The mistress of fire and air desired the power of her master more than anything else. She worked tirelessly to hide this secret ambition from the other Elementals, and especially from him. She was gliding gracefully as she continued her journey east flying over the High Plains of Landen. Her thoughts turned to the meeting that would take place once she arrived at the council she had been summoned to. It was imperative to not give the others any ammunition to use against her at this crucial juncture in her plan. She needed to keep her indecorous deeds safely hidden and her malicious motives concealed until the right moment. She knew that the only one she had to worry about was him. He seemed to always know everything, but she had taken careful measures to act in such a way that it would not be readily apparent what her intentions were. It was as though he could read her thoughts and divine from his intrusion what a person was plotting even through her mental barriers. She wanted that power to be hers. She just had to be patient to learn all that she needed to in order to move her plans forward.
The guardians gathered together from various parts of Tuwa for the council meeting called by their master. Only Mistress Khalida appeared to have an idea of what the purpose of this gathering was for by the knowing look on her face. They were silent as they waited for the guardian to arrive. Belatedly, Mistress Kana graced the council with her presence after her long trek from the western lands. She nodded to the others as she took her proper place in the circle. Then their master appeared suddenly in their midst. He took on his human form after his spectacular appearance. The rest of the council followed his lead and transformed themselves into similar forms. A massive circular table appeared in their midst with seven granite-looking chairs. The guardian took his seat and bade the other to sit down so that they could begin.
No one spoke as they waited for their leader to begin the meeting. The air about them seemed to be alive with some form of raw pulsating power. Crackling noises could be heard around them as they sat patiently around the massive table. All eyes were directed toward their master in anticipation of what he would say. Clouds began to form ominously overhead, and sounds of thunder ripped through the near silence that had come over the council. An earthshattering boom rang out as he stood to address his faithful ones. Does he always have to be so dramatic? Kana thought as she rolled her eyes.
"We are gathered here to discuss events that are past and that will come to pass," the guardian said as he began the meeting. "It has been too long since we have met together, and there has been a recent transgression by someone at this table that must be addressed." He was careful not to look at the guilty party. He was hoping that she would confess her error and make amends for the trespass. I doubt very much that she will come clean … especially in front of the others.
"Master, tell us who has broken our law," Lord Neb pleaded. He instantly knew what was being referred to. Someone had commanded his element to do his or her bidding. He thought that it was Mistress Khalida when it happened, so he did not worry about it because she too had the command of water. Now he did not feel that this was the case because she was loyal to their leader and would never do anything to betray his trust.
"My lord, I commanded the wind to bring storm clouds to me so that I could help care for some elf children," Mistress Kana said apologetically. "I used my power to force the rain to be unloosed from the clouds to cleanse the needy creatures." She stood and bowed herself to the council to show her humility and her willingness to accept punishment for her actions. That should catch them off guard. This new direction should work far better than what I had originally planned to do.
"Milady, what was the purpose of your actions?" asked Lord Keb sharply. He had never trusted Kana and had a suspicious feel ing that she was hiding something. This witch is up to something. I know it.
"While traveling amongst the archaic races of the western lands, I came across some travelers who seemed to have lost their way," she began smoothly. "They looked like they had had a nasty encounter with some wild beasts in the Black Forest and were still in danger from those foul creatures. Apparently they had picked up the scent of the two elves as they were attempting to flee. I sensed immense good in the two children and knew right away that this couple was vital to the races of Tuwa. So, I intervened in their behalf and drove the vile wolf-like predators off. It was at this time that I caused the rain to come to cleanse them of the impurity left by their encounter." She felt triumphant as she looked at the accepting looks from the council. These fools will believe anything!
The master of the council immediately knew she was lying, but he did not understand the purpose of the lie. He knew exactly what she had done. He knew that she joined an elf and a man. He knew that by intervening she had altered the future of the lands of Tuwa. What he did not understand was why. What is she after? What does she have to gain from all of this?
"Kana, since you have violated the law forbidding the command of an element not in your stewardship and the law prohibited inferring with the races of Tuwa, you will be banned from the West Land-" the master began to announce her punishment.
"What? Is this a permanent banishment?" Kana asked while trying to remain calm. She knew that her lord was more than able to restrain her from going into the West Land. She could not allow this to happen. She had to think of something quick or all would be lost.
"No, it is only for the time it will take me to undo what you have done." He had a blank look on his face that did not reveal what he was really thinking. Let's see what she thinks of that.
"Master, I should be the one to undo the damage that I have caused. I am responsible for what has happened, and I should be the one to reverse the damage done. Please allow me to make amends for my wrongdoing. You may choose whomever you want to accompany me on this charge." She knew whom he would send and knew that she could easily control him. Hopefully he allows me to do this; otherwise all is lost.
"Keb, you will accompany the transgressor on this task. You will report your progress to Mistress Khalida on a regular basis. It may take some time to redress the wrongs that have been committed, Kana," he admonished sternly. He gave Keb a piercing gaze that held him transfixed. It was as if he were communicating something very important through that look. I do not like the look of that silent communication, thought Kana. She hid her concern from the others so the guardian would end his lecture.
