Fury of Molith (Fengysha Series Book 2)

by Jordan Cramm

  Wolflen looked at Katrina, and she at him. Then slowly he turned back and nodded.

  “I accept your challenge your majesty. Speak your riddle.”

  “Very well. Here it goes lad. ‘I am merely a ghost. I am not round, but even less around. I have clawed my way through history. I am thin but not sick. For disease cannot harm me. I have mainly been a jumper in my time, but I no longer leap.’ What am I?”

  Wolflen bowed his head in his hands, thinking about the riddle. He identified certain words from the riddle and knew they had meaning. Merely, Ghost, clawed, not sick for disease cannot harm me. Wolflen knew this one. I have read about this somewhere. Ah it’s on the tip of my tongue. Kesper please, help me answer this riddle.

  Finally, Wolflen spoke. “The answer you seek,” he said, “is the Mere Cat, now a bedtime story for young Elves. It is said that they once roamed the plains of Belloth, but no longer. Disease cannot harm them because they are dead. Still, there are reported instances of Mere Cat ghost sightings among the Elves even today, though it is a rare thing.”

  Katrina squealed with glee. She touched her top lip with her tongue. She believed Wolflen was right. She looked to her father, who appeared to be equally amazed. “Young lad, how could you know such a thing?”

  “One night on the road as we camped, your daughter said she thought she saw something—one of these Mere Cats, but she said it was impossible. I asked what would make it impossible if her own eyes saw it, and she told me the story of the Mere Cat and of their extinction. She said that Elves often tell their children of these and other creatures that have passed from history to legend.

  “Well lad,” King Janureen said with a smile, “I am impressed. Little one, it looks like Peludeen is still yours. You may live where you choose. Lord Darkmoon I suppose I should also say welcome to the family. Henceforth you shall bare the title of Prince and of War Mage among our people. I see Jakarta already gave you the ring of the War Mage to wear. Now word will spread of this news. I would very much like to at least have a festival in honor of your union together. Would either of you object?”

  Wolflen looked at Katrina who was smiling, and then he turned back to King Janureen. “I think it would be a wonderful idea. But my understanding now is that such festivals consist of family and friends. I am not sure all of those could be here in Elender for the both of us right now.”

  “That is true,” King Janureen answered, “but we are already in uncharted water here by way of the nature of this marriage. I would propose we do something on a smaller scale here, and then perhaps something down the road when we can get everyone together on a more grand scale.”

  “I know Katrina would be excited for this, and I personally would be honored your majesty.”

  “Then we should begin planning at once. And you don’t have to call me ‘majesty’ now. Call me father, dad, Janureen or Mr. Trueshot. I am not after all, your King. I believe your people have their own.”

  “As you wish. As for this festival, might I inquire how long it would take to put together?” Wolflen asked.

  “Lord Darkmoon I brought many ships with hundreds of Elves on each one. Once they disembark they will set up their own camp, and then it could be set up within a day. As early as tomorrow I would say. Is that acceptable?”

  Wolflen smiled.

  “My only concern your maj…Mr. Trueshot, would be the recent encounter we had with the Werewolves here. We tracked their horde Northward on the continent of Polithica, and we think we know why they are here on Molith now.”

  “Yes,” King Janureen remarked, “I heard a thing or two about this from message reports. Something about a portal to the Nexulous moon?”

  Wolflen nodded.

  “Daddy,” Katrina cut in, still beaming a smile, “do you see the area here on the map in front of you?”

  King Janureen leaned forward in his chair to see the map laid out on the table clearly. He looked to where she was pointing and nodded his acknowledgment of what he was seeing.

  “We think,” Wolflen remarked, “that the mark you see there represents the location of this portal. What concerns me is that our encounter earlier today with the Werewolves leads us to think that they landed in the Northern port city of Berayva right there,” Wolflen said as he pointed on the map, “and if that is true, then there is not a great distance between us and them already. And if your people set up camp and spread out beyond our own encampment here, the distance between our groups will become much less.”

