“Not to mention Niki and Fredrik,” added Tanya.
“Prince Oscar spoke about a different group when I saw him last,” interjected King Arik. “When he left Tagaret after the Collapse, he asked General Gregor to create a group when I was found. I think the name he spoke of is a grand name for our little group.”
“What is the name?” asked Alex.
“The Knights of Alcea,” smiled Arik. “I think it fits us well.”
“You are the king,” grinned Tanya. “I like the name.”
“Then that is who we shall be,” decided King Arik. “From now on, we shall be the Knights of Alcea.”
“General Gregor is actually taking the Rangers out of Tagaret?” Alex asked as he turned the conversation back to his concern. “I would think that the group in Elderal are the garrison from Toresh. Even the Rangers will not fare well against them.”
“I do not know the details,” admitted Eddie, “but I do not think the Rangers are meant to engage Sarac’s people. I think they are meant strictly as a lure to get Sarac’s people away from Elderal so that King Arik could get there safely.”
“Then we should be swift in our return to Tagaret,” declared Jenneva. “That is one group that we need to keep Arik away from if possible. I have seen the effect of just a hundred Black Devils focused on a single person. My mother, Kirsta, died in that battle. Egam almost died as well. Perhaps, we should use our unicorns over the sea to return to Tagaret?”
“It worked for me,” shrugged Alex, “but that was only for a short trip. I suspect that we could do it if we avoided places like the Pebble Islands. Prince Darok would have to double up with somebody.”
“Will you be alright here, Eddie?” asked Arik. “I mean after Emperor Hanchi invades.”
“I think so,” nodded Eddie. “He seems amenable to merchants and shipping companies. Besides, General Mobami has close to thirty thousand men here. It will not be an easy battle for the Lanoirians. There is time yet before the Emperor enters Trekum.”
* * *
It was in the dark of night when the Knights of Alcea glided onto the wharfs of Tagaret. The Alcea soldiers posted there were alert and immediately ringed the group despite their wonderment of the unusual approach.
“It’s King Arik!” exclaimed one of the soldiers.
“Quiet,” scolded another soldier. “There is no need to announce his arrival to the world. Welcome home, Your Highness.”
“Thank you,” smiled Arik. “We must make haste towards the Royal Palace. Are there any problems within the city that I should be aware of?”
“No problems that we have heard of,” answered the soldier. “We would be pleased to provide you with an honor guard.”
Arik was about to refuse because he thought it was important to maintain a vigil on the wharfs, but Tanya interrupted him.
“I think the king would be most pleased,” she smiled. “It was impressive to have observed your vigil here tonight. Can the men be spared for an honor guard?”
“Only half of us will leave,” nodded the soldier. “And we shall return promptly.”
“Then let us be off,” nodded King Arik.
“That was very diplomatic,” Jenneva whispered to Tanya as the honor guard led the Knights to the Royal Palace. “You seem to be able to anticipate what Arik will say. Is it a magic spell that you have kept hidden?”
“No,” giggled Tanya. “I think I just understand him well. I know how he thinks now.”
“Amazing,” Jenneva smiled. “You never cease to amaze me.”
The Red Swords saw the approaching group and recognized the king. Runners were sent through the Royal Palace, and Red Swords swelled in the courtyard. When the Knights of Alcea entered the Royal Palace, General Gregor, Colonel Nolan, and Bin-lu stood ready to receive them.
“Welcome home, Your Highness,” bowed General Gregor. “There are some things that you need to be made aware of.”
“I have heard about the sewers and Sarac’s people around Elderal,” responded Arik. “Were the Rangers successful at luring Sarac’s men away?”
The general’s eyebrows rose in surprise, but he smiled. “So far they have been successful,” nodded the general. “I would suggest a swift visit to the Elderal. Sooner or later, Sarac will determine that he has been tricked. The Rangers are scaling the Boulder Mountains. Sarac has been led to believe that an attack of Sarac’s castle is the objective. We can keep them guessing with the Rangers. They have a great ability to disappear in the mountains, but the thousand horses are another problem. If Sarac’s people are smart, they will keep an eye on the horses and figure out the ruse.”
