Surface World 2

by Ed Montalvo

  A mage interrupted, “What of the Drouwen?” others murmured their concerns.

  Ceron noted the instigator, “Of course,” he measured himself carefully. He wished Dregous no harm, but also needed to ease their fears. “Her most trusted companion is an infamously feared Drouwen. Like the princess, he too is no ordinary citizen,” Ceron knew Dregous’s house. To reveal his position may cause the council to turn on him. They raised their voices condemning the Drouwen, except the Knights and the Curator.

  The magistrate knew this will be an uphill struggle. “As I was saying,” he shouted, the voices subsided. “As I was saying… no ordinary Drouwen… he is a prince as well. The son of the imperial Duke, the first male to receive and hold his title…, a very powerful individual,” he finished. They began whispering then shouting.

  Ceron noticed the Knights’ continued silence and knew they wouldn’t speak over the others. He needed to provoke them to save the prince. “Lord Knight, you fought alongside him. Do you have any insight to share? As you know, this meeting is whether we accept, imprison, execute or release him.” Ceron shouted over the crowd. The council slowly calmed to silence.

  The Knight raised his mallet with white knuckles keeping his temper. “I wish to know why the high priest is not present.”

  “He is needed elsewhere…, tending to the wounded and burial proceedings,” Ceron answered and thought, well done, well done… continue!

  “Why must the high priest be present?” asked the instigating mage.

  Gunthar looked at him then addressed Ceron. “If the priest is not present I hereby dissolve this meeting for illegal proceedings,” he dropped the mallet and turned to grab his cape as the room raised into an up roar of obscenities. They shouted and demanded they continue without the Knights.

  “Order, Order!” Ceron and Waylon shouted. They settled slightly. “What meaning you dismiss this…, by what authority?” Ceron dramatically acted his part. The room fell silent. Excellent Gunthar, excellent, Ceron thought.

  Gunthar slowly turned, measured himself, drawing the council’s attention with a firm charisma. “The rite given to me by the order of the holy Knight’s and the king. From where I stand, you are all in danger of illegally acting under the crown without all parties present from what I perceive an innocent. One who stood against impossible odds to save our city and people, he saw these scholars plan would falter. No one listened…, and did not think of himself, like so many claimed. He put himself in harm’s way multiple times! He helped us get the people safely in our gates. According to the mages he exerted himself holding the horde at bay… alone! I know! I was there, and saw what he did! I ask, who here would do as he?” He paused a moment, “He bought us the precious time we desperately needed with his life!” he allowed one of his knight to put his cloak on. The room was silent.

  The silence was shattered, “But he lives my lord,” said a smith.

  A surge of anger pulsed through Gunthar, “He almost died!” he shouted. The man dropped his gaze. “With no mage to aid us…, he did it alone even after the people shouted him demon…, coming to eat their children…!” Gunthar roared facing the people’s representatives. Many lowered their gaze.

  “We did not know the city was under attack!” shouted the same wizard.

  He smacked his palm, “That is my POINT! He brought us this information and still we scuffed…, I included,” then pointed at the mage, “Would you have done as he?” Gunthar shot. No reply. “I thought as much.” He looked at the members again. “And then!” he continued, “When I was standing at the battlement I saw something that tore my soul,” his voice cracked, “…because… I could do nothing,” his eyes grew glassy at the memory. He cleared his throat, “What shocked me of this…, demon. He saw as I.” He paused to regain himself, “He grieved as I,” he said softly then raised his voice thundering through the great hall, “He grieved as I! What kind of demon grieves? Can anyone answer!” he walked the grand circular hall gazing at the faces around him, “Then he did it again! He did it again, without thought of himself. I ordered archers to fire, when he leapt off the battlement…, to save what I thought were dead… families…”

  “Some of them died,” the mage coldly reminded.

