The Merchant and the Menace

by Daniel F McHugh

  “I don’t want to hear another thing,” he whispered. “Whatever was hidden from me in the past, and whatever the future holds, I know one thing. My life isn’t ‘fiction’! I know who my mother is, and I love her. I know who my father is and he’s waiting for me now. All I care about is seeing him. Once I find my father, I hope to put all this behind me.”

  Ader sighed and leaned heavily upon his walking staff. Silence hung in the room for a long moment.

  “I’m sorry, my boy. I didn’t mean to imply that those you care for are merely players in a troupe banded together to hide you. Their love for you and yours for them is as true as any love. You are simply an innkeeper’s son from the Southlands. That’s all you ever knew. We are truly just the sum of our experiences,” said the Seraph. “However, that was a chapter of your life. For good or ill that chapter is closed. 'Twas not my doing, but now that it’s done, I can’t afford to allow you to indulge in fanciful notions. You will never return to your old life, no matter what the future holds. Your father will never return to his old life.”

  “Why not? By whose decision?” growled Kael to the river below.

  Ader frowned and sad eyes scanned Kael’s hunched shoulders.

  “As much as I might wish to indulge you, Kael, unfortunately I cannot,” said the Seraph softly. “This isn’t just about you. It’s not just about Brelg and Yanwin, or Mester and Wist for that matter. The future of the world hinges in the balance. In order for your kind to succeed, many sacrifices must be made.”

  “Who are Mester and West?” muttered Kael.

  “Mester and Wist,” corrected Ader curtly. “They’re your parents, Kael, the couple that lovingly brought you into this world. A woman who held you in her arms upon your birth and cried tears of joy. A man who proclaimed a joyous new era of prosperity for his kingdom upon the birth of its new heir. I don’t deny for one moment the place in the hearts of Brelg and Yanwin for their eldest son Kael, but don’t belittle the love and sacrifice of your true parents.”

  Kael turned. He furrowed his brow as he struggled with his emotions. He didn’t want to hear this nonsense, but a part of him craved it. He was angry with Ader for all his recent deception, but trusted him. So many conflicting feelings.

  “Go on,” mumbled Kael lowering his head.

  Ader moved toward the boy and led him to the window seat. Kael sat and once again stared at the hypnotic flow of the river below him. He calmed and let the old man speak.

  “Astel was once a thriving kingdom to the East. It lies through the Derol forest and over the Mirozert Mountains, quite a journey from here. Astel was a kingdom of rolling hills and sporadic forests. The lakes were filled with fish and the forests with an abundance of Avra’s creations. The palace sat on a bluff overlooking a lush valley.

  “The DeHarstron family founded Astel and they ruled it for centuries. The kingdom was renown for producing great thinkers and artisans. The power of the mind was valued above all other commodities. Not the least of these thinkers were the DeHarstrons themselves. War was banished as an inefficient and unnecessary means to resolve conflict. Famine was eradicated through cultivation and irrigation techniques. Medicines were developed and studied to defeat disease. The poor were provided for and the aged cared for. In short, Astel transformed into a model of Avra’s hope for his children.

  “Do not mistake me, however. There are some things that even the greatest of societies cannot control. The Ulrog roamed the frozen wastes behind the Scythtar Mountains. Occasionally, they accomplished the difficult journey through the mountain passes and swept out to attack Astel. 'Twas nothing like the harassment of the Zodrians and the Eru, but it was enough to force Astel to maintain a trained fighting force. As with all studies performed in the kingdom, the army produced superior tacticians and brave fighting men.

  “Mester was a fine example of the best of Astel. He truly was a great thinker, an architect, a philosopher and engineer. He improved the road system and developed ways to strengthen the fortifications. He was also an excellent military man. The Ulrog population grew and their forays into Astel intensified. Mester led the Astelan armies against huge bands of Ulrog raiders. He systematically decimated their numbers.

  “In his twenty-third year he traveled to Luxlor on a diplomatic mission. He spent a season in the White Almar palace. There he met the fair Wist, fourth daughter of Ilver Admir and Alel of Forend. He fell in love and remained in Luxlor for two more years wooing the hand of the queen’s sister.”