  “Well that’s excellent news,” King Janureen said as he leaned back in his chair, “then they haven’t yet reached their destination, and we won’t have to march terribly far to engage the enemy. That too is cause for celebration.”

  “Well,” Wolflen slowly started in again, “even so, wouldn’t it be a safe assumption that Berayva needs to be liberated then as well?” he asked.

  “Young lad you will learn this about Werewolves in time…they don’t take prisoners. There would be nothing to liberate except the brick and mortar.”

  Wolflen nodded.

  “I actually got a taste of their fighting ability myself today when one rushed me and slammed me to the ground.”

  “They are savage beasts and they are very strong. Not many people would take them on alone. Not many would stand a chance. Tell me, how many did you personally kill?”

  “More than a few.”

  “And how many soldiers with you?”

  “To start with, only Jakarta, your First Knight.”

  “Impressive. Now, on to other matters. I believe we have settled that tomorrow eve we shall have a festival. I believe we have covered the grounds of my daughter keeping territories, and recognizing you as a Prince by acknowledging the marriage. This we have already discussed. Now onto resources…I brought with me men and supplies. Food stores, seed banks, various types of Ore including mithril, and of course the armory to go with. But I have also brought books related to our histories, as I was told they interested you pertaining to the War Mages of centuries past. I must tell you however that you may not find every answer you seek. They are not instruction books, but rather legendary stories. I apologize if that is upsetting.”

  Wolflen grinned and responded quickly.

  “It’s okay,” he remarked, “I know they aren’t how-to-manuals. Kesper himself told me as much. Still, I would be honored to be allowed to read about such things as time permits. Also, as we are on the subject of other matters, we have considered the idea of allying with Dwarves if possible. Doing so might allow our army to travel underground and unhindered by the topside traffic of beasts, which I am told are quite aggressive here on this continent. By what I saw today, the underground seems like a safer option.”

  “Safer perhaps, and perhaps even quicker. However, the Dwarves below Elender do not have the authority to permit such a force traveling their tunnels. A few visitors they could allow that way, but an army—they would refuse. My suggestion there would be delicate diplomacy. Gral can be rather…temperamental as I recall. And from what I see from your map, you can almost bet for certain that if Mortican is behind the plan to open a portal, then the Werewolves will not be the only army he summons here to this continent. Most likely we will yet need more men. Ah, but we can go over these details in days to come.”

  Just then, Wolflen’s Black Cloak Guards peaked their heads into the tent. Wolflen saw them from where he sat and motioned to them at once, causing King Janureen to turn and look in that direction. He watched as 10 different guards brought food in; ribs as Wolflen requested, salads, fruits, vegetables, and even desert. King Janureen clapped as he saw it all being brought in and laid on the table before them as Wolflen stood and rolled up his maps. The King was quite impressed indeed, and he asked Wolflen why it become such a grand event.

  “I know what it is like to be at sea,” Wolflen said, “I know we both do. When I was at sea, I always missed food that once had fur on it. I missed fruit that hadn’t sat in a crate for a week before I got
to eat it. So, in honor of your arrival, I thought this would be appropriate given that it is nearly time for lunch anyway, and I am sure having just arrived, you might enjoy fresh food.”

  “I would very much so yes,” the King answered, “and I suppose I could put off meeting with Jakarta a while longer…”

  “Mmm….” Katrina said as she took a bite of some grapes from the bowl that was set before her, “I am sure you boys will have plenty of time to talk strategy at your war councils…assuming Wolflen you intend to include my father now that he has arrived.”

  “Of course.”

  Chapter 10: The Festival

  The festival began promptly as advertised, and it was true, the Elves of Orenty had come together to accomplish a great feat. Not only had they expanded the farmlands of the city and helped to raise more buildings for the farmers, but even further beyond, they made their own encampment. Yet their encampment was not so bland and structured as the Izenian camp, but rather had white tents with various color rings around their bottoms. Banners too were set atop the tents and outside, showing anyone passing by who dwelt there (if they knew how to read Elvish). The other amazing part of their camp was that it bordered the Izenian camp so neatly that Wolflen had even moved his own command tent to sit on the border between both camps.