  “They all would have died had he not acted,” Gunthar glared. “He gifted their lives…. Oh dear gods forgive my actions. I almost…. They all were at deaths door but alive nonetheless. Somehow, he sensed them…,” he shook his head, “I do not know how, but he did…. Three times he risked his life for a people that hates his kind, hates him!” The knight looked around at the faces now looking ashamed, his voice soft, “You know what I saw…,” he chuckled lightly. “…when he leapt from the wall…?” his tone soft, “No demon, no devil not even a Dark Elf,” he paused. “I saw one desperately trying to preserve life, the only way he knew how.” He turned and headed for the exit, and felt his tears fall. The memory burned in his mind how the prince was dying from within. Gunthar kept to himself when Dregous floated in the air during the final battle.

  Silence echoed the hall as the knight strode to the doors. He stopped, glanced over his shoulder, “Imagine… if he is willing to do this to those who hate him, what do you think he will do for those who call him friend?” He left with his Knights in tow.

  Outside, “My Lord, was that not a bit much?”

  He cleared his throat and wiped his eyes, “I fear not. That mage has it in for Lord Dregous.”

  ***

  The Curator of the Academy studied their faces as they spoke among themselves. He stood, fixed his garments.

  Ceron was grateful Gunthar dissolved the meeting. He bought Dregous more time. “Lord Curator, you would leave too?”

  “Have you not heard? Did you not listen?”

  “Aye, my aid is writing the document requesting the high priests’ presence. Please stay, he will be here shortly.”

  “No discussion will partake till they return,” the Curator demanded.

  Ceron nodded, “Of course.”

  “I barter not,” he stated. “Summon me when they arrive,” and continued to exit. Ceron smiled inwardly, well done Lord Gunthar, bloody damn well done, he thought.

  ***

  Tatiana was given a mansion for her use. The others were given accommodations at the inn, complements of the magistrate. She grabbed her things to leave after learning their place.

  “Your highness where do you head?” asked a middle age female servant.

  “I will join Dre…, the others,” she answered.

  “But your highness, your place is here.”

  “My place is with my lo… my friends,” she corrected.

  The servant looked at Tatiana with a knowing smile, “That is good. Not many would give up comforts for a…um…friend,” she grinned.

  Tatiana smiled warmly, “My gratitude, for everything,” she turned to leave.

  “I can send for your friends to stay with you?” she offered.

  “I do not know, I….”

  “Oh, I do know,” she threw her hands at Tatiana, and beamed a bright smile. “It is obvious.”

  “What is obvious?”

  “You know what I say.” The princess smiled shyly at her. “Ah, you smile. I know there is love there,” she nodded. Tatiana blushed nodding her confession. “Now put your things down. You just let O Hegtha take care of everything. I will draw you a bath in no time and have you ready for your Dark angel.”

  Tatiana looked confused, “Dark Angel?”

  “Oh…, he is your Dark Angel all right, I know this,” she shuffled out of the room.

  “My Dark Angel, I like the sound of that,” Tatiana whispered and walked to the mirror wearing her armor padding. She posed looking at her reflection, “My Dark Elf Angel; Oh, Ukko that sound’s wonderful. I cannot wait to see him,” she clasped her hands to her chest looking up spinning as she fell on the bed face first squealing.

  ***

  The group rejoined at the Yellow Dragon inn, to share drinks as patro
ns glanced at Dregous. Rem complained their booty was yet unreleased. The prince assured it would be, once the council completed deliberation.

  Seeker warned it was a trap. Rem agreed. She asked Tuke his thoughts. He danced around the issue. She requested a straight answer. He confessed his lack of confidence.

  Chapter 18

  I recall that dreadful evening, when we escorted him. He fought the darkness, how he tried to spare the people…. Those who saw him that night, had a change of heart…, as did I.

  Knight Glendel Rand’s personal journals

  Dregous suspected, but wouldn’t abandon Tatiana. Rem countered, under the circumstances she would understand. She is beloved by the people, he was despised. He would not leave her side, even under pain of death. Rem leaned back in his chair and whispered love is blind, as well as foolish. His comment annoyed Seeker.

  Tuke studied Dregous and sensed the prince’s pain, then glanced at the two bickering. The priest felt a void within him, “Dregous,” noting he was elsewhere, “Are you well my friend?”

  He smirked. “As well as I can be. Grateful for your concern.”

  Seeker and Rem heard and watched them. “Silly Drouwen, that is what friends are for,” Tuke smiled.

