“Would she let me ride her?” asked Seregruthon.
Ciara backed away from the group and shook her head vigorously.
Decker laughed. “Sorry my lord, I think she has answered that question for you.”
They all laughed.
“It does seem that way doesn’t it. Well I’m honoured that she let me pat her. She truly is extraordinary.”
“Now to more pressing matters I fear.” Reibeck’s grave tone had Seregruthon turning to him in an instant.
“Very well, I will make the time to listen to you.”
“Your leader, Major Isak, has agreed to remain stationed in the canyon until your released but made it clear that he wouldn’t wait too long. That length of time is now up to you for our scout confirmed the existence of this Gate you spoke of, so now we will hear everything of what you know,” said the orc Gerard considered to be the mayor.
Gerard breathed a sigh of relief; the Gate appeared to be still open and while that remained so, they had a chance to return home and they were so close now.
“Among the supplies you will be providing us with could I also ask for a map of the area with the location of the Gate marked on it?” asked Gerard.
“We will provide you with a basic map to your destination. That will be sufficient for you.”
“That’s all we need. That will save us time seeking it ourselves.”
“I was told that it was easy to find as it lit up the canyon around it and a large encampment has been built next to it.”
“How many guard it?”
“Our scout estimated their count at around five hundred, but he was sent to confirm the location and nothing more. Now it’s time for you to give us some information.”
“I will tell you all that I know, but if you bring the others here some of them may be able to tell you more.”
“They are all being questioned separately.”
Gerard leaned forward and rested his arms on the table and recounted his story over again, in more detail this time. An orc sat by a table in the corner and wrote what he heard dutifully. He told the orc about the appearance of the Gate, his fight with the two scouts, how his family were slaughtered while he was away reporting the incursion and the subsequent battle that resulted in his capture and being parted from his son.
He spent the rest of the morning and part of the afternoon relating everything he remembered about the Black Skull which proved significant as they didn’t hold anything back, expecting them to die at the hands of the Red Axe tribe. He spoke about the attack on Fort Lowmount which Major Isak and other soldiers had detailed to him and how they had all been released in the middle of an army of the Red Axe to be used as fodder.
Mostly the Mayor sat silent and listened to his story but occasionally he would ask questions and get him to expand on certain points. Gerard continued with their struggle to capture boats and float down the river in order to get away from the Red Axe and the Black Skull. He told of their plans to head straight south from the lake until they came across the canyon and they would use that to guide them back to the Gate but then they were captured by the Ta’zu tribe.
The Mayor found it very interesting that the Ta’zu was led by a human woman and that it was a mix of orc, human and half-orc. They had very little knowledge of the Ta’zu except for the fact that they possessed strong, cruel magic. Gerard spoke well into the afternoon about the Ta’zu society and told of his suspicion that they were either at war with the Black Skull or had come to some kind of arrangement as Sylestra seemed very interested in the Gate.
“I can confirm that they are working together as both banners were spotted by our scout,” said the Mayor.
“How that came about I can only guess,” said Gerard, “but I can’t imagine Gilkan working along willingly with Sylestra — he thinks very highly of himself.”
“Perhaps Gilkan is dead then, but it is pointless to speculate so go on.”
Gerard talked about the slave compound and of his discovery of the sacrifices that helped fuel their powerful magic and detailed their escape effort and the preceding battle where they lost many lives. It was late in the afternoon when he had finished his tale.
“What you have told me is enough to secure your release. You will stay here as our guests tonight and first thing in the morning you can be on your way. I will arrange to have supplies sent to your large group in the canyon before nightfall.”
“Thank you. You are the most reasonable tribe we have come across since being on this world.”
Chapter 29
Eskania
Lord Seregruthon sat in silence, gazing across the table at Reibeck. A single bird could be heard singing in a branch above. Half empty dinner plates sat in front of each of them. Reibeck had just finished his tale of the current invasion from another world.
“So the history of humans has finally caught up with them and you expect the elves to fight your battles?”
Decker couldn’t determine whether the question was asked in humour or Lord Seregruthon was serious.
“While this problem may be linked to our past it is presently an elven problem as much as a human or dwarf problem. The invasion is real and all that stands between the elves and Sylestra’s formidable army are the humans and dwarves. If we fail, how long do you think it will be before Sylestra crosses Katifi Strait? Do you really think someone like her will honour your request for no magical transportation to your lands?” Grand Master Reibeck had taken the question seriously.
“She would need tremendous power to conquer us in our own lands if that is even her desire. We may simply be trading one neighbour for another.”
“Sylestra is not one to share power. Her title of Supreme Mistress should tell you that. As for having tremendous power, she is currently seeking that from the mother world, Aleri. I believe she is trying to make her goddess whole again to grant her such power and while she is there she will likely try to snare dragons. Elves have never fought their kind before.”
“Nor has any man or dwarf living on this world.”
“That is true, but we know enough of their power to fear them. Elves fear nothing I have been told.” Reibeck smirked, which caused Lord Seregruthon to laugh heartily. Reibeck played on the pride of elves.