"I will do as thou hast commanded, my master," replied the lord of the earth. He felt equal to the task with the knowledge given to him from the guardian. His lord had also given him a stern warning about the probable treachery of Kana through their wordless communication.
"Then you agree to allow me to repent of my wrong doing?" Kana humbly asked.
"Yes, you are right about one thing, Kana; you alone will pay for what you have done. Know this, if you attempt to deceive me again, you will feel the full extent of my displeasure. I will not tolerate disobedience and lies. I do not fully understand the purpose of your actions, but make no mistake, I will find out." He showed no emotion as he spoke. The air about crackled and snapped with immense power. He seemed to be radiating massive amounts of energy as he stood imperiously at the head of the council.
"I will not lie or betray you again, master. I will only do what you have commanded me to do and no more. With Lord Keb at my side, you can rest assured that I will not stray again. Please forgive me, master." She bowed again and held that position awaiting his approval.
"You are forgiven. Remember, do not fail me again. I will be watching." His eyes were fixed on Kana in a way that made it clear that he did not believe her fallacious story at all. He was allowing her to find redemption or condemnation through her actions. He would be watching her, so she must be on her guard at all times.
"Of course you will. I will take your leave then." She stood erect now as she waited for Lord Keb to arise and join her for their immediate departure.
Keb stood and transformed himself into a misty brown substance. He moved effortlessly to the side of Kan
a. She too changed her appearance to mirror the earth lord. They rose silently into the air until they reached a strong westward wind current, and then they were gone. Silence fell once more as the council sat there watching them go. All eyes returned to meet the gaze of their master. They had a feeling that these events were the beginning of hard times for everyone and everything in Tuwa. They could sense it from the elements around them. They could also see the worry in their leader's eyes.
"Ladies Hilzarie and Necia, please monitor the border between the east and the west. I am concerned that the druids may get involved and that will only make matters worse. Do not allow any to cross into our lands," he said in a commanding voice. "Leave now. I sense the change caused by our dear Kana beginning to take hold, and it is already having an adverse affect on the western lands. We must be vigilant." They immediately transformed and took off like a bolt of lightning. They all felt a sense of urgency to reach their destination without another moment's delay.
"Lord Neb, please patrol the Blaine River and the other major waters of the West Land. I need you to be my eyes and ears. Please report anything and everything directly to me without delay. Do not overlook anything. We must be prepared for what is to come." He did not hide his concern in his voice. He completely trusted Neb because of his immense wisdom and great power. He knew that he could rely on him to be faithful in this charge.
"It will be my pleasure, master. I will go now to find out what I can. I will send my messages through the earth, for I do not trust the winds to remain faithful to us." He seemed to understand some of the concerns that his master had. He knew that his task was vital to maintaining the upper hand in this ever-disintegrating situation. "I will also keep in touch with brother earth while he is in harm's way. Do you wish me to assist him if the need should arise?" Neb cared deeply for his brother and knew that Keb's mission was to remain close to the enemy. He would be in constant danger and would not be able to take on the powerful Kana by himself.
"Do not interfere. Report to me everything you see, hear, and feel using the method you prescribed," the guardian commanded. "Please, make haste now and be ready for anything. Subtly will be our undoing. We must ward against that."
"Yes, master, I will go and do all that I can. Fear not, I will be diligent in my charge." Lord Neb rose silently and immediately dissipated into nothing.
"Milady, the most important task has been reserved for you," he began as he turned to face Khalida. "I need you to meet with our ancient friend in his mountain home. He will be needed in the end. It will be he who will save us all. I fear that this is the beginning of an all-out war. He and his kind will be our only hope. Please tell him everything and ask him to come to me straight away. I will need to give him special instructions."
"I understand, my lord," Khalida replied.
"After you have finished with that task, you will be in charge of managing the West Land situation. I will be gone for some time to take care of some pressing matters. Summon our most loyal allies and urge them to prepare for war." For the first time he showed real emotion on his face. His jaw was set, and his eyes turned icy blue. "I will not let her succeed in whatever she is planning."
"We will not fail. We cannot possibly lose with our ancient friend's support. I will, of course, do as you wish. When shall I see you again?" She looked at her master with such a tender look that he stopped plotting in his mind to really look at her.
"You will see me again. I cannot say when. The future is too full of possibilities and dangers. With the help of our friend from the mountain, I will survive this dark tide. We all will. However, many of the peoples of Tuwa will not. This will not be an easy time for us, and it will not be brief. Evil has awoken at the bidding of a new master." A feeling of dread swept over Khalida when he said this. She finally understood that no one would escape the horrors that were about to be unleashed upon the world. Not even the powerful guardians of Tuwa would survive this war unscathed.
