumbled while looking at the bright-eyed elves. He realized the villagers in Filan likely knew they were elves and simply ignored it since they were customers. “Who’s gone to Filan recently?”

  He looked out at the crowd and a dozen elves raised their hands. asked what they were doing, how long they were there, and if they had any issues. He was starting to think he was barking up the wrong tree until he noticed Robin looking apprehensive.

  “Robin,” Frost glared at the pink-haired elf. She averted her golden eyes while slowly stepping forward like a guilty child. “What happened?”

  “I don’t think I did anything wrong,” Robin said uncertainly. “It’s just, the children were sick and the local physician was giving them the wrong medicine.”

  “Explain,” Frost said. “Be as detailed as you can.”

  Robin described entering the village and seeing dozens of sick children wandering the streets with their parents. One of the parents agreed to let her look at her child and she quickly realized the illness was easily treatable. After spending several hours in the village, and with the help of some local herbalists, she was able to make enough medicine for all the children.

  “But,” Robin paused and looked around. “I think the local physician may have been angry with me.”

  “What makes you say that?” Frost asked.

  “Well, he was already giving them medicine for their illness but he must not have known there was a cure because he was only giving them the herbs that reduce the symptoms,” Robin said.

  “Oh,” Frost said as a workable theory popped into his head. “Robin, do you really think he didn’t know the cure?”

  “Huh?” Robin looked confused. “He must not have or else he wouldn’t have used the herbs he was using.”

  “Robin,” Frost shook his head at her naivety. “Was the treatment common enough that a physician should have known it?”

  “Yes,” Robin answered. “But the illness wasn’t native to this region so it’s possible the doctor wasn’t familiar with it.”

  “But he was familiar enough to know how to reduce the symptoms,” Frost proffered.

  “I suppose,” Robin said while thinking about what Frost was saying. “But that would mean he was purposefully giving them the wrong medicine. Why would a physician do that?”

  “Money,” Frost answered. “There’s more money in treatment than there is in a cure.”

  “But,” Robin paused. “But they were children. And they were suffering. Sure, the disease wasn’t fatal but it caused extreme discomfort and could make them susceptible to worse illnesses. It’s a physician’s job to…”

  “Robin,” Frost interrupted. “You don’t need to explain it to me. I understand. But my guess is the physician reported you because he was angry that you messed up his scam.”

  “Scam?” Lysandra asked as the crowd of elves murmured. “Are you suggesting he had a role in the spread of the illness as well.”

  “Probably,” Frost said. “But I think that’s the best working theory of how Zira discovered the village. This is good.”

  “Good?” Ena said angrily. “We may have to leave our homes because some human wanted money! How is that good?”

  “That’s obviously not good,” Frost said. “But it’s good because it means they don’t know much about this village. They only know its location and that villagers occasionally travel to Filan. Although I’m curious as to how they knew you’re followers of Shalia.”

  “That might have been our fault,” Sumina said anxiously while glancing at Rania. “We like to sing when we travel and if they overheard some of our songs…”

  “Got it,” Frost nodded. He wanted to lecture them about their lack of discretion but it wasn’t the time for that. “Now, since that’s out of the way and everybody is here, let’s go over the rules for the visit.”

  Frost started explaining to the elves that while it was possible that the humans were going to negotiate in good faith, it was unlikely. They would try to bait the elves into attacking or offending them in order to justify some sort of reprisal and gain an upper hand.

  While the elves were impressed with his line of thinking, he knew it was lacking. He’d never engaged in a negotiation with dignitaries and he wasn’t much of a mediator.

  “Herald Frost,” Renna and Fayeth came running from the forest. “They’re here!”

  “How many?” Frost asked wondering if they’d kept their word.

  “Twenty,” Fayeth answered. “One of them is the messenger from before. But Frost…”

  “They’re all way too high level for us to scan,” Renna said.

  “I figured as much,” Frost said while turning to the villagers. “Remember what I told you.”

  “Yes Herald Frost,” several elves said while others nodded.

  Frost scanned the delegation as soon as it emerged from the forest while they did the same to him and the elves. The troop consisted of four holy knights in their forties, four Saints in the high thirties, four level forty assassins, two hunters in their high forties, and two Assassins in the low thirties.

  The remaining four members were a level forty-seven sage, Commander Grey, a level twenty-two Knight, and a level twenty-nine elementalist. The sage was obviously the leader but he was most interested in the elementalist.

  “Ahem,” the sage gestured at Commander Grey.

  “Yes sir,” Commander Grey rode toward the village gate. “Herald Frost. May I present to you Duke Vincent Raullon, Ambassador of…”

  “That’s enough,” Raullon interrupted while riding forward. His entourage quickly matched his pace while the lower level Knight and elementalist came last. “Herald Frost. Do you care to explain to me why I am here? I am not entirely sure myself.”

  “Bad luck?” Frost joked.

  “Ha,” the elementalist laughed while the rest of the soldiers all tensed up.

  “Hansel,” Raullon said authoritatively. “Here, now.”

  “Yes father,” the young elementalist rode to the front to join Raullon.