  As for King Janureen, he had a large pavilion command center raised and constructed, and it was set just to the South of Wolflen’s tent and slightly further East. Around this pavilion, a large open area was left before it-much like a wide open rounded gathering area that had makeshift tables, benches and chairs set out in the open for the celebration. The tents of the camp were then set in two semi-circles around the large middle area of the open. Then, directly in the middle of the open area, another large tent roof attached to large wooden poles. This area was where most of the cooking was done for the Elvish camp. On this particular night however, food was brought there from the Izenian camp as well, all to be cooked and prepared for the mixed company of both camps. Guests had been invited from both camps; all were welcome to join in the festivities, even those from within the city itself if they so chose. It was bound to be a memorable night for everyone in attendance.

  Braziers, torches, and even strings of Orb lights decorated the nice warm, evening air. Among the Elves, certain musicians had come with various instruments, and were performing on each end of the Elven camp, so that no matter where someone sat for their meal during the celebration, they would be able to hear music. Next to each table end out in the open was also a mini-fire brazier sat atop an iron rod and stuck into the ground. It provided light for the tables, helped keep bugs away, and also gave people a chance to re-heat their food if necessary.

  As for Wolflen, he and Katrina were seated out in front of King Janureen’s tent. Around them were their close friends that were present; primarily those people that had been named to the war council; Ayvock, Ravenshade, the Free Mages, Jakarta, and also Trevel. Wolflen’s father was gone of course, but the mood was festive for all just the same. King Janureen also sat in their company now, and in front of each of them was a large table, cut in a crescent shape that they were all seated behind. Everyone had drinks.

  Wolflen had his weapons hidden away, and he wore not only his armor, but his cloak as well. It was his favorite armor set, the burnt orange colored set. As for Katrina, she was in her mithril pants, but had a simple mithril top that was orange in color, chosen to match Wolflen’s armor now. In her hair, she had a wreath of green with small white flowers throughout, as well as those same flowers throughout her hair as well.

  On their table, they had several bottles of Izenian Rum and Elven Tika wine. On the menu for food was steak; at least for them at the main table. Steak, baked potatoes, green peppers, glazed chicken strips, corn, and pasta. Everyone’s plate was slightly different, but it was easy for them to get something added as Elven servants waited on them the entire time. When their goblets were empty, the servants would ask if they wanted a refill.

  Wolflen was overwhelmed by such a reception. There were literally thousands of people in attendance. Even people from the city came to the festivities. Of course that was to be expected. The city itself had its own regular nightly attractions, but nothing so grand in scale. In fact, at the main table, they had their own violinist, playing softly as they each ate and talked.

  “We haven’t had a dinner this grand,” Ayvock said to Wolflen, “well…ever.”

  Wolflen laughed, nodded and raised his glass, which Ayvock met with his own in a cheerful toast. The seating arrangements were simple…King Janureen and Wolflen were seated in the middle of the group. Wolflen was on the left, and the King on the right. Beside King Janureen on his right were Jakarta, and then Trevel, and then after, the Free Mages that had traveled all the way from Akartha. On the left of Wolflen was Katrina, then Ayvock, and then Ravenshade.

  “I’ve seen you too eat more than once boys…this is not your first feast.”

  “You know maybe she has a point,” Ayvock said slyly, still holding his goblet.

  “Yes but look around…we are the center of attention here at this table. That part at least is new.”

  “You might have to get used to it now honey. You are the Steward of Akartha now. We are married now. And you’re a Prince now. Better get used to some adoration and dealing with crowds.”

  “I don’t know that I will ever get used to any of those titles, apart from husband.”

  “Yeah,” Ayvock started in as he leaned over his plate and looked at them both, “explain this to me again please because I am still fuzzy here…Wolflen you proposed, and that makes you a married couple instantly?”

  Wolflen chuckled as Katrina responded.

