Emerald of the Elves

by Richard S. Tuttle

  Alex took a direct route to the Bosun’s Chair and put Kaz and Yorra in the stables. He rented a room under the names of Mikal and Yolinda Obanik. They were not in the room for more than five minutes when there was a knock on the door. Alex looked at Jenneva and then pulled his sword. He walked warily to the door and cracked it open. Standing in the hallway was the familiar orange and black uniform of the Melbin Guard.

  “Open the door and let me,” demanded the guard.

  Alex sighed as he opened the door, but he held his sword ready. The guard walked in and closed the door.

  “Mikal Obanik, you have been banned from entering Melbin,” stated the guard. “Why are you here?”

  “Supplies among other things,” Mikal responded as he stared at the man’s face. “I don’t recall ever meeting you. Who are you and what do you want?”

  “My name is Lomar,” replied the guard, “and what I want is peace in the city. You will leave the city at once, or I will have you arrested.”

  Alex slowly sheathed his sword in a manner that showed he had no ill intent. “We are only staying the night,” promised Mikal. “I am not looking for trouble. In fact, I seek to avoid it.”

  “Then we want the same thing,” Lomar smiled thinly. “I would offer to help you with your packs, but you seem to do alright without any help.”

  “Look, Lomar,” reasoned Mikal, “the reason that I am banned from the city is an old affair. It happened over five years ago, and I am sure that it is forgotten by now.”

  “Forgotten by some, perhaps,” Lomar shook his head. “There are others with much longer memories. I don’t really want to arrest you, Obanik, but I will to keep the peace in the city. Don’t make me do it.”

  “Why haven’t you arrested me?” questioned Mikal. “If you know that I have been banned, then you must know why it is so.”

  “I saw what happened that day,” nodded Lomar. “The disgusting actions of the guardsmen were the reason I decided to join the guard. I also know that you came back to Melbin a while ago. Hanjel might not have found you the last time, but I will not take the chance of him finding you this time. You must leave now.”

  “Hanjel did find me the last time,” countered Mikal.

  Lomar stared questioningly into Mikal’s eyes. “How is that possible?” he asked. “I know he went searching for you. I made the mistake of telling him that I saw you in the city. Still he never mentioned finding you, and he is still alive today.”

  “Perhaps he chose not to mention the meeting,” frowned Mikal. “He tried to knife me in a dark alley. I taught him some manners and warned him that there would be no third time. I do not seek any revenge on Hanjel. I would prefer that the incident never happened.”

  “If Hanjel felt the same,” retorted Lomar, “I would not be standing in your room asking you to leave the city. He will attempt to kill you again. If he does kill you, or more likely, you kill him, I would feel like I could have prevented it. I think the king’s orders banning you from the city are unjust, but it is the king that I serve. I will escort you to the city gates.”

  “It is the people of Melbin that you serve,” corrected Mikal. “Look Lomar, let me be honest with you. There are people in this city that I consider friends. I need this one night to talk to them to find out about the situation down south. I need to reach southern Sordoa, and I do not want to run into Emperor Hanchi. I can tell by the mobs on your streets that people are already fleeing the south. I will not leave my room except to talk to these friends. Can we be reasonable about this?”

  “Emperor Hanchi is causing quite a stir down south,” mused Lomar. “There is talk about the rogue armies making a stand at Trekum. Some have asked King Alfred to aid in the cause. Others want to retreat to Melbin if they fail in Trekum. Who are these friends? Perhaps I can bring them to you?”

  “I am sworn not to reveal their identities to anyone,” Mikal shook his head. “It is dangerous for people in Melbin to be associated with the likes of me. Could you imagine their predicament if Hanjel found out about them?”

  “A valid point,” nodded Lomar as he walked to the window and stared out. Finally he turned and faced Mikal. “What about Hanjel?” he asked.

  “I will try to avoid him,” promised Mikal. “If you could help by sending him somewhere towards the sea, I would be appreciative. Still, if he attacks me again, I will kill him. Long life is not well served by giving a crazed killer too many opportunities for success. I have spared Hanjel’s life twice already. If he cannot learn his lesson after that, than I have no choice.”