  “Herald Frost,” Raullon gestured toward Hansel. “Let me introduce you to my son Hansel Raullon. It seems you both share a similar sense of humor. I do not. I wish to finish this as soon as possible.”

  “Hansel is it,” Frost nodded while seeing an opportunity to acquire some information. “Elementalist, huh? I’m more of a hands-on guy myself. Never really bothered learning the prerequisite abilities for elementalist. Can’t even remember them honestly. What were they again?”

  “Oh,” Hansel said excitedly. “You just need to learn…”

  “Hansel that’s enough,” Raullon glared angrily at Frost. “Herald Frost. I request that you do not attempt to trick any of my attendants.”

  “Trick?” Hansel glanced at Frost. “I don’t…”

  “Herald Frost doesn’t know the perquisites of elementalist,” Raullon said. “He saw an opportunity to acquire that information and took it.”

  “Hm,” Frost smirked while continuing to scan Duke Raullon. Raullon’s scan ability was level ten and Frost wondered what he could see. He also wondered if Raullon being sent was a good sign or a bad one. It likely meant they were taking negotiations seriously but also mean they were being treated as
a serious threat. “Alright. I suppose I should introduce…”

  “I don’t need to know their names,” Raullon interrupted. “They’re elves. Not only that, but they’re followers of Shalia. While I understand you have a strange affection toward them, they are no different to me than wild dogs.”

  “Frost,” Lysandra blushed as Frost hooked his arm into hers. “We discussed this. You should avoid displays of affection while…”

  “I don’t recall agreeing to that,” Frost smiled while lifting her hand and kissing it. Raullon and several others appeared disgusted. Even Commander Grey looked away.

  “What!” A high-pitched squeal emanated from the plate helm of the low-level knight. “What!”

  “Commander Grey,” Raullon hissed while gesturing toward the knight.

  “Priscilla,” Commander Grey lightly punched the helm causing a gong-like sound to resonate.

  “Ow!” Priscilla whined. “Dad! That hurt!”

  “My apologies Duke Raullon,” Commander Grey sighed. “I’m afraid I don’t have much control over my daughter.”

  “Don’t apologize for me,” Priscilla snapped. “I’m doing you a favor by being here!”

  “You’re here in lieu of a cell,” Raullon said coldly. “You’d be wise to remember that.”

  “Is she a prisoner?” Frost said as he noticed she was the only one not carrying a weapon. He clicked his tongue at the commander. “Commander Grey. You didn’t strike me as the type of man to raise a criminal.”

  “Priscilla Grey is here for her unique insight on demihumans,” Raullon said. “In exchange for a reduced sentence she offered her assistance in these negotiations.”

  “Hello,” Priscilla said as she removed her plate helmet and nodded politely. “Priscilla Grey. Nice to meet you Herald Frost.”

  “Nice to meet you too,” Frost nodded.

  “Can we move this farce along?” Raullon said while staring at Frost with visible disgust. “Why are we here Herald Frost?”

  “If we’re going to begin discussions, I’d like you to dismount and come inside,” Frost said. “We can…”

  “Our horses will stay out here,” Raullon said while gesturing toward Commander Grey, Priscilla, Hansel, and three high levels. “You six will come with me while the rest of you make camp out here. Sir Frederick is in charge.”

  “Yes sir,” the highest-level holy knight said.

  Raullon and the other dismounted as the soldiers remaining outside of the village began pulling out large items from satchels on the horses. As one holy knight pulled out several massive posts meant to assemble a tent, Frost realized he’d forgotten to ask Lysandra about bags.

  “Do we have any extra ones of those?” Frost asked Lysandra while gesturing at the bags.

  “Of course,” Lysandra said. “It’s a simple spell that tailors and leatherworkers learn.”

  “Herald Frost,” Raullon said as he and his entourage entered the gate. “Let’s get started as soon as possible. I wish to leave this disgusting place.”

  “Right,” Frost said while gesturing toward the temple. “This way.”

  Several of the elves stared nervously while others went to their homes to hide. Shael and a few other fighters stood guard near the wall of the village to keep watch but all of them were told to avoid fighting. They were only there to keep watch and inform Frost of any strange behavior.

  “Welcome,” Lysandra said while opening the door to the temple. Raullon and the others walked by her without a word. Priscilla looked like she was going to stop but her father quickly pushed her along. Frost came in behind them.

  “Is this your entire delegation?” Raullon glanced at Lysandra, Robin, and Mira.

  “Yes,” Frost answered politely. Robin and Mira had the most experience talking with humans so Frost figured they’d be best suited to fill out their side of the table during the discussions. “Duke Raullon. Welcome to our village.”

  “It’s not your village,” Raullon said coldly while pulling out some papers from his satchel. He slid them over to Hansel along with a pen. “Hansel, transcribe the meeting.”

  “Why are they doing that?” Lysandra said as Hansel began rapidly writing.

  “Raullon is a representative of his country,” Frost said while sitting down. “As a representative he’s been granted a certain amount of authority but only as long as he acts in the best interest of his country. By keeping detailed records his superiors can make sure he’s acting in the country’s best interest.”