  Kael’s eyes left the river and met the Ader’s.

  “The queen’s sister?” said Kael puzzled. “That means...”

  “...you are half Elven,” stated Ader.

  “What?” replied Kael with shock.

  “No secrets anymore, Kael. All will be revealed. But I must ask a favor of you. Will you heed sound advice if given?” said Ader.

  Kael’s attitude softened. Whether it was truth or fiction, the Guide was finally giving him answers. Kael was hungry to hear more.

  “I’ll heed your advice, if I agree that it’s sound,” stated Kael.

  “I suppose that’s as close to a ‘yes’ as I should expect,” stated Ader. “I’m willing to reveal all to you. Anything you ask I will try to answer, but...”

  “Just as I thought,” interjected Kael. “A condition to this ‘truth telling’.“

  Ader frowned and shook his head.

  “Don’t become surly, my boy. I’ve dealt with kings and generals for centuries. I’m not prepared to coddle a surly adolescent after all these years,” said Ader.

  “Sorry,” apologized Kael as he eyed the river once more.

  Ader cleared his throat and pressed on.

  “As I said, I’m willing to answer all, but I ask you to take your time. The revelations are there for you to discover, but please digest them slowly. Your past and the implications for the future are too great to rush through. Emotion and heartache are there. Joy and knowledge as well. Do not rush through what you need to learn and lose sight of why you are learning it,” said Ader.

  “Why am I learning it?” asked Kael.

  Ader stroked his chin and smiled at the boy.

  “To discover who you are and to decide who you wish to become,” said Ader.

  The boy sat for a moment weighing Ader’s words. Already he felt overwhelmed by the information he uncovered. Each question that popped into his head generated a hundred more. Each possible response revealed a hundred more possibilities. Ader was right. He mustn’t rush down a raging river of questions. Instead, he must digest the information that is to be given him and determine the important next questions.

  “So,” began Kael cautiously. “Tell me about this woman, Wist.”

  “Your mother?” said Ader as he searched for words in the river below.

  Kael held up a hand, pausing the conversation.

  “For now, let us just call her Wist,” said Kael softly.

  Ader smiled and nodded his head at the boy.

  “As I said, Wist was the daughter of Ilver Admir. Ilver was an Elven woman of great beauty and standing in Forend. She held the confidence of kings and queens for centuries. She bore four daughters, Wist was the youngest,” said Ader. “When the Elves discovered the world rift, Wist traveled with her sister and her sister’s husband through the breach into our world. She was so loyal to Eirtwin, and followed her anywhere.”

  “Eirtwin?” said Kael in shock.

  “Your mother’s sister,” smiled Ader. “It took all my counsel to dissuade her from wrapping you in her arms and doting on you like a child. I daresay you might have been a bit confused if the ruler of the Elven people treated you like a new born babe.”

  Kael stared at Ader in disbelief.

  “Do close your mouth boy. It is a bit disconcerting.”

  Kael shook his head and blinked hard. Once again the answer to one question flooded his mind with dozens more.

  “If Eirtwin is my ... my aunt,” Kael nearly choked on the words. “Then Ei
dyn is ..”

  “Your cousin,” concluded Ader. “Although I must admit he is a bit older than you. Nearly a century to be exact.”

  Kael fell backwards against the framing of the window seat. He felt dizzy.

  “I believe you’re not truly an Elven prince. I may have exaggerated a bit in our meeting with Corad and Lucyn,” continued the Guide. “Your title is something more along the line of a Viscount, but I never paid any attention to such trifles. If you are interested feel free to ask Teeg.”

  “What about Eidyn?” asked Kael. “Does he know this information?”

  “Our young Elven heir is learning things as we go along, just as you are. He knows you possess unique ... ah, we will call them gifts, but he is truly unaware who you are. Events progressed rapidly following your birth and news from Astel was quickly cut off. Only a select few know you were even born.” said Ader.

  “Well, I don’t know how to exactly react to that. Should I be glad or sad?” said Kael frowning.