  They had an early dinner and spoke of their recent experiences. Rem did most of the talking. He described their adventure. They survived many obstacles and secret corridors in the enemy’s lair. People drew closer to hear his fantastic version of their tale. He noticed his growing audience, and added flair.

  Dinner was served as he continued. He spoke of the inferno they survived, the trail up the mountain and how Dregous fell over the cliff and thought him dead, the battle with a large group of goblins. The listeners were amazed asking questions, Rem’s replies were larger than life. Tuke and Seeker were captured by his rendition. They were trapped by the returning goblins and Gnolls. He padded Dregous’s shoulder, crediting him for saving the day.

  Tuke and Seeker listened with interest. The priest glanced periodically at Dregous. He appeared lost in thought not touching his meal. Seeker liked Rem’s version. It seemed exciting and grand.

  Two Knights entered, scanning the lobby, then headed for their table. The spectators parted as they passed.

  “Dregous,” Seeker warned. The music faded, and the general cheerfulness vanished with the Knight’s presence.

  The mage seemed unaffected, “I am aware.” The inn was blanketed with an uncomfortable stillness. Rem didn’t know what to expect.

  Knight Glendel broke the dreadful silence, “Lord Dregous Von’Negrous.”

  “May I help you?” asked Tuke.

  Dregous slightly raise two fingers, “It is quite alright dear Tuke,” he straightened his cloak.

  “You are to come with us my lord.” The people murmured. Someone commented, they’ve come to take the Dark Elf away. Another stated it was about time.

  One Knight looked in vain for the commenter. The remark shocked Tuke. Seeker felt for Dregous. She didn’t want them demeaning him and waited to aid his escape. Don’t go down without a fight, she thought. Remmon lowered his head and felt shame for the prince. Do something. Do not silently lay and die, Rem thought.

  Dregous addressed his companions then faced his escorts. He scanned the spectators, some with accusing stares. The barmaid Meredith, felt for him. The Knight stepped aside, “This way my lord,” the people murmured their polite address for the prince.

  The barmaid gazed into Dregous’s hood, “I was right, you are handsome,” she said warmly. “Should I have some Elven ale ready upon your return my lord?” she asked softly.

  Dregous studied her features, “I doubt I would have the opportunity to take advantage of your kindness,” he walked, stopped, looked over his shoulder, “Farewell,” his departure carried a dreadful finality, as they stepped out.

  Meredith held herself and prayed Dregous would run and not go like a lamb to the slaughter. She rushed his companions, “Are you not his friends, help him?” Rem’s eyes burned, he couldn’t face her and turned away. The memory of his brother and friends added to his pain. She addressed Seeker. “Will you not help?”

  She was about to respond, when Tuke gently touched her hand. Sadness filled their faces seeing how the prince affected her. Tukes’ voice wavered, “He asked us…, before entering…,” cleared his throat, “not to interfere. He has accepted this… and… we should too.”

  “But why?” her tears streamed, “They will kill him!”

  An elderly man came to her. “Meredith?” he spoke gently.

  She turned and buried her face in his chest. “Oh Damien, they are going to execute him after all he has done for us.”

  ***

  The late noon sun’s shadows littered the streets as they walked. The prince drew his hood ignoring the people’s comments. The shadows danced on the ground as he passed. It brought back memories when Tatiana taught him to ride. The many times they spoke at the campfires. They were tender moments no one could steal. Precious memories, though bittersweet, brought him little comfort. It made him miss her more. He wouldn’t mind dying if he could see her again. “Sir Knight, may I inquire our destination?” He used all his mental discipline to keep steady.

  “We are taking you to the princess,” Knight Glendel answered.

  His heart soared high. He was going to see his angel. He couldn’t have asked for anything more when he heard a female in his head. “You have the power to escape.”

  Dregous ignored her. She poked and nagged, continuing his ability to flee. They crossed the main street when he stopped and spoke to the air. “Viouc bahkek ee viche fa geh.” He surprised the knights. “Bahkek leh fayhan ti kunfooc forturum you fa!” the evening sky rumbled gently, warning of the coming showers.