“It matters not what I think about this request as I am not the Overlord, but I grant you the fact that the Overlord should hear about the threat at least. The decision will rest with him.” Seregruthon turned to Decker. “He should also see this wonderful horse of yours, my ranger friend.”
“That will be up to Ciara — she is not my possession but my friend.”
“Of course.” Seregruthon nodded with respect. “Let us leave at once.” He got up, beckoned them to do likewise and led them down the terrace stairs.
They followed along a narrow windy road leading up the hill as they travelled north. At the end of the road a tree towered above all the others. Its tremendous trunk and solid branches appeared ancient but its green leaves looked new and vibrant. Decker sensed the tree’s energy as he got nearer and knew at once that it was the oldest tree in this particular forest.
Lord Seregruthon turned to Decker as they stopped near tree. “No doubt you have sensed the energy of Drigarth already. He is the Guardian of Nydel Falls. He watches over our fair city from his high vantage point night and day. If any danger should present itself, he would know at once and alert us. He is our oldest, wisest friend and also comes in very handy for transportation. Follow my lead and place your hands upon Drigarth as I do.”
Seregruthon walked to the base of the great tree and placed his left hand upon the trunk at eye level and placed his right hand on top of his left. Angrenor proceeded to do the same and so Reibeck and Decker followed suit.
“Now close your eyes and empty your mind. Let the power of Drigarth flow through you freely.”
Decker closed his eyes and relaxed. At once he sensed a surge of power blast through him but he refused to open his eyes and he continued to let the
power flow unhindered. After a time the sensation eased. The tree he touched seemed different; a little less powerful and gave off different energies to what he had earlier sensed.
“You may now open your eyes,” said Seregruthon.
Decker did so and understood the meaning of the change in energy. It was a different tree. In fact, it was an entirely different area they were standing in. An open grass plain stood to the north of them while a forest spread southward. A stable yard full of horses could be seen to the west with a large residence nearby.
“We are now on the northern fringe of the Nydel Falls Forest,” stated Seregruthon, obviously seeing the confusion on both their faces.
“How was this done?” Decker was truly curious.
“We travelled along the root system of the forest with the aid of Drigarth. In fact, any tree is capable of granting this ability to a ranger of sufficient strength and understanding. The range of transportation depends on the age and strength of the tree used along with the distance of the root network. Drigarth could get us all the way to Eskania if the forest continued that far, but alas we have an hour ride ahead of us until we reach the border of the Eskania Forest.”
“Could you teach me to do that?” asked Decker.
“I could and as a chosen one of Zyneste you would probably master it quickly, but I fear you don’t have that time to spare right now.”
“No I don’t. I already fear that I have been away for too long.” Decker’s dread had been gradually getting worse over the almost three day journey.
“Now will you be requiring one of our horses or will Ciara be along?”
“I sense Ciara is near so I will ride her.”
“Very well. Follow me and we’ll get horses saddled up for the rest of us.” Seregruthon led the way over to the stable yard where the Stable Master met him with a low bow.
“Four horses, my Lord?” asked the Stable Master.
“Just the three. Decker’s horse will be joining us at any moment.”
The confused expression on the Stable Master’s face made Decker laugh which made the elf look at him curiously.
“I will show you.” Decker whistled and Ciara galloped into sight before he even had a chance to call her name; the Stable Master’s eyes widened in disbelief.
“I have never seen the likes of such a horse.”
“She is very special.” Decker gave her a pat on the flank and flung himself up on her back.
With the help of the stable hands, three horses were saddled up and ready to go in no time. They started off at a steady trot and Decker sensed Ciara’s unease travelling such a slow pace.
“Easy, my girl,” Decker whispered to her, “we’ll get there in due course.”
Ciara relaxed and Decker could take a look around him and enjoy the sights of the lush countryside. Everywhere he turned things were green and healthy. Life thrived in the land of the elves. Humans could learn so much from them if they took the time.
It wasn’t long until another forest loomed in the distance. This must be the forest of Eskania. Trees grew for as far as he could see in each direction over this flat land. He felt at perfect peace near this magical forest.
When they reached the edge of the forest they dismounted and with the exception of Decker, handed their horses over to the Stable Master that greeted them. Once again they approached a large tree and placed their hands on it and in an instant they were in another place — the edge of the elven capital Eskania.
Decker blinked in disbelief. Towering trees stretched out before him; each one glowing a different colour. Elven structures were erected around the trees which blended in perfectly with the environment around them. The streets were more like cobbled paths and were crowded with elves busily going about their daily business.
Overhead, numerous bridges connected the multitude of buildings together. These bridges continued up beyond sight forming dozens of layers to this immense elven city.
“Welcome to Eskania,” said Seregruthon. “From here we walk.”
While the city was chaotically busy, no one bumped into them as they made their way along the maze of winding streets. Decker was hopelessly lost after five minutes of walking.
Even though the failing sunlight barely filtered through the lush foliage of the forest, the magically lit buildings and trees illuminated the streets abundantly. Decker looked around in wide-eyed amazement. He had never seen a more beautiful city.
