The Merchant and the Menace

by Daniel F McHugh

  “There is much to discuss. However, before we commence, all here must be informed of the facts. Rumors swirl and build, but we must only act on the facts. Often, the enemy uses rumor to send us charging in the wrong direction. First, General Chani, commander of the our defense forces, will recount recent events in and around the Nagur.”

  General Chani stood and cleared his throat.

  “We are under attack,” began Chani. “Scouts confirm Prince Eidyn's story and found additional evidence of unnaturals prowling our wood.”

  A gasp arose in the chamber.

  “Units near the Toxkri confirm several sets of tracks leading in and out of that cesspool. The Malveel are hard pressed to remain hidden in the open grasslands to the north and use the Toxkri Swamp as a means of reaching the Nagur undetected. The creatures are extremely hardy and resourceful. How they navigate that maze without drowning in a bog or quicksand I’m unable to discern. However, if they map a path through the Toxkri and pass it back to their master, we lose our natural defenses to the east.”

  Kael noticed Teeg’s mouth upturn in a slight smile. As the old Elf turned and saw the boy he quickly became somber again. Chani addressed the court.

  “Of course, our northern borders are protected by both the might of the Zodrian Guard and the deadliness of the Erutre cavalry. However, this too becomes subject to second-guessing. If these forces are heavily engaged along the northern mountains, a force of some size might be able to cross cut the plains and make a move on our borders. The Efer is a good line of defense, but if the enemy is there, the situation is dire indeed. I took the liberty of extending our defensive forces much further into the North Nagur than we ever previously allowed.”

  “Why not move our forces to the Nagur's edge?” asked a distinguished looking Elf, “The scouts could pick up movement in the plains many miles away, and fighting from the forest against an opposing force is a desirable advantage.”

  “Queen Eirtwin’s cousin Paerrow. A well respected lord,” whispered Teeg to Kael.

  “You are correct, my lord.” replied Chani. “However, that theory is predicated by knowledge of where the enemy will strike with the main body of its force. The entire Nagur Wood is a massive area to cover with our forces. We would be spread thinly across this line. If the enemy surprised us in any way, the consequences might be grave. If they were able to sever our main body in two, we would be devastated. Other unknowns continue to exist with the Toxkri. If we focus on the northern boundary, can we remain that certain of protection from the swamp?”

  “General Chani, if I may be so bold as to interrupt?” stated Teeg as he rose in front of the assembly. “As all here know, I am entrusted with the pursuit and safekeeping of ... information for the kingdom’s protection. If my king will allow it, I’ll set forth some of that information now in order to illuminate our discussion.”

  “Proceed Lord Teeg,” stated Leinor.

  “Yes, we were beset by Malveel. Prince Eidyn has discovered as much. Yes, some of them traveled along the Toxkri’s edge. It is the only explanation for these attacks. And yes a war is upon us. However, I don’t think we are the nation in grave danger. My reports point elsewhere. As always, the puppets of Amird seek to strike this world at its strongest point. The target is once more Zodra and her people. For, as we all know, a defeat in the North is a defeat for us all. If Amird’s servant Izgra and his armies smash the guard, the rest of this world falls to the Ulrog packs.

  “Are we in danger? Certainly. Even here in our own streets. The enemy’s servants are wily and cunning. They hide in the shadows and pounce when you relax. Those of us who are charged with determining threats to the kingdom have stumbled and this mistake has cost us the lives of those we hold dear.

  “However, the question as to whether the Toxkri will protect us in the East can be answered with surety? Absolutely. My sources believe the Malveel skirted the edge of the Toxkri as it journeyed to the Nagur. It did not enter the swamp and certainly did not find a means to traverse its many dangers. I assure you, if any unnatural attempts to cross the Southern mountains and enter the Toxkri, I’ll hear of it.

  “The real threat rises once again in the North. A massive number of Ulrog are flooding the Northern Scythtar from the old Kingdom of Astel. They take positions all along the northern range. Ulrog packs step up their raids on the northern Zodrian villages and foray deep into Erutre land. Their targets are farms and orchards. They slaughter huge numbers of the Erutre herds. It is obvious they are trying to thin the supplies of their enemies. Once they build their numbers and depleted those supplies, they’ll flood out of the mountains in force.

