Metal and Magic: A Fantasy Journey

by Steve Windsor

  And with that, Galebre gave his last breath. His eyes still stared at Wisym, but she knew that they no longer saw. She reached up and closed his eyes with her fingers, then placed her fist on her chest, an elven salute of respect. She laid one of his hands on his own chest and finally relinquished her grasp on his other hand.

  The other elves around mimicked her salute as she stood, finally taking her eyes off of her defeated leader and letting his last words soak into her mind.

  She was now the general of the elves.

  ***

  Wisym walked the perimeter of the city with her four fellow commanders.

  No. Not fellow commanders. Her commanders. She was now the general of the combined elven fighting force. She had to both push the thought from her mind, because it meant reliving the death of her general and the closest thing to a father she’d ever known, and to retain the notion because it was pivotal to her next steps.

  Though requests for aid had been sent to Ingur and Breyland, neither had been answered. Not only had there been no news from either city, the messengers had not returned at all. Breyland was further away, so she supposed that it was possible the elf who rode on horseback was just delayed. The rider sent to the elven sister city of Ingur, however, could have ridden there and back again twice since leaving.

  Surely the elves of their neighbor city would answer their plea for aid?

  Unless, of course, they needed aid themselves.

  Having swept the battlefield and made sure that there was no longer the threat of a second goblin attack, Wisym made up her mind. She would lead a march to Ingur to find out what had happened to the messenger and the fate of the city. Talgel could not be left undefended, however.

  Splitting the elven troops was risky. There have always been so few.

  Elves live much longer lives than humans, though similar in span to that of dwarves. To procreate quickly would mean an unstable population. It would mean using far too many of the forest's natural resources and bending it to submit to their wishes, rather than trying to live harmoniously with the woods.

  The elves of the woods had always had such a high regard for the forest that they would never ask of it more than they could give back.

  And so there have always been a smaller number of elves than of men.

  She would split the army. Four hundred would march with her to Ingur and six hundred would stay behind. If Ingur was attacked, but unharmed, she could hope that they could spare enough warriors to bolster her own in case of a second attack. Talgel was easily the most heavily fortified city and would be the natural place Ingur residents would flee in troubled times.

  If there was time to flee.

  Her head spun.

  As a commander she had never truly carried the weight of leading the entire elven army, only her detachment of soldiers. Is this what Galebre had to have done with every decision he made? Galebre.

  Wisym shook her head to clear it, and turned to her four commanders.

  “Egon, Gonaeli. Stay here and ensure that Talgel is safe. Search the woods for any remaining goblins. Burn what bodies you find. We can’t have them spawning in our forest and blighting the woods with their presence. Celdor, Finwe, you’ll accompany me with your detachments to Ingur. I fear for our sister. We will make haste to her to ensure her safety, and return with additional troops and the residents of Ingur in case of additional goblin invasions. I fear this will not be an isolated attack, and that more will follow. Egon and Gonaeli, prepare the city for refugees.”

  “Yes, Sister,” came the reply from her four commanders. They saluted her and departed from her in order to follow her commands.

  The feeling was odd to her. She had commanded one hundred before. Now she was to be in charge of one thousand. Though she felt in her heart that she was right in her decision, parts of her still second-guessed what was to come.

  She needed to consult one last person.

  “Ithrel,” she said as she watched the four elves depart. “I need you to come with me.”

  Ithrel was her shield maiden, a companion closer than a sister. Together they had fought in many battles, and survived because of their great bond of friendship and trust.

  Ithrel was taller than Wisym. In fact the two were as opposite as night and day. Wisym had long flowing blonde hair while Ithrel’s was short and brown. Wisym’s eyes were blue and wide, while Ithrel’s were small and green. Wisym could recite poems and ballads from memory, and tell grand stories to friends and strangers alike. Ithrel talked little. In fact Wisym wasn’t sure if any other elf, other than herself, had heard her speak more than a few sentences in their entire lifetime.