“What will happen when the skies clear?” asked Prince Darok. “Remember the attack at Dorgun? You will be in great danger, Garala. I suspect that Sarac’s people will converge on the source of the Sword of Heavens. Let me summon the legions of dwarves that have pledged to you. We shall create a shield around you that Sarac’s people will find hard to penetrate.”
“There is little time for them to travel such a distance,” Arik shook his head. “I think once the Emerald of the Elves is restored to the Sword of Heavens, Sarac’s minions will not care to bother the elves. They will be after me.”
“That is not a source of encouragement,” interjected Zackary. “I would prefer that they pursued the elves. Perhaps we should send the Red Swords with you?”
“I do not seek a battle with Sarac’s people yet,” Arik shook his head. “When our armies do meet, I want it on ground that we control, not some forest that is unfamiliar to me.”
“What do you propose?” Alex asked as his face betrayed his admiration for Arik’s thinking.
“When the Darkness rolls away,” explained Arik, “It cannot be that easy to pinpoint the center of the clearing. Oh, they will have an approximate idea of the direction that they must travel to get to me, but not precisely.”
“That is true,” agreed Jenneva. “If they are up near the Boulder Mountains, they will know that they need to head south, but not necessarily how far.”
“Correct,” grinned Arik. “What I want to do is this. I want the people of Mya to be moved to Klandon. This needs to be done quickly. They need not take any belongings. Just remove the people from harm’s way.”
“How will you get Sarac’s people to head for Mya?” asked Tanya.
“Prince Oscar will make an announcement here two days after tomorrow,” declared King Arik. “He will announce that King Arik is about to banish the Darkness from Alcea. He will let it be known that this will happen at Mya. Have it be a grand announcement, so festive that even the rats will know the time to expect the clearing.”
“And when will the clearing take place?” asked General Gregor.
“At sunrise the day following Prince Oscar’s announcement,” grinned Arik. “I want the people of Alcea to witness for themselves the work of their king. It will give them a spirit that Sarac will be frustrated trying to break.”
“Excellent,” grinned Zackary. “We should send fairies out with the image of Prince Oscar’s speech. Let the whole realm be ready to witness the miracle of the Sword of Heavens.”
“Nothing will endear the people of Alcea more closely to you than this,” complimented Alex. “I think you have grown into a king. Your grandmother would have been very proud of you.”
“And when Sarac’s people arrive at Mya,” nodded General Gregor, “they will find nothing but an empty city. Where will you be?”
“The Knights of Alcea will be on our way back to Tagaret,” replied the king. “We will probably arrive here before Sarac’s people get to Mya.”
“The Knights of Alcea,” echoed General Gregor. “I remember your father saying those words to me so long ago. I had forgotten about them completely. Is this what your group is to be known as now?”
“It is,” affirmed Arik. “I want tunics made up for the Knights. The tunics will bear the emblem of Alcea that appears on our banner. There will be times when it will be advantageous for the banner to be seen
.”
“That could make the Knights targets for attack,” warned Alex.
“At times,” nodded Arik, “but the tunics will be worn only when they will prove to be beneficial.”
“Like after the fall of Trekum?” posed Tanya. “Are you planning to be visible then to capture the hearts of the defenders of Trekum?”
“That is exactly what I have in mind,” grinned Arik. “Let rumors spread about the awesome privilege of wearing the tunic, so that when one is seen, it causes a certain amount of respect. At that point, those wary of listening to reason will be more apt to give the speaker a chance to be heard.”
“You have grown,” smiled Jenneva. “I see some of Oscar’s brilliance emerging in you.”
“Tedi and Natia would want to go with us,” interjected Bin-lu. “She wants to see the clearing for herself.”
“It would raise your standing with the gypsies,” nodded Alex. “Having Tedi with us would be welcome, too.”
“Fetch them quickly, Bin-lu,” agreed Arik. “I do not plan to dally here. We leave immediately for Elderal. General, we need a horse for Prince Darok. He was forced to leave his in Trekum.”