  “The Keltaran giants begin to increase their raids on Zodra’s western borders. At this time an attack by the Keltaran army would be devastating. As we all know, the Keltar and the Ulrog are mortal enemies and in the past the Keltar put aside their blood feud with the Zodrian Guard when the Ulrog launched major offensives. However, I begin to question many of the happenings in Keltar lately. The Guard cannot count on such generosity at this point.

  “I believe the attacks by the Malveel were engineered to keep the Grey Elves locked in their wood and to engender fear of the outside world. We isolated ourselves for far too long. Our home is a beautiful place, but the world changes dramatically around us. Events are unfolding rapidly and the struggle between Order and Chaos is racing toward a climax. We have always ventured forth to lend aid to our allies. Now is the time to do so once more!”

  A cheer of appreciation went through the crowd as Teeg bowed to the court and toward the throne. Ader smiled at the old Elf and Queen Eirtwin nodded her head toward him. Teeg returned to his spot next to Kael.

  “That went well,” whispered the Elf to Kael as he returned.

  The court broke into small groups again and the conversation grew animated. The largest group formed around Paerrow and sought his opinion, but the distinguished Elf remained deep in thought.

  “Who is Izgra?” Kael whispered to Teeg.

  “A usurper on the ancient Astelan throne,” answered the Elf.

  “Where is Astel?” frowned Kael.

  “Over the Mirozert Mountains to the East,” smiled Teeg. “You do have a lot to learn, Kael.”

  The doors to the court opened and in stepped Manfir. The warrior’s eyes were rimmed in red and his arms hung by his sides. His cloak remained shredded across the shoulder and covered in dried blood. The court went silent once more. Ader moved to the front of the platform and waved the man forward. Paerrow’s concentration broke and he turned to Manfir.

  “Welcome, Manfir. Perhaps now would be an opportune time to hear more on these matters from our northern allies. I am also eager to discover why Ader, yourself and your young charge have returned,” said Paerrow nodding toward Kael.

  All eyes once more turned to Kael. The boy’s face flushed and his heart raced. Teeg rose and placed a hand on Kael’s shoulder.

  “My friend here suffers through quite a trying day. I’m a personal friend of his father and ...”

  “Lord Teeg,” interrupted Paerrow, “You’re a master of information. However, many may attest to your commanding skill with disinformation. We’re not children. If we are to assess our danger and assist in our response to that danger, we must possess all the facts. I beseech our sovereigns to allow the truth to be told.”

  Queen Eirtwin leaned toward her husband and whispered in his ear. Ader stood impassively at the front of the dais.

  “Cousin Paerrow, you’re a wise and sensible Elf,” said King Leinor. “Your request will be granted. It is time to trust our people. Manfir, please inform the court all that has befallen you since you departed the Almar palace this morning.”

  Manfir bowed and held his place two strides inside the court’s doors. All in attendance gave him their attention as he described the trio’s departure from the palace stables. He quickly referenced their encounter with Diom and his unit at the Efer crossing.

  “A brave soldier,” interjected
Paerrow.

  Manfir related the journey through the Nagur. As he spoke his eyes remained fixed on Ader. The old trader stood stone still and never reacted to Manfir’s comments. The discovery of the battle scene drew gasps from the crowded room.

  “All of them dead?” questioned General Chani.

  “All,” replied Manfir.

  “What of their attackers?” asked Chani.

  Manfir glanced back toward the throne.

  “Fled, presumably. Tracks led from the battle scene east into the North Nagur.”

  Kael turned to the dais and saw Ader standing there motionless. However, his hands moved to the top of his staff grasping it tightly.

  “Those troops were sent to protect someone, were they not?” questioned Paerrow.

  “Yes, Manfir. What of the boy Aemmon Brelgson?” asked Chani.

  Kael’s stomach lurched and tightened. He quickly looked down and tried to shield his face from all in the room. Teeg touched his arm and whispered in his ear.

  “Steady boy. There is no shame in sorrow.”

  “The young man fell with the Elves,” stated Manfir.