"Then you must go and do that which is necessary, master. I sense the urgency of your quest. Rest assured that I will do my part to protect the peoples of the West." She walked up to her master and kissed him lightly on the cheek. "May the Almighty Kedem bless you and keep you safe," she said with a bow.
"He will see us through these difficult times. Kedem will bless you with power and knowledge as you direct and protect the peoples of Tuwa."
He then rose silently into the air and exploded violently into a ball of pure energy. The air was alive with electricity, and he floated momentarily in midair. He then built up enormous pressure behind him and bolted east out over the sea to his unexplained destination.
Khalida sat down again at the council table and felt a heavy burden press down upon her shoulders. This task was more than she could bear alone. She knew that her master was wise in sending her to visit their friend in the mountain. He will be the difference in the pending war. She did not fully understand their power or even their purpose. She knew that they were more loyal to the master than anyone else. She could not explain the unbreakable bond between them, but it was one that would save them all. She still felt the dread in her heart and knew that she would not be able to shake the feeling that death and destruction would soon reign down on the races of Tuwa. She also knew that the Elementals would be in real danger somehow. She did not understand how that was possible, but she knew it to be true nonetheless.
CHAPTER 5
Another division
Princess Kishi walked mechanically to a secluded bluff overlooking the dwellings of the high elves' new mountain home. She did not want to be in the capital for the completion ceremony, as she did not share in the supposed success many of the people had worked so hard for. She did not care for the way Queen Kira was leading the infant nation. She thought that her twin sister had started out with good intentions but had somehow lost her way over the past few months. The idea of freedom was spreading like a plague amongst the population, which meant that Kira did not have complete control over her subjects. The queen's weakness lay in giving power to the high elven Council who were elected by popular vote.
This lack of control combined with her sister's blind trust in an Elemental was cause for Kishi's severe turmoil. A look of pain and disappointment crept across her beautifully dark face. She did not like the way she had left things with Kira three months earlier. She wished now that she could express her love for her and try to tear down the wall that had arisen between them. She had been an absolute terror the last time they had faced each other. She did not feel that her sister would be willing to forgive her after the way she behaved. She still believed what she had said but that did not give her the right to attack her sister the way she did.
While she stood musing over these myriad of emotions and thoughts, a messenger had silently approached her from behind. This high elf was being very cautious because of the many stories of Princess Kishi's violent temper. He could not gage what her mood was from where he stood, so he thought it was a good idea to be guarded in his movements. As the messenger emerged from the shadows cast by the mountain, his long blonde hair began to sway softly from the wind rushing down the mountainside. He was dressed in the black and silver uniform that had the crest of the queen. He was obviously a member of the queen's guard and had the unfortunate task of bringing a summons for Kishi to attend a special hearing called by the queen and the high elven Council. He did not know exactly what the meeting was about, but he knew that it must be related to the rumored dispute between the siblings.
"Milady," the messenger tentatively said. His voice shook slightly with fear as he spoke.
Princess Kishi whirled around with her hand raised. A ball of fire had burst into life in her left hand. Anyone who knew the powerful sorceress would have known not to approach her from behind. He had not realized the extent of the princess's magic. He cowered at her flaming hand and began to tremble uncontrollably as he waited to be incinerated.
"Please do not kill me. I have an urgent summons
from your sister, Queen Kira, and the high elven Council," he said while shaking all over.
"You have my apologies. I do not like surprises, and I am afraid you caught me unawares. Please, give me the summons," she said calmly. She lowered her hand, and the flame died out instantly. That little elf is lucky to be alive.
He edged closer to the dark figure standing at the precipice and handed her the message with trembling hands. He then quickly asked for her leave, and she waved impatiently at him to leave without even looking up. She truly believed her sister had conveniently forgotten their agreement they had made all those months ago. She was not sure now that she should pursue the question of ascension, but the council had already been informed, and they were apparently ready to hear arguments from both sides. She carefully opened the letter and began to read the summons:
Princess Kishi Tiranidrol,
Your presence is required at a hearing in regards to your claim to the throne. Also, we will discuss your concerns about the direction of the political affairs of the high elven kingdom. All of the members of the High Council will be present along with the queen and king. A report will be given about the alliances we have formed to date, what our allies require from us, and what will be gained from our new partnerships. Chairman Bronwen Merindiel will conduct the meeting with Queen Kira Tiranidrol presiding. The meeting will be held in the new High Council chamber and will begin promptly at noon. Your item of business will be the first topic on the agenda.
Respectfully Yours,
Elgin Rinelyn
Vice Chairman
Kishi stared at this formal request from the council in disbelief. She had actually kept her word. Now she did not know what to think or to do for that matter. She thought that the topic would be avoided like a horde of nasty, smelly goblins. As she stood there with the letter in her left hand, she had a sinking feeling that something very similar to what happened to the elves was going to happen to the high elves. She felt sure that someone was behind all of this. Nothing about what was happening seemed to fit. She had never fought with her sister like this; she would never have said such awful and hurtful things. What is going on? Who is behind all of this? l feel like a puppet, but who is the puppeteer?
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