  But both were bonded to Galebre. Ithrel and Wisym were both his adopted children, having none of his own. Their parents had perished when they were quite young, only twenty. In elf years, that age was still considered childlike. Galebre took them in, and raised them the only way he knew: as warriors. And yet the elf had been kind and loving. Surely Ithrel would hurt for the old elf’s passing as much as she.

  Indeed, for the first time since the sounds of battle had diminished throughout the forest, Wisym looked into the eyes of her sister.

  They were reddened and bloodshot. A single tear fell from her face.

  Wisym took her by the hands.

  “We must be strong, Ithrel. Galebre would desire us to be strong.”

  Ithrel shook her head to agree. She took back one of her hands and wiped another tear away.

  “Come with me, Ithrel. We must beg the Elder’s blessing.”

  ***

  Every elvish city housed at least one elder. An elder was an elf who managed to outlive all others from his or her generation. The elder of Talgel was approaching his 900th year. Miranthil sat up in his chair in the ancient elven hall of elders. The chamber was made with the same white stones as the rest of Talgel and its walls reached higher than most others in the city. The top was opened, so that the stars of the night may be plainly seen. The hall was circular with black tiles as its floor. Several stone chairs lined with furs and pillows stood in a semicircle around the edge of a great raised platform.

  Only one was filled, however.

  His eyes were closed, whether in meditation or sleep, Wisym wasn’t sure. His long white hair reached the floor, and blended in with his white robes. Only one purple tree, the symbol of the elves of Talgel, was woven into his garment in its center. Wisym would have been able to see it had his beard not blocked her view. A small wooden wreath crowned his head: the symbol of an elder of the city. His head rested against the back of his chair, and his mouth hung slightly open.

  After walking to the middle of the chamber, atop the platform, she bowed to one knee. Ithrel mimicked her movements.

  “Elder Miranthil,” she spoke in a voice that she hoped would either wake him from his slumber, or arise him from his meditations.

  The elder made a grunting noise. Wisym looked up in time to see him open his eyes. He blinked several times, and then smiled at Wisym.

  Wisym stood to attention and spoke loudly, so that his ancient ears might hear her plea.

  “Elder, we have been attacked by goblins. The army of Talgel has defeated them, but we are too few in number now to repel any additional attack. Galebre has fallen, and named me general. We requested aid from Breyland and Ingur, but our pleas for help have gone unanswered. I seek to take soldiers to our sister city to see how it fares.”

  Wisym held her breath, hoping the old elf had not only heard her, but understood as well.

  Of course, the elder of an elven city was not the leader of the city. The elven elders who resided in the capital of the Southern Republic delegated that task to others. Elves who were of younger age and spirit, and could handle the daily tasks of running such a large community were given those tasks by the Head Elders.

  To achieve such an age and become an elder of the city meant one’s task was simply to meditate and gaze into the future of the elves. Those who had lived so many years had time to s
tudy the ancient art of reading the stars for signs and predict things to come.

  Though it was not mandatory, it was customary to ask for the elder’s blessing before embarking on any significant venture, whether an auspicious building project, or the great hunt of a wild animal. To not receive such a blessing would be considered an ill omen, and many would cancel plans laid down for months if it did not carry the elder’s blessing. The blessing normally was a simple yes or no. The slightest nod of the head would be considered a verdict. Every plan of significance was brought before the elders

  Such as marching an army to an unknown fate.

  Miranthil blinked several times. Then, with great effort and a wheezing voice that sounded as old as he looked, he spoke.

  “Wisym. Adopted daughter of Galebre. I see great sorrow for you. Go, if you deem it wise. But know that you will never again see Talgel.”

  And with that Miranthil sighed deeply, closed his eyes, and reclined his head back upon his chair.