  “My condolences, Manfir. The house of Manreel has lost a fine warrior,” said Paerrow.

  Kael’s eyes shot up and he saw Paerrow bow deeply in Manfir’s direction. His mind tried to go over what he just heard. Many of the older Elves were adding their condolences to Paerrow’s. The chatter in the room built as the Elves assessed the news. Kael looked to Ader. The old man met Kael’s gaze and remained expressionless. Kael’s mind swirled with the bits and pieces of information he received. His anger grew. As more time passed he maintained less and less of a grip on what happened to him. Where was his Father? His brother was dead. Why were the Elves conveying their condolences to Manfir the tinker’s son? More importantly, why did Manfir accept them? Kael flushed red. He hoped to go home, crawl into bed and cry for a week. Ader stared at Kael and adjusted his cloak. Teeg turned to Kael and whispered once more.

  “Things are going a bit quickly for you my boy. Know that your best interests are kept in mind. Remain calm and quiet and all will be revealed later.”

  Teeg turned back to Ader and the old man resumed his granite pose at the front of the platform. He raised his hands and the crowd quieted.

  “I too am interested in the information Prince Manfir brings. We separated after the burial of your brethren and I did not expect such a hasty return to Luxlor. Why are you here and what further news do you bring?”

  “I proceeded to Kelky as you requested, Lord Ader. I met no trouble along the road and made good speed to the village. Brelg had departed for Zodra.”

  “What?” shouted Kael. “Why would he journey toward Zodra?”

  “Kael Brelgson. Control yourself,” said Ader sternly. “Continue Manfir.”

  Kael bit his lip and his eyes looked to the ground.

  “King Macin called a meeting of all the lords of the kingdom. The Ulrog amass along the Scythtar Mountains. Keltaran giants raid the Western villages. They slaughter innocent folk and reports of atrocities filter back to Zodra.”

  “Brutalities by the Ulrog are well known and expected,” stated General Chani “But the Keltar haven’t committed such acts for centuries. They may hold a blood feud with the Zodrians and by default with us, but they do worship Avra as the Zodrians do.”

  “To trust in the scruples of the Keltaran, is to trust in the wind. They change as easily. I spent years along the northern and western battle lines and found no difference in the morals of the Ulrog, who serve the Master of Chaos, and the Keltar, who serve themselves. They’re a people ruled by hatred and ...”

  “Enough,” chastened Ader “You’re still young by my standards Manfir son of Macin and have as much to learn about holding your tongue as that boy.”

  Manfir bowed his head.

  “My apologies, Lord Ader.”

  “So Macin called forth the lords of his land. He’s a proud man and doesn’t easily ask for help. The situation is escalating rapidly. How does this matter concern Brelg?” said Ader.

  “Macin is nothing if not stubborn, my lord. The southern provinces of Zodra never assembled a governing body. The villages are too removed from the kingdom and run self-sufficiently. Village councils such as that in Kelky sufficed. Apparently, King Macin named Brelg a Duke of the Southern Provinces years ago. Brelg was unaware of this title until runners from the capital arrived requesting his presence.”

  Kael balled his fists and glared at Ader. The boy turned to Teeg and clenched his teeth.

  “What in Avra’s name are they talking about?” he hissed. “My father’s an innkeeper.”

  “Patience lad,” replied Teeg.

  “War is upon us with the Ulrog, the Keltar, or both,” stated Manfir. “Macin’s forces are depleted and his supplies run low. The Zodrian Guard protects the South from these terrors and Macin finally intends to call on the Southlanders for help. As I said, he is a proud man and doesn’t do this lightly. Brelg’s right hand, Lieutenant Cefiz, remained at the inn to gather in Brelg’s sons and bring them north. He informed me of these developments then departed for the capital. He carries with him the news of Aemmon’s death.”

  Manfir glanced toward Kael. The boy’s eyes were tearing again. Anger, frustration and sorrow washed over the boy. He longed to run from the room and north to Kelky. If he fell asleep in his old room, maybe he would awake to the world he knew before he stepped past the front gate of “The King’s Service”.