  “At least you are being honest with me,” nodded Lomar. “Be gone before the first lightening of the sky. If I see you after that, I will arrest you.”

  Lomar spun to leave. Alex smiled bitterly and said, “Thank you, Lomar.”

  * * *

  The innkeeper scowled at the sight of a dwarf in his common room. The patrons fell quiet and turned to stare.

  “Two rooms for one night,” Arik said to the innkeeper at the Fluttering Jib.

  “You can have two rooms,” snarled the innkeeper, “but the dwarf won’t be staying in either one of them. We don’t allow his kind in here. He can stay in the stables, if the horses don’t mind, that is.”

  The common room howled with laughter, and the innkeeper smirked with the praise. Arik opened his mouth to speak, but Prince Darok stopped him by lacing his hand on Arik’s arm.

  “Let me pay for your room, Arik,” smiled Darok as he dug into his purse.

  The dwarf extracted a small gold nugget and eyed it appreciatively. He grinned as he saw the innkeeper’s mouth fall open at the sight of the nugget. The innkeeper held out his open palm, eagerly awaiting the rich reward for the rented rooms. Darok gently placed the gold nugget in the innkeeper’s hand and closed the man’s fingers over it. As he did so, Darok grasped the innkeeper’s fist and squeezed it. The innkeeper’s eyes grew large and his mouth opened to yelp, but the dwarf leaned in close to his ear.

  “My grip is strong enough to crush your hand so bad that there won’t be anything left at the end of you arm except that nugget,” smiled the dwarf. “Now you’ve had a fair amount of fun at my expense. Your paying lads at the tables have had a jolly good laugh, but I am pretty tired, and I get awfully cranky when I am tired. You’ve gotten way more than a fair piece of gold for your lousy rooms. I suggest that you take your gold and look away while we go up the stairs. You get a great profit, and I get the sleep I need to make me less cranky. You understand where I am coming from?”

  The innkeeper nodded vigorously, and Darok let go of his hand. The innkeeper quickly put the gold in his pouch and turned away. Grumbles rippled through the common room as Darok turned and walked up the stairs. Arik and Tanya followed the dwarf prince.

  The innkeeper waited until the Rangers had gone up the stairs and closed the door to their room. He went into the kitchen and filled a tray with ale mugs and returned to the common room. The patrons chided him for yielding to the dwarf. The taunts were loud and boisterous, but the innkeeper quieted the complaints by passing out free ale. When he arrived at the table occupied by Melbin Guards, he placed the tray on the table and sat down. He leaned forward in a conspiratorial pose.

  “You know who those two are?” he whispered. “The ones with the dwarf? Those are the two that stayed here last time with that fancy lord from Cidal. You know. The ones that King Alfred thinks made off with the witch.”

  “Is that so?” questioned Hanjel. “Are you sure about this?”

  “There was another with them last time,” nodded the innkeeper, “but I never forget a face. King Alfred needs to know about it. I reckon that there might be a promotion in it for someone.”

  “Who gets the honor of telling King Alfred?” asked one of the guards. “Should we choose straws for it?”

  “I will leave that up to you lads,” Hanjel snickered.

  “Why so generous all of a sudden?” asked one of the guards. “You don’t look forward to a promotion? Or you th
ink the innkeeper is daft?”

  “Neither,” retorted Hanjel. “I heard about the last time they were in Melbin. It was the same time as someone else. In fact, I heard travelers on the road say that they all traveled together. That means that there is someone in the city that I want to meet, and I know just where to find him. I’ll leave the promotions to you lads.”

  “It’s not like we have to hurry,” countered one of the guards. “King Alfred is busy meeting with some general from down south. They aren’t going anywhere until morning.”

  “And when you lads do come to take them,” interjected the innkeeper, “make them take their belongings with them. I’ll have to have both of those rooms cleaned, and I don’t want that dwarf having any excuse to return here.”

  “They won’t be coming back,” laughed one of the guards. “I say we go together to tell King Alfred. Maybe we will all get promotions.”