  Chapter 17: The Shores of the South

  Exhaustion must have taken its toll at some point during the night. Though Ealrin had tossed and turned trying not to think about how hungry and how thirsty he was, he now opened his eyes to face the bright light of the morning suns rising.

  His dreams had been filled with the howl of goblins, and the scream of friends. It's certainly had not been a restful night. Though his muscles and joints again protested, he rose to walk down the beach a little to stretch himself. Holve was still sound asleep, and Ealrin knew he needed his rest if he was to recover.

  The sunlight reflected off the white sands of the beach, and Ealrin had to squint, though it was morning, to see properly. There were no other signs of debris from the wreckage of the White Wind, other than what remain lodged in the sand a few paces from the edge of the shore. Ealrin wondered what port or city would now bear the wrath of the raiding goblins. There didn't seem to be any nearby. Ealrin couldn't see any goblin ships on the horizon.

  Slowly Holve walked up beside him. His step was uneven and he covered his eyes with his hand to avoid the bright sun. He wasn't fully well, and if Ealrin's own hunger was any indication of his, he must be starving and in need of water.

  "Well," he said. "I've seen enough to know that we aren't in Thoran. At least not close to it. Most of their coastline is high cliff face. These are certainly the beaches of the Southern Republic."

  Of course they didn't end up where they had intended to, thought Ealrin. That would've made their journey too easy. And so far fate had decided that nothing would be easy for Ealrin.

  "Fortunately," Holve continued, "most of the cities of the Southern Republic have a port of some kind. If we head north that would also put us closer to Thoran. What do you think Ealrin?"

  The decision didn't seem like a difficult one, however Ealrin knew that their first priority was to find water. Without it, neither of them would be able to make a journey of any kind.

  "I think we ought to head north," he replied. "But not before we find some water."

  Holve nodded at him. In that small movement, Ealrin could see his obvious pain.

  "I'm glad to see that losing your memory hasn't affected your common sense. You know what you're talking about."

  Was Holve really that surprised? Ealrin didn't like being treated like a youth. But seeing as how Holve was injured, he would let it go. This time.

  "I'll ask you another question, from where does the sea get its water?"

  From the sky when it rains, Ealrin thought, though still a bit annoyed at the young pupil treatment. Then some of it was always there, also. And from...

  "A river," he said out loud. He looked to his right and his left, north and south on the beach respectively. He couldn't tell if a river was nearby or not. And if one was not nearby, could they indeed walk far enough to find one?

  "Exactly," Holve said as he started back to the lean to. Ealrin followed him.

  "There are two rivers that feed into the Forean Sea on the west coast of The Southern Republic. And unless I was out cold for a week, and you swam us to the other side of Ruyn, we should be less than a day's journey to either a river or a port. Either way we can restock and resupply, but it's imperative that we continue north to Thoran."

  Ealrin realized he hadn't asked Holve the reason they were going there in the first place.

  "Blast!" Holve said after Ealrin had asked him why they must get to Thoran. "My notes! My maps! I'd only just now remembered!"

  He'd spent the better part of three days writing copious notes in his journal, which now undoubtedly lay at the bottom of the sea.

  "Oh well," he said. "Nothing changing that now. Let's get going. I'll explain why to Thoran later."

  After they had gathered their weapons, folded the sail, and arranged it so Ealrin could carry it on his back, the two began walking north. It was slow going due to Holve, whose leg had been injured during the battle. Thankfully the cut was not deep, and the blade was not poisoned. Ealrin had cut a piece of the sail off, and wrapped the wound sufficiently to stop the bleeding. The sand had gotten the wound infected slightly, but not so bad that it required immediate attention. They washed it with the salt water in order to stop it from spreading.

  Perhaps, Ealrin thought, we were fortunate after all.

  It was indeed half a day's journey to the river. He was thankful for Holve's knowledge of the land. Without him, Ealrin may have decided to head inland in hopes of finding a lake or city without knowing where one might actually be.