  Some shouted he’s mad. “My lord, what are you doing?” asked Knight Glendel. Others yelled he was possessed.

  “Fayhan og’todah. Ad munup og’mac fa rubanh adeh godah nuk fayhan og’hummahnec imourt!” Dregous shouted. The Knights stepped back, as did the forming spectators. His eyes widened as if seeing something horrible. A woman shrieked, kill him!

  “fa geh eat emay ad gret,” she hissed in his mind.

  He ignored her, “Run!” Dregous cried, “Run before…!” something struck him and doubled over. “Run!” he growled. An unseen force lifted him while groaning in pain and was thrown back a few meters. The crowd ran screaming as the Knights ushered them.

  Glendel shouted, “My lord, what is happening?”

  “Get the people out of here!” Dregous shouted as something grabbed his neck lifting him off the ground. The prince struck what held him repeatedly trying to free himself.

  “Great heavens!” exclaimed the second Knight.

  “Get the priest quickly!” Glendel ordered.

  ***

  Tatiana stood from her hot bath and studied her figure in the looking glass. Smooth porcelain white skin encased well defined muscles. She recalled Dregous’s comment at the mountain, regarding her legs as lovely, and wondered if he would fine the rest of her just as attractive. A handmaid played a soft melody on a harp. “Oh, that is lovely. It would be pleasing for you to entertain us during our meal.” A body servant gently dried her as she stood in front of the mirror thinking of Dregous while studying her figure. She wondered what it would be like lying with him.

  “As you wish my lady.” The women marveled at the princess’s wings.

  Other maids laid out clothes for her to try. Many colorful gowns lined the bed. She didn’t want to choose black or white due to her complexion. She noticed a glitter midst the gowns and pushed them aside. It was lovely and draped it before her. Not too bright or too dark. The luster of gold enhanced her complexion and brought out her white eyes. “Perfect.”

  “Lovely choice your highness,” she continued drying her lower back and rump.

  Another maid came in. “Hegtha said she will be up shortly with jewelry. Oh, and his lordship is on his way my lady.”

  Tatiana’s h
eart skipped, then raced with excitement when she mentioned Dregous. “My gratitude.”

  “Your highness,” she bowed and departed.

  Moments later Hegtha walked in with a silver tray, “Come…,” As the girls came the old woman suddenly stiffened.

  Tatiana’s heart froze, “Hegtha…, Hegtha what is the matter?” The girls clamored steadying the old woman.

  “Oh dear Gods… no!” she breathed.

  “Hegtha, what is wrong!” The sense of urgency filled the princess.

  “Oh dear, your friend,” she whispered.

  Tatiana went numb, “What of him?”

  “He fights….”

  Her mind quickly conjured Dregous’s lifeless body dragged through the streets. She steadied herself, “Who attacks my…” her voice broke, her eyes burned.

  “I fear darkness will consume him.”

  The princess strode with a stern purpose to her gear, drew her sword and cut the golden gown. “Then, they will deal with me!” she declared.

  “It is not the…!”

  Tatiana interrupted, “Explain on the way!” she demanded.

  ***

  Dregous cared not to hurt the people. Every action he took, his twin countered. “dreum fa nocmeh fayhan.” The dusk sky slightly rumbled as it started drizzling.

  “How can you defeat me while you concern yourself for these humans…, they hold you back. Can you not see they will be your death…,” his twin argued.

  “fa fagh feg og’dreum!” Dregous shouted.

  It laughed, “They cannot and will not help you. Can you not see?” then his tone darkened, “All you need do is accept her.”

  “That matters little,” Dregous replied.

  The twin jumped to one side as an arc of flames came at him. “You will die before you realized what matters.”

  Dregous felt the spell drain. It seemed no matter how many times he hit him; his doubleganger’s wounds regenerated, while his own grew worse. Dregous stumbled to position himself to cast a spell, he noticed the clone hesitated. The prince wondered if his clone was reading his thoughts. In his earlier years he underwent exercises for mental discipline, thinking of three and four things at a time, choosing none above the other. His twin picked up a jumble of thoughts and images. His taunts subsided. Knowing what Dregous was doing, didn’t prevent his confusion.