  “You lads do just that,” stated Hanjel as he rose to leave. “I have more important things to do.”

  * * *

  Mikal knocked distinctively on the door in the dark corridor. He saw the small sliver of light that was visible through the crack under the door go out. The door opened just a crack. Mikal pushed the door open and stepped inside.

  “Many things are happening in that city up north,” the voice said. “I am not surprised to see you drop in.”

  “I am aware of the doings in Tagaret,” responded Mikal. “I am seeking information on southern Sordoa. I am particularly interested in Emperor Hanchi.”

  “I should not be surprised about your knowledge of Tagaret,” chuckled the voice. “It has all the markings of Ranger involvement. Hanchi has amassed a tremendous army. He has already entered Sordoa and is heading for showdown in Trekum. General Mobami has enticed the free armies into making a stand to repel the Lanoirian invasion. Frankly, I do not give them much chance at success.”

  “Is there no other opposition to Hanchi?” asked Mikal.

  “Nothing worth mentioning,” declared the voice. “There are still rebels in the hills of Lanoir, and gypsies, too. There was talk that Hanchi would not strike out for Sordoa until the rebels were defeated. I guess he changed his mind. Strange that he is attacking Sordoa and not caring about the possible loss of his own homeland.”

  “Are these rebels and gypsies capable of taking over Lanoir?” questioned Mikal.

  “I don’t see why not,” mused the voice. “Hanchi has brought his entire army with him to Sordoa. There is no army left in Lanoir to defend it.”

  “That is most strange,” agreed Mikal. “He would gain little by conquering Sordoa if he losses Lanoir. It certainly would be a poor trade. How sure are you of your information?”

  “Very sure,” promised the voice. “Those who are in the know, say it is like the emperor woke up one morning and was a different man. Certainly his goals changed overnight.”

  “Is there any other opposition in Sordoa?” inquired Mikal.

  “Nothing between Trekum and Melbin,” replied the voice. “Toresh has been abandoned. Sarac’s people moved north of Sordoa. The Cidal mercenaries are in Tagaret. All of the other armies are gathering in Trekum.”

  “How long can Trekum hold out?” asked Mikal.

  “Hard to say,” mused the voice. “There is still time for armies to get to Trekum to join the fighting, but not much longer. Hanchi’s army moves slowly. They carry their own provisions and many in the army are on foot. That is what is slowing them down. It certainly is not opposition. There hasn’t been any.”

  “Thanks,” Mikal said. “You have answered the main question that needed answering.”

  Mikal left the dark room and closed the door. He walked through the dim corridor and opened the door to the alley. Seeing nobody in the alley, Mikal slid out of the building and made his way towards the street at the end of the alley. As he neared the end of the alley, the light form torches on the street illuminated him.

  “Stop right there, Obanik,” hissed a voice from the darkness behind Mikal.

  Mikal turned around slowly and peered into the darkness. He listened to the footsteps as the man came closer. As the man stepped into the light, Mikal saw Hanjel with a crossbow aimed at his chest.

  “You aren’t getting away this time, Obanik,” snarled Hanjel.

  Mikal’s first thoughts were of Lomar. The guard had seemed sincere, and Mikal did not want to believe that he had been conned by Lomar, but he had to know for sure. “How did you know I was in town?” Mikal asked.

  “The innkeeper at the Fluttering Jib recognized the children that you travel with,” snickered Hanjel. “So you have taken up traveling with dwarves now. Can’t say that I am surprised much. Scum like you always want to be around people that are inferior. That is probably how you get your reputation for being so skilled. Compared to those misfits that you ride with, anyone would look good. Pity that I have to do you in this alley. I would love to watch your face when your children hang.”

  “Hang?” asked Mikal nervously. “Why would they hang?”

  “For helping the witch escape the last time you were here,” sneered Hanjel. “As if you didn’t know. Your game is up in Melbin, Obanik. I passed up a promotion to be here tonight. It was worth it.”

  I need your help this time, Jenneva. There is no way that I can outrun a crossbow.