  “It depends,” answered the guide.

  “On what?” asked Kael.

  “On who exactly knows, and how much they know,” added Ader. “Once again, Kael, don’t underestimate the importance of what was accomplished by an old soldier and a disowned princess. Not to mention loyal followers like Cefiz and Manfir.”

  “Well ....” spluttered Kael. “What was accomplished? Why did my parents give me away? Did they even know my father and mother ...er, Brelg and Yanwin ... oh whatever, you know what I mean! And if there was a good reason, why didn’t I simply go to live with relatives?”

  “Normalcy,” stated Ader.

  “Huh?” blinked Kael.

  “Normalcy, Kael. Your parents wanted you to be protected but also to live a normal life. A request that baffled me at first. I could offer you all the protection any of the great realms might muster. By a simple command a tower would be built, guards posted. Of course the enemy would know your location. Even the most loyal of realms contains a traitor or two. There would be attempts on your life. Security would grow ever tighter and more restrictive. Maybe you would be allowed to wander in the woods or the market once in awhile. However, they would be cleared first and guards posted everywhere. Does this sound normal to you?” asked the Seraph.

  “No,” answered Kael.

  “Do you think you would have been normal under those circumstances?”

  “No,” answered the boy once more.

  “Of course not,” exclaimed Ader. “That is when I saw the solution. Anonymity. Just a village boy from the country. Someone the enemy considered a nobody, from nowhere. A place so unimportant in the struggles of this earth, that it goes by unnoticed and unchanged. Thank Avra for Kelky!”

  “Queen Eirtwin said that even the smallest hamlet and everyone in it contributed to the whole. All were important,” said Kael.

  “Your aunt is a wise woman, Kael. That is the difference between Order and Chaos. To Chaos, only the powerful are important. The rest are expendable. Sacrifices to the advancement of their domination,“ stated Ader. “Chaos cannot conceive of someone such as yourself not living in the heart of power and fame.”

  Kael smiled and shook his head. Ader’s eyes met his and they exchanged a chuckle.

  “What do you find so amusing?” asked Ader.

  “You called the queen of the Grey Elves my aunt. I don’t think that will ever sound normal to me,” laughed Kael.

  ”I suppose not, but you will find so much more to grapple with as time goes on,” stated Ader.

  “Why?” asked Kael. “Why am I so important?”

  “Ah. This is what I was afraid of,” said Ader. “You go to put the cart before the horse. You must learn who you are before you learn why you are.”

  “What?” blurted Kael shaking his head. “You all talk in riddles.”

  “What I mean is, you begin to delve into your ancestry. You are discovering where you come from and the people who brought you into this world. There is much to discuss on both topics. Both are topics of history and fact. Both give you a solid foundation to discuss who you are.

  “However, why you are is a topic concerning the future. You have obviously done nothing of note in this world yet, so why you are so important must happen in the future. The future is unknown and open to theory and conjecture. Let us stick to and discover the facts about who, and then I will deal with the why. Agreed?” asked Ader.

  “Agreed,” nodded Kael and he added. “Why did you call me your grandson?”

  “Because that is what you are, my boy,” announced Ader. “Well in a manner of speaking.”

  “Why is there always a condition with the answers you people give?” grumbled Kael.

  “We are unusual people and the usual rules don’t apply to us. We must answer cautiously,” laughed Ader. “Centuries ago the people of the Astelan plains called me Ader the Hartstrong. It was a title of respect to my longevity I suppose. They were a wonderful group of nomadic hunters. Quite civilized really. In fact, more civilized than many of our societies today. I spent many years with them, nurturing their society, trying to help them achieve their full potential.”

  The old man stared at the river now. His eyes took on a faraway look.

  “That is when I met my wife, Loriad. She was a chieftain’s daughter. Smart, pretty and athletic. Frankly, the type of woman I met throughout my life countless times. Special, but not so special if you know what I mean,” laughed Ader. “However, I soon realized that Loriad was different. At first I puzzled over what drew me to her, but then my eyes opened.