  “In my culture the acceptance of a marriage proposal makes the marriage pact sealed. In our culture it is common for couples to talk about marriage without taking it to the level of proposal, in order to feel out where each person stands on the idea of marriage. By proposing to me, he was actually initiating the offer of marriage to begin right then and there, even though he was not aware of that at that time.”

  “So,” Ayvock rebutted, “since you knew he was unaware of that custom, you could have been saying yes to his understanding of the proposal, but you would have had to believe that maybe he did know something about your culture, and as such your acceptance was your way of sealing the pact whether he knew it or not.”

  “Ayvock,” “Katrina grinned as she raised her wine glass, “that is a mouth full of words, but you have it exact. I have known for a while now that I love him. Saying yes was easy, no matter which culture he was asking by.”

  Wolflen and Katrina both looked at each other a moment, lost in each other’s stare and smile. They kissed quickly and he reached for her hand under the table. He whispered to her that he loved her and she returned the statement in kind as the soft violin music played in the background.

  “So,” Ayvock went on after gulping another glass of Izenian Rum and getting it refilled, “have you two uh…you know?”

  Wolflen noticed that at this moment, King Janureen was looking at them both as well, clearly waiting for an answer himself. The moment was awkward, leaving Wolflen speechless momentarily as Katrina responded; something he was glad for.

  “We are a married couple now—man and wife. What happens behind our doors is our concern alone.”

  “Yeah but…” Ayvock answered, “I mean did you…?”

  “For your information Ayvock,” Wolflen answered as he found his voice again, “we are in no rush. Our love is based on more than just the physical attraction. It’s true she fills my thoughts, my dreams, and even fantasies…but there is much more to her to love than just her amazing appearance.”

  King Janureen smiled and looked down at his plate, eating more of his food. He was quite happy with the answer that Wolflen gave, as well as somewhat thankful he didn’t have to hear any details regarding the love life of his own daughter.

  “What are you waiting for Wol
flen,” Ravenshade asked from the end of the table, “you are a man, she is a woman…you love her and she you. Why are you even here with us now if you haven’t accomplished this thing together yet?”

  King Janureen cringed and dropped his fork on his plate when he heard the comment from Ravenshade. He leaned his head forward a little to see Wolflen and Katrina both chuckling. He looked intently a moment at his daughter, and spoke in a half whisper, not sure if he wanted Ravenshade to hear it or not.

  “Why did you allow the Night Elves back into Elven society again? Because right now I am struggling to see the merits of the choice.”

  Katrina shook her head sideways and laughed.

  “Actually,” Wolflen said, trying to change the subject, “Ravenshade has proven to be quite helpful. When Jakarta and Trevel have been busy on occasion, she has helped Ayvock and I practice our sword training. I think Ayvock has benefited more from that than I have, but even here I have had her on assignment to keep an eye out in Elender for anything suspicious. Not only that, but it was Ravenshade that allowed us to know what the enemy plans to do here on this continent. I am actually quite grateful for that.”

  “But didn’t she try to kill you?” King Janureen asked plainly.

  Wolflen laughed and nodded as he looked back at his freshly refilled goblet of Izenian Rum. Then he grabbed it gently and kept nodding as he looked back at his now father-in-law.

  “Yes,” he replied, “yes she did. But here I am. I truly think the Night Elves can be an asset to your people by reintegration. I think they can help us in this war. If you disagree of course, it would be understandable. In such a case I should tell you they would still be welcome in Akartha.”

  “Well,” King Janureen remarked, “we are all here now, and that is what counts. When my daughter wanted to keep the Paladin class alive within our people’s culture, I wasn’t too thrilled, but I allowed it. When I got word about the Night Elves, I didn’t understand it, but again I allowed it. I trust my daughter, and I know her trust is not easily given or even earned. So when I learned she had chosen you as husband, it wasn’t the easiest thing to hear at the time. But then I thought about it…if she trusts you, so do I. She would not offer her trust lightly after all. Now of course that you are also a War Mage both excites and frightens me.”