“I will arrange for one on my way out,” offered Bin-lu. “What about Wylan? I know that we cannot bring him with us, but will he at least get to wear the tunic of the Knights of Alcea? It would mean a great deal to him even if he cannot see it.”
“Wylan deserves a tunic,” Arik nodded sadly. “He will at least be able to feel the stitching. How is he doing?”
“He is doing somewhat better,” answered Bin-lu. “Sheri is good for his spirits, and I spend what time I can with him.”
“There is an elf named Garong,” interjected General Gregor. “He is at Klandon. He is the one who brought word about Sarac’s people. He will want to meet with you at Elderal.”
“Have Duke Altaro give him a horse,” responded Arik. “Tell him to meet us on the road that separates Elderal from Klandon at the point closest to Tagaret. He will be necessary for us to enter the hidden glade.”
“I will return promptly with Tedi and Natia,” promised Bin-lu as he left the gathering.
* * *
Arik dozed while Chaco carried him along the road leading to Elderal. Each of the Knights had taken turns at dozing so they would be fresh for the run from Elderal after the clearing. Prince Darok rode up alongside Arik and nudged him gently. Arik awoke, instantly alert.
“I smell an elf,” Prince Darok said softly, his large nose swelling as he inhaled.
Alex turned and looked at the dwarf and nodded to indicate that he had heard the statement. The Knights of Alcea immediately prepared for battle. The tenseness eased as Garong stepped onto the road.
“Greetings, Valon,” smiled the elf. “Have you found the Book of Things?”
“I have,” nodded Arik.
“Then let us make haste,” grinned Garong as he stepped off the road and reappeared on his horse. “Your Rangers have led Sarac’s people away from my homeland, but they may return unexpectedly.”
“They will be back soon,” sighed Arik, “but I do not think they will be interested in the elves when they come. Your people should let them ride through unmolested.”
“As long as they do not try to attack you,” added Alex.
“So it shall be,” agreed the elf. “Follow me.”
Garong led the way through the forests of Elderal. He moved with the uncanny sense of direction that only a native of the forests could. Several hours later, he halted.
“Are all of the members of this party loyal to Valon?” Garong asked.
“They are,” guaranteed King Arik.
“Then you shall see what the illusion looks like,” grinned Garong as he turned and proceeded at a walk. The Knights of Alcea followed him until they came to the shore of a huge lake. Off in the distance, a waterfall tumbled down into the pristine lake.
“This is the hidden glade?” gasped Arik. “No wonder nobody accidentally rides through it.”
“It has served us well for close to twenty years,” grinned Garong as an archway into the hidden glade shimmered and appeared.
He turned and led the Knights of Alcea through the archway and into the hidden glade. Elven archers immediately ringed the newcomers with arrows nocked. Garong waved them off and shouted that Valon had returned. The word spread quickly through the elven homeland as hundreds of elves began to gather near the gazebo. By the time the Knights reached the gazebo, there were over a thousand elves ready to receive them. Queen Lyander stood at the edge of the gazebo watching their approach.
“Valon has returned,” she remarked. “The people of Elderal bid you welcome. Speak to me, Garong.”
“The people of Klandon are now part of Alcea,” he reported. “They welcomed me as a friend and ally. Soldiers from Tagaret are responsible for luring Sarac’s men out of Elderal. Most importantly, Valon has returned with the Book of Things.”
Instantly the gathering of elves became very noisy as word spread through their ranks. The queen held up her hand for silence and the elves immediately obeyed.
“So you have come to fulfill our prophecy,” the queen declared without emotion. “May I see the Book of Things?”
Arik dismounted, as did the other Knights. He walked to the gazebo and presented the velvet purse to the elven queen. She opened the purse and pulled the Book of Things free. Her eyes grew wide as she examined the ancient book. Slowly, a smile spread across her lips and she held the book up for all to see.
“Valon has completed his sacred quest,” she announced loudly. “He has returned the Book of Things to the elven people of Elderal as prophesized. Let us now reveal the prophecy.”