  “Look, Hanjel,” staled Mikal. “You are being childish. Put down the crossbow, and we can both walk away from this.”

  “I will be the only one to walk away from this,” cackled Hanjel. “Don’t rush me. I have waited five years for this moment. I want to enjoy watching you squirm.”

  A loud screech echoed through the alleyway. Something darted through the light and cast an eerie shadow on the walls of the buildings. Hanjel looked up to see what it was. The eagle soared down out of the darkness, its large sharp talons extended before it. Hanjel raised an arm to ward off the bird of prey, but he was too late. The eagle struck at Hanjel’s face, its sharp talons piercing his eyes. Hanjel screamed and dropped the crossbow. His hands flew to his face as the Lanoirian Star flew down the alley and struck his chest. Hanjel fell to the ground lifeless. The eagle flew into the darkness of the alley.

  “That was too close,” Yolinda said as she walked out of the darkness. “We need to get out of this city tonight. Lomar will have you arrested for sure.”

  “It was too close,” nodded Mikal, “but we are not leaving the city. The Children have been arrested.”

  “Are you sure?” questioned Yolinda.

  “I am not positive,” frowned Mikal, “but for once Hanjel had no need to lie. Let’s go check the Fluttering Jib.”

  “I am sticking with you until we leave this city,” vowed Yolinda. “I will not lose you to some deranged king who is living his last year.”

  “I do not think the King Alfred is all that unreasonable,” commented Mikal. “He is struck with his own power, but the people of Melbin have allowed that to happen. Your flying skills are excellent by the way. Remind me never to complain about your cooking.”

  “You had better not,” giggled Yolinda. “How do we get the Children out of prison if they are indeed there?”

  “We get arrested,” smiled Mikal.

  Mikal and Yolinda walked to the Fluttering Jib. Mikal waited outside while Yolinda went in and inquired about the Children. She came out almost instantly.

  “The innkeeper told me that he never heard of them,” reported Yolinda. “He was lying, and I told him so. He finally confessed that the guards arrested them about an hour ago.”

  “We need to find Lomar,” sighed Mikal, “but first I want to get my staff. I do not want another sword battle in this city.”

  Mikal left Yolinda in the street and ran to get his staff. When Mikal returned, Yolinda was talking to Lomar in the middle of the street. Mikal walked over and joined the conversation.

  “He was in the common room of the Fluttering Jib,” explained Yolinda.

  “I was waiting for Hanjel,” shrug
ged Lomar. “He likes to hang out there. Why are you looking for me, and who was Yolinda looking for in the Fluttering Jib? She wouldn’t tell me anything until you returned.”

  “We were traveling with three others,” explained Mikal. “They were arrested for something that happened the last time we were here.”

  “The ones with the dwarf?” asked Lomar.

  “Yes,” nodded Mikal. “I need to get them released.”

  “Are you daft?” asked Lomar. “Look, letting you spend the night in the city is one thing, but I will not be a party to breaking the law. Forget you even mentioned this to me, or I will arrest you.”

  “Then you shall have to arrest me,” insisted Mikal. “I need to speak to King Alfred, and if getting arrested is the only way that I can do it, then I surrender.”

  “Surrender?” gasped Lomar. “You are indeed daft. King Alfred was explicit when he banned you from this city. He will have you killed. I will not be a party to such murder.”

  “Suicide,” corrected Yolinda with the corners of her mouth turned up in a smile.

  “Forget it,” Lomar shook his head vigorously. “I am marching both you to the stables behind the Bosun’s Chair. You are both getting on your horses, and I am escorting you to the gates of the city. You are leaving Melbin, and you are never coming back. If you step one foot inside the gates, I will personally drag you before King Alfred. Is that clear enough for you?”

  “Let’s save everyone a bit of time here,” sighed Mikal. “I killed Hanjel tonight. He came at me in a dark alley with a crossbow. I had no choice. It was him or me, so I killed him.”

  “I helped,” smiled Yolinda. “It would not be fair for you to take all of the credit, Mikal.”

  “That’s true,” nodded Mikal. “I couldn’t have done it without you, Yolinda.”