The Merchant and the Menace

by Daniel F McHugh

The Elf lord shrugged his shoulders then pulled his cloak tighter to his body, obscuring the view of a dagger’s scabbard. Teeg smiled and nodded his head.

  “Brilliant,” whispered the old Elf to no one in particular “I should have recruited her when she was a child.”

  “My dear lady, I hope you don’t think me capable of committing offense in your chambers?” said Manfir. “My sword has been sworn to your defense since my birth. Our houses’ alliance has lasted centuries.”

  “It is not my protection I seek,” returned Queeen Eirtwin. “When Leinor and I grant hospitality to a traveler, we also grant asylum and protection to our guests. These are strange times. You yourself state a time of war is upon us. Perhaps we need to return to the old laws. They were drawn up when conflict ravaged this world.”

  King Leinor stepped forward.

  “The queen makes a valid argument. Diplomacy among great nations is the essence of what makes them great. Please remove your weaponry, Manfir.”

  “As you command, your highnesses,” said Manfir bowing deeply.

  The page approached the disheveled man and stretched out his arms. Manfir removed his broadsword and scabbard from his back and placed them in the page’s arms. The young Elf immediately swooned under the weight of the enormous blade. Next, the warrior removed dual daggers from sheaths beneath his belt and piled them on top of the broadsword. He added various other daggers and cudgels from hidden folds of his cloak and robe. King Leinor snapped his fingers and another page stepped forward to assist the first. Upon completion, Manfir bowed once more toward the Elven rulers as the pages departed.

  “It appears that you were sufficiently prepared for battle,” smiled the queen.

  “You are never prepared for battle with the servants of Chaos or the Keltaran savages, my lady,” stated Manfir soberly.

  “But are you ever prepared for peace, Prince Manfir? That is the question,” demanded Ader.

  Manfir looked questioningly into the old trader’s eyes then spun to face the corner. Ader motioned the figure forward and it slowly stepped from the shadows toward the center of the room.

  “Ladies and gentlemen of the Elven court, I introduce you to Granu, son of Grannak, heir to the granite throne of Keltar and Chief Abbot of the Monastery of Awoi,” announced Ader.

  Once again a gasp ran through the crowd. This time however, there was no bowing toward the figure as he moved forward. The lords of the Elven court stepped in front of their ladies. Many of the Elves in the room backed from the center leaving Manfir standing alone. The Zodrian prince stood his ground and once again his body went rigid. The huge Keltaran remained cloaked and hidden from view as he limped forward aided by a long staff. Manfir’s eyes darted left then right, finally locking on a heavy candle stand buttressed to a nearby column.

  The black robed Keltaran stood a full foot and a half over the head of Manfir. His shoulders were twice that of the Zodrian prince. The only parts of his body that were visible were his hands, huge, scarred and thick. Like the gnarled roots of an ancient oak tree, they radiated power. The Keltaran prince stopped within five feet of Manfir and slowly leaned forward, clutching his staff for support. One hand came free from the staff and grasped the end of his deep, cowled hood. Slowly he pulled the hood away.

  Granu’s head and neck were massive. The Keltaran were a people familiar with the rock and stone of their mountain homes, and Granu looked to be hewn from that stone. His strong jaw and high cheekbones gave him an angular, heavy look. His eyes were a deep, rich brown. Granu’s most striking feature was the top of his head. It was shorn clean of hair and crisscrossed in scars and old wounds. An enormous hand stroked those scars absentmindedly as he stared at Manfir. He smiled and moved the hand to his waist. Without taking his eyes from those of Manfir, he bowed lightly.

  “Well met Manfir, son of Macin,” rumbled the giant’s deep voice. “Granu, humble follower of Awoi, at your service.”

  Manfir remained stiff. Kael was reminded of a crouching cat. The warrior’s eyes never left Granu. Without turning, he spoke to the rulers of Luxlor.

  “If I knew your highnesses were taking council with dealers in death and murder, I would have sought a private audience for my father’s request. It would save my nose from the stench of the beast who fouls this great hall.”

  Granu pursed his lips and slowly rose to his full height, one hand gripping his staff. His eyes grew dark and he furrowed his brow.