Time went by so fast and before he knew it they stood near two massive trees which formed the front corners of what he assumed to be the Palace of the Overlord. A curved stone wall linked the two trees together and stretched up high into the treetops. Tall, arched windows showed off an elaborate spiralling staircase within the building along with many sculptured stone pillars. The glow of the building changed in sequence from yellow to green to red to purple to blue and back again through the colours.
After bowing low to Lord Seregruthon, the guarding elves by the arched door let their group through without question. They were led to the base of the spiralling staircase where they proceeded to make their way up. Higher and higher they rose and each level up a new set of arched windows afforded them a greater view of the magnificent city.
“Speak up if you require a rest, Grand Master Reibeck. It is a long way up,” said Seregruthon.
“I will be just fine.” Despite the elderly wizard’s bravado, he was running out of breath and so Decker stopped at a landing to admire the view.
“I am overwhelmed by the beauty of this place.” Decker gazed out the centre arch window, transfixed by the many glowing buildings within sight. “I wish I had more time here to see all the sights.”
“If your travels bring you north again, feel free to come and see me and I will happily escort you wherever you wish to go,” said Angrenor. “A ranger so favoured by Zyneste would be most welcome in our lands.”
“Thank you. I may well take you up on that.” The verbalised gratitude fell well short of what Decker was feeling. Elves seldom extended such an invitation to humans. The docks at Nydel Falls were as far as any human was permitted to go unaccompanied.
“I hope that you do. Remember to find an elf at the docks to escort you to me if I am not there to greet you myself.”
“Of course.” Decker bowed his head in gratitude at Angrenor and seeing that Reibeck had caught his breath he stepped off the landing and back onto the wide staircase.
With no further breaks they made it to the floor they sought which must have been somewhere close to the top of the trees. The floor stretched out wide and twisted branches complete with foliage and colourful flowers formed pillars holding up the ceiling above.
“Two floors remain above this floor but they contain the personal rooms of the Overlord where even I am not to go without a personal invite.” Lord Seregruthon led them to two closed arch doors where a well-dressed elf stood.
“It is an unexpected pleasure to see you, Lord Seregruthon.” The elf bowed low.
“I apologise for giving no advanced warning of my coming, Thanguron, but I have urgent news for the Overlord if he would see me.”
“If you would kindly take a seat, my Lord, I will have refreshments sent to you while I let the Overlord know you are here.” Thanguron gestured to a bench, masterfully sculptured from the tree’s branch providing high-backed support and cushioned comfort.
“Now we wait.” Lord Seregruthon sat in a chair with a loud sigh.
The wait proved long and the refreshments long gone before Thanguron returned. Decker’s eyes were heavy with fatigue by the time they were told that the Overlord would see them, but that news soon had him alert.
They were guided to a large room where Overlord Fuiron sat upon a throne before a massive arch window which overlooked the forest to the north. High above the surrounding trees, the eye could see all the way to the horizon.
Even with that breathtaking view in front of him, Decker’s eyes were drawn to the splendid figure upon the throne. He
wore a gold crown upon his head with his long flowing blond hair hanging flawlessly from under it, shaping his chiselled facial features and resting upon his chest. The golden crown was formed into long shaped leaves with flower petals made up of various coloured gems throughout.
He wore a pure white robe with a dark green cape pinned to the top by a sparkling red brooch. A wide leather belt was strapped around his hips and held firm by a golden buckle. Black leather boots reached his knees before disappearing beneath the finely woven and decorated robe and were laced together with golden thread.
The Overlord examined each one of them with deep, powerful eyes as though he examined their very souls. Without saying a word, he stood up and took a few steps. Lord Seregruthon and Angrenor dropped to one knee and lowered their heads. Reibeck did the same with cracking knees and Decker followed once he managed to draw his gaze from the magnificent elf.
“You may rise — if you are able.” The Overlord smiled at Reibeck as he stood tall once more. Were his eyes deceiving him or did the Overlord have a soft white glow surrounding him?
“I am sorry to disturb you at this time, my Lord, but I felt that you needed to hear what these men have to say at your earliest convenience,” said Seregruthon.
“They seek elven aid and I know you would not have brought them to me if you didn’t feel they had just cause to do so.”
Decker widened his eyes. How could he know what they sought?
“I believe you know Grand Master Reibeck — a wise, learned and yet well-respected man among our people who also dabbles in the magical arts.” Overlord Fuiron smiled at Lord Seregruthon’s apt introduction. “However, you have not met Decker Kearny — a Master Ranger among the humans and as you have no doubt already noticed, an aura rivalling the greatest of elves and he rides a mount gifted to him by the goddess Zyneste.”
“Word of his mount has already reached my ears and I sense the animal nearby although as yet undetected by any elf.” Fuiron turned to regard Decker and he became lost in the elf’s eyes. “I myself would have missed the horse’s aura if I was not seeking it out. But alas it is not your horse that you have come to tell me about although she may have more to do with your story than even you know.”
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