  Kael was emotionally exhausted. His eyes darted between Ader and Manfir. His thoughts drifted to Cefiz and his Father. Has everyone deceived him for years? Kael was now beginning to question the identity of his own father.

  Once more he flushed red. He glanced around at the faces staring and whispering. Finally, he looked toward the dais and met the calm, reassuring gaze of Queen Eirtwin. She stepped from the platform and approached him as the room buzzed and digested Manfir’s news. Eirtwin slowly took Kael’s hands and pulled him close.

  “You are a beloved child of Avra,” she whispered. “I know we have just met, but trust your instincts. In your heart, do you believe we care for you?”

  The boy listened to her kind words and searched his feelings as he stared into her eyes. Kael nodded his head.

  “Good,” she said.

  Kael found comfort in those eyes. He trusted this woman. She wouldn’t betray him. His heart slowed and he regained a grip on his emotions. The queen leaned forward and kissed Kael on the forehead. The boy smiled at her.

  “I also intercepted a runner from the Zodrian capital bound for Luxlor. I assumed his role and return to ask the Grey Elves for their council in this dire time. King Macin asks for a representative to be sent to Zodra,” continued Manfir.

  “I will go!” exclaimed Eidyn as he rose from General Chani’s table.

  “It appears this disease of loose talk is infectious, Lord Ader,” stated the king as he frowned at Eidyn.

  “I beg your pardon, father. I would be honored to be our representative to the Zodrian capital,” said Eidyn lowering his head.

  “You will be our representative,” smiled King Leinor as he turned to Teeg. “And Lord Teeg shall accompany you to assess the situation.”

  Eidyn and Teeg bowed toward the king. Queen Eirtwin walked over to her son.

  “Take care, my son. Amird’s servants are in many places. The Lord of Chaos corrupts the mind and twists hearts. Be ever vigilant.”

  She leaned forward and kissed his forehead.

  “News from the North grows as disturbing as the events that have taken place within the beloved Nagur, and it seems many things will be decided at this council session,” declared Ader. “Since I’m a meddling old man, I can’t allow meetings of such import to occur without my attendance. It’s time for Manfir son of Macin to return home as well.”

  Manfir nodded his agreement.

  “Finally, this boy must be returned to his father,” said Ader motioning to Kael. “Therefor
e, he’ll journey with us.”

  Kael’s heart leapt. He felt a weight lift from his shoulders. Until now, events conspired to prevent his return to a normal life. Again his mind raced. He would travel all the way to Zodra to see his father, who was said to be some kind of baron or duke. Anxiety flooded his mind. Zodra was a long way off. What if they met another creature on the Nagur path? What if they were attacked in the open? What if there were others?

  “Will Master Hilro accompany us as well?” blurted out Kael as he motioned to the hooded figure he saw slip into the room.

  A rush of excitement swept the hall. The figure stood partially obscured by shadows and columns in a far corner of the court. The assembly spun in the direction Kael gestured. Those Elves nearest the figure bowed deeply and backed away. Only Paerrow stood upright and moved forward.

  “Master Hilro?” said Paerrow as he lightly bowed.

  “Ladies and gentlemen of the Elven court,” said Ader in an attempt to politely draw their attention from the dark corner. “My brash young friend misspoke. Brother Hilro isn’t in this room. My apologies for the shock that young Kael Brelgson causes you.”

  All eyes shifted between Ader and the large, hooded figure. Manfir took a half step in the man’s direction before his body went rigid.

  “Prince Manfir,” smiled Queen Eirtwin. “In your haste to attend this meeting, I see you broke one of the laws of Luxlor.”

  “Pardon, dear lady?” questioned Manfir, snatching glances between the dais and the shadowed corner.

  “It is known to all that weapons are not allowed in court sessions. Reason must prevail in places of diplomacy. I’m aware that it’s quite an old rule and some may think foolish, but it was based on good sense. Your familiarity with my kingdom gives you quite a bit of latitude here. However, if you’d be so kind as to remove your weaponry,” said Eirtwin turning to a page. “This good page will loyally safeguard your belongings.”

  Once again a murmur rose in the room.

  “Does such a law exist?” a young woman near Kael whispered to her husband.