  “In Keltar, when one is met with a bow or other sign of respect, we possess the good sense and politeness to return such respect.”

  “The last time I dropped my head to a Keltar, it was to avoid the battle-ax he aimed at it,” snapped Manfir.

  “Perhaps, if it met its mark, that ax would have knocked some manners into your skull,” returned Granu, his voice rising, “or at least scattered your brains across the battlefield to save us from the poor manners you do possess.”

  “Alas it did not,” growled Manfir “but my daggers found his belly before he instructed me on Keltaran etiquette.”

  “Perhaps I should take up the instruction where my brethren left off,” snarled Granu raising his staff.

  “Hold yourself, son of Grannak!” commanded King Leinor “I allowed you to enter my chambers with that staff due to your injury. If you take it up now as a weapon, you forfeit all rights of hospitality and my men will take you into custody.”

  Granu lowered the staff and bowed deeply to King Leinor and Queen Eirtwin.

  “My apologies, children of the Nagur,” returned Granu quickly. “The Lord of Chaos goads us all against what we know is right. May peace dwell in your house.”

  “And you, son of Macin,” stated Leinor. “You’re aware that any who enter my chamber are offered the hospitality and protection of my home. This is a place of open discourse and civility. If you cannot act accordingly, remove yourself to the anteroom and await your master there.”

  Manfir glanced at the old trader on the podium but Ader remained stony faced. Manfir addressed the king once more.

  “In the house of the Elves, Leinor is lord. I will obey and ask for your pardon.”

  “It is given,” frowned the king. “Now we must return to business. Prince Granu is an outcast from his people.”

  Granu raised his head and his stare challenged the room.

  “A mutual friend contacted him and he made his way to Luxlor with the help of that friend,” said Leinor.

  Teeg’s eyes shifted to Ader as Queen Eirtwin addressed Manfir.

  “Granu believes he possesses information that may upset the plans of Izgra the Half-Dead. He wishes to be heard in the halls of Zodra and asks for our help in doing so. However, as we all know, the son of Grannak is a mighty prize for a Zodrian warrior. He asks for assistance from Luxlor,” stated Eirtwin.

  The room remained silent as Manfir glared at the giant. Queen Eirtwin allowed her statements to sink in to the crowd. Paerrow cleared his throat and approached the Keltaran prince. He stopped within two feet of the black robed monk. The stately Elf crossed his hands over his heart and extended them palms upward.

  “The enemy of my enemy is my friend,” stated the Elf “The Lord of Chaos does indeed set us forth against one another, but the courageous step forward and expose his treachery. I would like to suggest a course of action to the people of Luxlor, if I may.”

  “Paerrow the wise is ever our closest advisor,” returned Eirtwin from the dais. “What do you propose, cousin?”

  “Prince Eidyn and Lord Teeg are to be sent as our representatives to Zodra. Kael Brelgson must be returned to his father. Prince Manfir must return to his home in its hour of need. Lastly, Ader, the voice of Avra must always meddle in the affairs of this world,” smiled Paerrow turning back to Granu. “I charge Granu, son of Grannak with a set of tasks that are in tandem with his own desires.

  “You, Granu, will also represent us in Zodra. As a representative from this kingdom you are awarded the protection and rights given the Elven people by ou
r allies to the north. I also charge you with the protection and well being of this boy upon his return to his father. In this way, you are bound to the fortunes of the Elves and the group with which you travel. You may serve your own agenda, but must also serve those of the group.”

  “Prince Granu, do you accept this proposal?” questioned Leinor.

  Granu’s eyes swept the room making contact with all who looked his way. Finally, they settled on Manfir.

  “I will represent the Grey Elves in the Zodrian capital,” affirmed Granu. “I swear this on the spirit of Awoi, the father of my fathers, and on the love of Avra the Creator and Life-Giver.”

  Granu turned and slowly walked toward Kael. The boy’s eyes went wide as the huge man’s black robe eclipsed the room from sight. Kael looked briefly to the dais as Granu approached. Ader, Leinor and Eirtwin remained motionless. Granu raised a gigantic hand over the boy’s head and Kael flinched. A rumble started in the giant’s chest as his hand hovered above Kael. He closed his eyes and swayed slightly to the rumble. After a few moments Granu stopped and quickly knelt before the boy.