  “She was a person of profound wisdom. Others deferred to her on all matters. What appeared cloudy, cleared with a few insightful words from her. When there was strife, she calmed discord with the most logical and fair of all choices. I had grown accustomed to telling men and woman alike what to do, but found myself happily laying some of those burdens at her feet. She was a blessing to me.”

  The Guide stared at the swirling water of the river, lost in reminiscences. Kael remained silent, too nervous to pull Ader’s reverie away from a time of happiness. Finally, the old man snapped out of it. He turned to Kael.

  “She died in her sleep after forty-eight seasons of marriage. I mourn her passing everyday,” said Ader.

  He stared into Kael’s eyes for a moment.

  “Every so often I see her, in the face of one of our descendants. A smile, a gesture. I see her now in the way you try to keep your face passive. Your furrowed brow,“ smiled Ader. “You are the seventeenth generation born into the line of our union, Kael. I have watched you all grow up and die as I toil on this earth. It is both a blessing and a curse.”

  Sorrow washed across the face of the Seraph.

  “Over the years, our descendants assumed the throne of Astel. Generation after generation received the gift of Loriad’s wisdom. It was only natural that her children’s children claimed leadership. I sometimes spent decades away on the business I was created for. Often I kept my visits private. Over the centuries the Astelans let my memory turn from history to myth.

  “The people revered the family for its accomplishments, not a tenuous connection to a traveling mystic. Astelans changed my descendants’ name to DeHarstron. You, my boy, are Kael DeHarstron, the only child of King Mester DeHarstron and Wist Admir, true king of Astel.”

  There was a knock upon the door. Ader and Kael’s eyes remained locked on one another for a moment. Finally, the Guide turned and called out.

  “Please, enter.”

  The door swung open and Teeg stepped into the room smiling merrily.

  “Hmm,” mused Kael. “If I didn’t know better, I would swear you two contrive these interruptions.”

  Ader laughed and patted Kael on the back. Teeg took on a look of indignation then smirked.

  “You’re right,” stated the Elf pausing for effect. “You don’t know better.”

  Kael gave a halfhearted frown then smiled at the old Elf. His mood lightened greatly. At least now he was star
ting to get answers.

  “Did I interrupt a particularly interesting chapter of “The History of Kael Brelgson”?” asked Teeg.

  “Apparently, it’s ‘Kael DeHarstron’, “ announced the boy.

  “Ah yes, then it was rather interesting,” said Teeg. He turned to the Seraph. “I’m here to inform you that our rogue Keltaran prince was found by Eidyn. He is here now, under extreme protest I might add. I would appreciate it if you would go speak with him and calm him.”

  “Where did they find him?” asked Kael.

  Teeg smirked and shook his head in disbelief.

  “Eidyn tracked Granu’s movements through the entire city. The giant hid under piles of manure in Hentil’s stables. He remained there even as Rindoran guards searched it numerous times. He was trod on by horse and soldier alike and never budged. Reeking of dung, he exited the stables and made his way in broad daylight through alleyways to the north wall. Not a soul caught sight of him. I find it almost inconceivable that so ... so large a man may travel unnoticed!” said Teeg.

  “Lord Teeg, you of all people should know the stealth of the Keltaran. They spent a good part of their history hiding. They are accomplished in the matter,” stated Ader.

  “True, true,” returned Teeg shaking his head. “But if I were a washer woman dumping the mornings dirty water into the alley and a shadow the size of a house passed me, I would certainly question what I just saw.”

  “Is a washer woman in your repertoire, Lord Teeg?” joked Kael.

  The old Elf stopped abruptly in confusion, then smiled and tugged an earlobe.

  “On occasion,” laughed Teeg. “But only if I find time for a close shave in the morn.”

  The trio burst into a hardy laugh. Ader turned to Kael.

  “Are you satisfied for now and willing to digest what you have learned? I will stay and continue our conversation if you wish?”

  Kael pursed his lips and deliberated. Ader was trying his best to appease the boy. Kael wanted so much to continue their talk, but knew he must live in the present as well.