  Frost had gotten used to the elves giving him strange looks when he said something but the humans’ reactions were entirely unexpected. Hansel had stopped writing and both Commander Grey and his daughter expressed shock.

  “Herald Frost,” Raullon gave him a suspicious look. “That is a very scholarly way of thinking. Is it fair for me to assume you’re well educated?”

  “Lysandra,” Frost waived at her while taking his seat. “Am I considered well educated?”

  “I apologize but Herald Frost has difficulty answering questions like that,” Lysandra said while avoiding making eye contact with the duke. “I believe you would consider him well educated.”

  “I see,” Raullon said while signaling Hansel to continue documenting the meeting. “Herald Frost, as you’ve noted I’ve been granted limited authority to deal with this matter. But, as mentioned previously, I am unsure of why I am here and wish to get this over with as soon as possible. It is my understanding that I am here at your request.”

  “Oh,” Frost glanced at Commander Grey. “That’s right. I completely forgot that I requested this meeting.”

  “Frost,” Lysandra said nervously.

  “Pfft,” Hansel chuckled while writing everything down.

  “Hansel,” Raullon said coldly. “Please be sure to note your behavior in the records as well.”

  “Yes father,” Hansel said as his face turned pale.

  “Robin,” Frost pointed at Hansel. “I don’t suppose you’d be willing to keep records of the meeting?”

  “Oh,” Robin nervously jumped from her seat. “I’m sorry, I don’t have any paper. I can go…”

  “Here,” Raullon pulled out a pile of paper and shoved it toward Robin while glaring at Frost. “I don’t wish to waste anymore time with preparations that should have been made earlier. Although I’m curious as to why you wish to document the meeting if you’re truly a herald.”

  “You mean because I don’t have anybody to report to?” Frost said as Robin set up.

  “Yes,” Raullon replied. “It calls into question your authority.”

  “Hm,” Frost said pensively. “I wish to keep a record of the meeting for elves in the village to reference.”

  Robin and Hansel both stopped writing and everybody stared at him.

  “I see,” Raullon said completely unfazed by the revelation. Hansel and Robin returned to documenting the exchange. “As long as you have the authority you claim to have it doesn’t matter to me.”

  “If I may,” Priscilla stared at Raullon. “Duke Raullon, am I to understand that the people of this village will have access to this information but the people of Zira will not?”

  “Yes,” Raullon answered.

  “That’s it?” Priscilla said angrily as Commander Grey sighed. “Just yes? No explanation.”

  “Priscilla,” Commander Grey placed his hand on his daughter’s pauldron. “Please be quiet.”

  “Lady Grey,” Raullon glared at the aggravated knight. “I am neither your parent nor your instructor. I will not spend this meeting educating you on the difference between governing a village and governing a large country.”

  “Fine,” Priscilla said while crossing her arms.

  Frost knew that Raullon wasn’t entirely wrong. There were likely humans who would be upset that he’s even negotiating with elves. Additionally, there were likely demihumans that didn’t even realize they could negotiate. If records were available to the public, things could become difficult.

 
“Herald Frost,” Raullon gestured at his side of the table. “We’re still waiting for a response on the purpose of this meeting.”

  “Peace,” Frost said like it was obvious. “I don’t want the elves to be attacked and I don’t want to have to hurt anybody.”

  “I see,” Raullon said pensively. “I don’t see how that is possible. The Pluma Forest is an important buffer between Zira and Rilia. If we were to permit this village to exist it would only serve to antagonize Rilia. Additionally, this land is owned by Prince Erik. Even if he were willing to permit the cursed worshippers of Shalia to inhabit this land there is the matter of taxes and governance. Based on our investigation the elves have lived on this land for years without paying taxes making them criminals.”

  “I understand,” Frost said while thinking over Raullon’s words. Unfortunately, the sage was making a lot of sense. “But I do see a possible solution that ends in little to no bloodshed.”

  “Really?” Raullon said somewhat intrigued. “I’d be pleased to hear it.”

  “Sell me the land,” Frost said. “The land is useless to Zira because of its proximity to Rilia and it would create a true buffer between Zira and Rilia. As a bonus, we get to avoid a conflict.”

  “The veiled threat aside it’s an interesting suggestion,” Raullon smirked. “But do you even have the means to purchase the land? And how much land do you intend to purchase? If the prince is even willing to part with the land.”

  “Well,” Frost glanced around. “Anybody have a map of the region?”

  “I’ll get it,” Lysandra jumped up and rushed to her room as Raullon growled. After an awkward minute she came rushing down the stairs with a large parchment and unfolded it on the table. “Sorry.”

  “Okay,” Frost pulled out a pen and began marking the map. The Rilian border was marked by a small gully in the west that cut through the forest. They were located about five miles from the gully. Frost started there. “Here is the land I’m interested in.”

  Frost started just south of the road that bordered the northern part of the forest and followed the gully until it met the southern road. He continued past the southern road for another two miles and then began tracing east until he reached the Wenrose river. He followed the river north by northwest until he once again reached the northern road and then traced west to connect with his starting point. In the end, the territory contained the entire forest, the southern road, and Filan since it resided on the western side of the river.