  “Kael Brelgson, I beseech Awoi the pure to ask our Creator to grant you safety in the tasks ahead. I, Granu son of Grannak, pledge what little protection I might provide to you on your journey north. I’m but a simple monk and carry no weapon or armor, but my staff and my body are pledged as a shield to you.”

  The room remained silent as all eyes locked on Kael.

  “Granu, son of Grannak,” stammered Kael. “I accept your pledge and I, uh, hope you aren’t required to honor it.”

  Granu’s face was hidden from all in the room save Kael and the boy swore he saw the dour giant briefly smile. Granu rose and turned to the room.

  “It is decided then,” stated King Leinor. “Eidyn, Teeg, Granu, Manfir, Ader and Kael Brelgson will depart for Zodra in the morning. The Grey Elves shall make ready to assist our allies in the North, or protect ourselves should the need arise. Do any here object to this plan of action?”

  Paerrow looked about the room and returned his gaze to the podium.

  “Nay my Liege. The people support this effort,” said Paerrow.

  “Excellent,” said Queen Eirtwin. “Then the court is adjourned. All here know what is required of them. May Avra smile on your endeavors.”

  The assembly bowed to the dais and Elves filed from the chamber. Manfir and Granu remained in their positions.

  “Prince Eidyn, I request that you tarry a moment,” said Ader.

  The Elven prince complied.

  “I wish to illuminate you and the northern princes on a few rules,” continued Ader as he stared hard at Manfir and Granu. “Lord Teeg, please escort Kael Brelgson to his chambers and see that he gets in no further trouble.”

  “As you wish,” smiled Teeg.

  Teeg and Kael walked toward the exit of the chamber as the others gathered by the throne. Manfir stood opposite Granu, his fists clenched and arms taut.

  “The master intends to give several of his students the cane,” whispered Teeg as they departed the council chamber. “They’ll know their place before we leave for Zodra.”

  CHAPTER 10: BIRTH OF THE SERAPHIM

  The duo strolled through the halls of the palace of Luxlor, with Teeg smiling smugly to himself. Kael wondered why the old Elf was so amused. Surely their situation was dire.

  “I don’t understand what makes you so happy,” exclaimed Kael. “The world is on the brink of war!”

  “All clouds are etched by a silver lining,” stated Teeg. “You don’t think that went fantastically?”

  “Well, I’m not sure. Was it supposed to go at all?” asked Kael.

  “It went exceptionally. I couldn’t script it any better,” laughed Teeg. “And that bit about you exposing Prince Granu as Master Hilro was fantastic. I mean, you threw everyone so far off balance, the shock of the prince heir of Keltar standing in their midst was an anticlimax. They almost took it as commonplace compared to your reference to Hilro. Think of it. The heirs to a pair of kingdoms that have been at war for thousands of years were standing a single yard apart. Amazingly, they didn’t try to bash one another's heads in.”

  “Actually, I think they would have,” argued Kael.

  “Proud men cannot lose face easily, Kael. I guarantee both Manfir and Granu were more eager to hear what one another said than to kill one another. The killing starts once the information is gained,” said Teeg.

  “How do you know so much about the nature of men and the importance of information?” asked Kael.

  “Information is my business. I hold a somewhat unique position in the kingdom,” stated Teeg.

  “What?” smirked Kael “Are you some kind of spy?”

  “Absolutely not!” exclaimed a disturbed Teeg. “I prefer to call my duties information gathering. Spy! How preposterous!”

  “Uh, I apologize,” mumbled Kael.

  “Besides,” continued Teeg not listening, “the official title is Master of Spies.”

  Kael’s jaw dropped and he stopped dead in his tracks, staring at the Elf as Teeg proceeded ahead gibbering to himself over the indignation of being called a mere spy. After a dozen steps Teeg realized he was alone and talking to himself. The old Elf quickly spun on his heel and addressed Kael.

  “Come along. Ader instructed me to fill you in on certain things. You may ask questions and I will choose to answer some of them,” said Teeg.

  Once again questions flooded Kael’s mind, but recent events dominated all else. He hurried to catch the old Elf and fell in beside him.