  They drank from the flowing and fresh water freely, filling their empty bellies. Ealrin was beginning to have headaches of his own. The cool water was refreshing and drove the pain away from his head, as well as his badly chapped mouth.

  While they spent time drinking, Holve was able to spear two fish. Being injured had not affected his skill.

  Holve, after inspecting his catch, looked at Ealrin, "Gather some of the dryer wood farther away from the river. Leave me your sword."

  Holve had gathered some dry brush, and cleared a space of grass and weeds until it was mostly bare earth.

  Ealrin was staring at him, trying to figure out what he was doing.

  "Get us some wood Ealrin, otherwise we'll eat this fish while they are still wiggling!"

  That was enough of a thought to turn Ealrin's stomach and cause him to search for wood. He handed Holve his weapon, and walked up from the river to where the forest bed was no longer moist from the river. There were enough branches to give him an armful of wood in no time at all.

  He returned to Holve and, to his surprise, saw a small fire started in the brush he had collected. He dropped his wood next to Holve, who was busy cleaning the fish. He sat down beside him.

  "I’m glad to have you as a traveling companion," Ealrin told him as he put a fish on a smaller branch he had collected in order to cook it over the fire.

  Holve just grunted, and began to clean another fish.

  "It's been a while since I've traveled with anyone honestly," said Holve as he watched his fish begin to steam. The smell of it made Ealrin's mouth water. He had been trying very hard not to think about how hungry he was.

  "Roland had mentioned that," Ealrin said, saying the name of Roland with a pang in his voice. He only knew the man for a short time, and yet now it felt odd to be without him here. Why did Holve travel alone so often? Ealrin couldn’t bear the idea of dealing with the loss of so many, and the prospect of walking to the next city without being sure of where he was by himself.

  "Perhaps it’s sufficed to say that several places I travel to, are beyond what most would consider dangerous. It has generally been more wise to travel alone than to risk being uncovered by having a large traveling party."

  Holve's voice was still normal, but buried within it, Ealrin sensed a grimness he had only heard once before: when he was mentioning the goblins. To where had Holve traveled that required he bring as little attention to himself as possible? He was about to ask when Holve began speaking
again, cutting him off.

  "You had asked why it was so important that we travel to Thoran. Well, to answer that, I must tell you that I am in the service of King Thoran the IV. He is both a wise and good king. He treats his people as if they were his children. He cares deeply for them. What concerns him is a gang of thieves, robbers, and sell-swords who simply are known as the Mercs. It fits them well as they are primarily a group of hired warriors. The Southern Republic employed their services for a time, in order to put down a rebellion in one of their own cities. Unknown to them, the Mercs were responsible for the rebellion itself. Only with the help of King Thoran were they able to route the bandits and drive them into the Crescent Mountains. At the time, they were crushed beyond survival, so the pursuit of them was halted. Or so it had seemed. That was ten years ago now. Not only have they survived, but also they have grown in numbers that threaten the lives of many once again. This time they are moving up the eastern coast of the Southern Republic, or so my intelligence says, and are making their way to the Kingdom of Thoran."

  Holve gave a great sigh. Ealrin could tell this weighed heavily on him. The sound of their fire and fish cooking intermingled with the occasional sea bird call.

  "It would appear that they wish to settle a score with the King himself. I've been gathering as much information about them as possible from those who trust me and know about such matters. That was why I was at Good Harbor. It tends to be an excellent place to garner information about people who are more dubious in nature. I've learned much about their leader and his purposes, and intend to report my findings to the king as soon as possible. Unfortunately, I was hoping to sway many of the crew aboard the White Wind to join our cause. Captain Stormchaser had been gathering those individuals for that very purpose while I collected information. That part of my mission has failed. I wonder why the goblins went undetected and attacked us so viciously. I assume they mean to raid the Southern Republic, but the ports along the inland are much more guarded than Good Harbor. I suppose time will tell. Now let me eat my fish as I see you've all but finished yours!"