The elven people gathered closer around the gazebo. When Queen Lyander sensed that they were ready, she led them in reciting the elven prophecy.
The Emerald green - the Emerald bright
The elven people shall not die
Saves us all from eternal night
Beneath the Dark One’s inky sky
Valon bears a dragon’s wings
And snake emblazoned on his chest
He brings to us the Book of Things
Discovered on his sacred quest
The Emerald green – the Emerald bright
Is given from the Elven horde
Valon has earned the right
For Elves to bow before their Lord
The entire assemblage of elves bowed low before King Arik. Even Queen Lyander bowed low. When she rose, she walked gracefully down the steps of the gazebo. She unclasped her necklace and presented it to Valon. Arik stared at the beauty of the gem.
“The necklace is not required,” declared Arik as he handed the necklace to Darok. “I shall have Prince Darok remove the Emerald of the Elves and return the necklace to you.”
The queen nodded as the dwarf removed a tool from his belt and extracted the gem. He handed the Emerald of the Elves to King Arik and the necklace to Queen Lyander.
“Are we to witness the clearing of the Darkness now?” asked Garong.
“We shall wait until the morning,” replied King Arik. “We shall catch some sorely needed sleep until then. As soon as we insert the Emerald of the Elves into the Sword of Heavens, my group will be leaving Elderal. It is this action that will spare the elves of Elderal from a conflict with Sarac’s minions.”
“Prince Garong will be going with you,” announced Queen Lyander. “He will be the representative from the elven people. He will be a constant reminder that the elves of Elderal stand ready to heed your call. Our people are now your people, Valon. We live to serve you.”
“I accept your fealty,” King Arik stated solemnly. “My pledge to you is to use your loyalty wisely and to protect the elven line for the future of our world.”
“It pleases me that you are considerate of the elves’ well-being,” smiled Queen Lyander. “You have alleviated my deepest fears. Long have I feared the coming of Valon. That fear multiplied when you were discovered to be a h
uman, but you have already demonstrated your compassion and understanding. I think I represent my people well when I express my desire to serve you. Let this be the beginning of a wonderful union.”
More pleasantries were exchanged while the elves prepared a massive feast. Elven musicians played instruments that were unknown to Arik, while dishes of wild boar and venison were served. The celebration lasted well into the night, but the Knights of Alcea left the festivities early and went to sleep.
Arik awoke an hour before the first lightening of the sky. He sat lost in thought as he stared up at the Darkness. Tanya woke shortly after and came to sit next to Arik.
“You seem sad,” she observed. “You should be happy. What is the matter?”
“Several things,” replied Arik. “As I stare at the Darkness for the last time in Elderal, I am sad that I will not be able to dally in the morning to gaze upon the sun. A clearing of the Darkness has always been a moment of inspiration for me. I would like to stay and enjoy it.”
“But you cannot,” sighed Tanya. “Be heartened by the fact that the people of Alcea will be able to gaze upon the sun each and every day from now on. Your gift to them will last for eternity. What else ails you?”
“The fealty of the elves,” admitted Arik.
“I thought you handled that well last night,” smiled Tanya. “Do not be sad for their fealty. You are destined to be a wise and wonderful leader. All of your peoples have seen that in you. You are a blessing to them, not a curse.”
“I hope your words turn out to be true,” sighed Arik. “The fairies, the unicorns, the dwarves, and now the elves, all of them are wonderful peoples. They deserve much more than living under Sarac’s rule.”
“You are that much more that you speak of,” Tanya said warmly. “Let us get the others up and restore the Emerald of the Elves to the Sword of Heavens.”
Arik nodded and rose as he called to the others. The Knights of Alcea rose eagerly, as did the elven people of Elderal. Arik walked to the gazebo, and everyone gathered around him. He pulled the Sword of Heavens clear of its sheath and held the Emerald of the Elves in one hand. With a thought of inspiration, he handed the emerald to Queen Lyander.
Emerald of the Elves Page 35