  “Who is Manfir? I might guess, but I want to hear it,” said Kael.

  “Manfir is the heir to the throne of Zodra of course,” stated Teeg. “He is the first child of King Macin of Zodra and his wife Queen Tay.”

  Kael shook his head from side to side and frowned.

  “Impossible,” exclaimed the boy. “I’ve known Rin for many years. Why would the prince heir to the most powerful kingdom in the world ride into Kelky three times a season in the guise of a poor tinker’s son?”

  Teeg hesitated.

  “At this point,” returned the Elf, “I’m not at liberty to answer that question. Ask another if you will.”

  Kael frowned.

  “Who is Granu?” asked the boy.

  “That I may answer,” smiled Teeg. “Granu is the heir to the throne of Keltar. However, he was disowned and his brother Fenrel stands in his place. Granu also served as the Chief Abbot of the Monastery of Awoi, a prestigious position. The Abbot is the head of an order of priests who perform Keltaran religious rites. From what I gather, Fenrel disbanded the order upon Granu’s banishment.”

  “Why is he here?” questioned Kael.

  “You heard. He seeks asylum,” replied an annoyed Teeg. “Do try to listen, my boy.”

  “No,” challenged Kael. “Why is he here? I mean, he’s the enemy. Keltarans are evil. We heard the stories of how they butcher women and children. Why would the Grey Elves give him asylum?”

  Teeg looked hard into Kael’s eyes and shook his head.

  “Buried too deeply from sight in that village,” mumbled the old Elf to himself. “Perhaps too deeply to become what he must.”

  “Please don’t talk in riddles. This is all confusing enough,” said Kael.

  The Elf shook his head and smiled at Kael.

  “I’m sorry, my boy. It’s been quite a heady week. However, in order for you to dispel the confusion of which you speak, you must rid yourself of your preconceived notions and your learned prejudices. The Keltaran are no more evil than you, or your father for that matter. Men have waged war on men for centuries. ‘Wrong’ is a relative term. In the eyes of the Keltaran, fault lies with your people.”

  “But they come down from the mountains and raid villages and towns. Killing and stealing.” protested Kael.

  “They come down from mountains they were driven into centuries ago when the ancient Zodrian population grew and encroached on Keltar society,“ state
d Teeg. “The Keltaran once were a flourishing community in the foothills of those mountains.”

  “But ... but they murder and steal,” sputtered Kael.

  “I know of occurrences of this type happening on both sides of the war,” stated Teeg.

  Kael frowned. Teeg was challenging the natural order of his world. Keltarans were bad and Zodrians were good. That is the way things are. Now, this elderly Elf was telling him some Keltarans were good and some Zodrians were bad. Why did they fight? What was it all about anyhow? Kael ground his teeth.

  “Perhaps it might help you understand, if you knew the history of these peoples. Do you know anything about the Keltaran, other than they are murdering monsters?” asked Teeg.

  “Some,” said Kael weakly.

  “We shall build on ‘some’,” said Teeg. “I’ll give you a brief history of the Keltaran people and in so doing give you a small lesson in the greater problems of this world.”

  They quickly reached Kael’s chambers and Teeg threw open the door and stepped inside. He walked over to one of the bookshelves in the room and pulled a large parchment from a recess. Near the bookshelf stood a white table carved from the same wood as the palace. Teeg unrolled the parchment and spread it on the table.

  Kael looked down upon a map of the world. Some of the details were familiar, but others were unusual. The Nagur Wood remained relatively similar to what Kael saw on current maps. The Eru plains were the same although the Derolian forest looked much bigger on this map. The Zorim Mountains were readily recognizable. However, the wood running along the foothills of the mountains extended much further into Zodrian territory than Kael remembered.

  “This is a map of our world from many centuries ago,“ said Teeg. “In those days there were no Erutre, just wandering tribes across the plains. Society did not exist as we know it. The Grey Elves had not come to this world and evil had no foothold in this realm.

  Avra created this world. Man went forth and prospered, creating more order and beauty from the resources Avra supplied. Avra knew his supreme creation was clever and resourceful, but he determined to ensure their success. Therefore, he created the Guides, the Seraphim.”