by James Dale
"If you are men are finished having fun with your duke," Kirk laughed, "why don't you go and get cleaned up a bit. We'll want to look our best for Princess Ailicia and her ladies. Besides, Duke Jack has already promised he's going demonstrate how he killed a Ghomari in Kadin. With a butter knife wasn't it m'Lord?" he smiled.
"You too Kirk?" Jack sighed.
"When would you like us to be ready your grace?" Kirk grinned.
"Noonish," Jack muttered. "If I decide to let you come along. Let's go," he said turning to the elven archers. "I've had about all of these scoundrels I can stand."
"They seem to be in good spirits," He remarked happily as the three made their way back to Arrinor's quarters.
"It is the healing power of the Ahvendalia," Liam smiled. "The Golden Wood is a wondrous comforter to those who have suffered loss. They do not know who you are? I mean..."
"Not yet," Jack replied. "And I'd like to keep it that way for as long as possible. Once they do find out they'll probably be expecting me to walk on water."
"Are you saying you cannot my lord?" Olen asked, his face a mask of innocence.
It took Jack a minute to realize the usually grave Ailfar was making a joke. "No Olen," he laughed. "My feet aren't big enough. But I can fly if there's a stiff enough head wind."
Once back in Arrinor's quarters, Jack washed up in the lavatory, and changed into a fresh shirt and trousers, wanting to look his best for Ailicia's picnic. Not long after that, Caellin came to inform him Arrinor and Princess Ailicia requested his presence forthwith. Without waiting for a reply, the Ailfar warrior opened a Travel Vein in the wall of the giant Ahvendalia, and motioned for Jack to join him. They descended down through the living wood directly to the stables, where they found Vanar and the Lions already assembled. The men were dressed in their finest uniforms, joking easily with Liam and Olen. A few seconds behind him, Arrinor appeared from another vein with his sister on his arm.
"Are we ready gentlemen?" Ailicia asked, smiling radiantly as the royal siblings joined them.
"My Lady," Jack bowed. "How did you manage to escape Warden Ara’fael?"
"She is meeting with A'randraial and Cilandrion on some matter of travel," the princess replied. "I slipped away while she wasn't looking."
"Then we'd better get moving before she realizes you are missing," Jack grinned.
Their mounts were saddled and waiting for them outside, under the care of Ailfar handlers. Eaudreuil was freshly groomed, his reddish-brown coat shining in the bright sun. Even his shaggy mane and tail had been brushed free of their usual tangles.
"You're looking refreshed," Jack remarked, patting the roan's broad neck affectionately.
"That is because I have finally found someone who knows how to treat me properly," the Val'anna beamed happily. "How long will we be staying here Horse-brother?"
"Not long I'm sorry to say," Jack sighed. "We're leaving tomorrow morning."
"You can remain behind if you like Eaudreuil," Arrinor grinned. "I am sure Jack wouldn't mind."
"Oh no!" Jack replied quickly. "If I must leave Elvendale so does he. Besides, he wouldn't know what to do without me. Would you boy?"
"I tried Eaudreuil," Arrinor laughed, then turned to his sister, offering her his hand. "Shall we go?"
After helping Ailicia mount a beautifully spotted Appaloosa, Arrinor motioned for Jack and the Lions to mount, and the small party headed out for their afternoon beneath the fabled groves of Ail'itharain.
Arrinor lead them north and west, out of the valley, deeper into the forest. For over an hour they road, winding their way between the towering Ahvendalia at a leisurely pace, enjoying the tranquility of the day and pleasant conversation. By unspoken agreement, no mention was made of last night's attack by the Krayga, the first violation of Elvendale's security in nearly three hundred years. The day was simply too beautiful to mar by speaking of the tragedy that had claimed fourteen lives. The fact each member of the party rode armed was reminder enough not all was well in Ail'itharain.
About a league outside of Woodhaven, Arrinor guided the party onto a well-used path leading through the trees and up a gradually slopping hill. At the top of this hill was a clearing perhaps fifty yards across. A colorful pavilion had been erected at the center of the clearing and beneath its shade a trio of elven minstrels struck up a lively tune as they saw the party approaching. A long banquet table laden with food had been set under the pavilion's shade as well and to the delight of the Lions, and Brian especially, around it were gathered a dozen, golden haired Ailfar maidens.
"Remember your promise Brian," Jack whispered when he saw the ladies. "I would like to be invited back someday."
"I shall be the perfect gentleman your grace," the youngest member of his troop grinned.
"This isn't quite the picnic I was expecting," Jack smiled at Ailicia as the party dismounted.
"It's the best we could do on such short notice," Arrinor replied teasingly. "Actually," he whispered, "When Liam mentioned your Lions might enjoy some...shall we say...gentler company this afternoon, I let the remark slip to Ailicia's chambermaid. After hearing this…well there was no end to the enthusiastic volunteers. Your officers seemed to have made quite a name for themselves last night."
"They did?" Jack asked in confusion. "How?"
"You mean haven't heard?" Arrinor grinned.
"Heard what? Ailicia, do you know what he's talking about?"
"When the Krayga attacked last night," the princess informed him, "your Lions were some of the first to react. They intercepted a pair of the beasts attempting to break into the wing where several of my Ladies-in-waiting were quartered. Did I not mention this?"
"No...I don't believe you did," Jack replied.
"It must have slipped my mind in all the excitement," Ailicia shrugged.
Arrinor continued with the story. "Captain Vanar and your men drove the Krayga from the door and held them at bay until archers arrived to dispatch them. It was a remarkable feat so I've been told, dressed as they were in only their small clothes."
"Kirk?" Jack said turning to his captain. "I guess you forgot to mention this in all the excitement as well?"
"It was nothing compared to what you did your grace," Vanar shrugged. "Barely worth mentioning."
"I don't think everyone holds that opinion," Jack said, inclining his head toward the Ailfar maidens gathered beneath the pavilion. They were whispering excitedly among them- selves as they watched his men stake there mounts. "Just tell me one thing Kirk, how did you guys know where to find the ladies quarters?"
"I guess you weren't the only lucky one last night m'Lord," Captain Vanar grinned. "Shall we join them? It looks like they've gone to a lot of trouble."
"We might as well," Jack laughed, slapping Kirk playfully on the arm. "Ailicia, would be so kind as to introduce us to your friends?"
"With pleasure," the princess laughed. "If you gentlemen will follow me."
Jack could not remember the last time he'd spent such a pleasant afternoon. There was laughing and dancing and singing, the food was marvelous and plentiful, and the Ailfar maidens were the most gracious of hostesses. Young Brian was the hit of the party, dancing with each and every maiden and even taking a turn playing the flute, at which he proved to be surprisingly adept. His skill with the instrument particularly impressed one Ailfar maiden. Brianna was her name, which Braedan found almost beyond the realm of coincidence, and afterwards, they were nearly inseparable.
He on the other hand, was not nearly as fortunate. Whenever one of the maidens seemed to show any interest in him, Ailicia quickly drew her aside for a quite word. After speaking with them, though they remained polite and friendly, they were suddenly immune to his charms. When he gave her a questioning look about this, the princess simply smiled and said, "I do not think a certain Doridanian dreamer would approve cousin," And that ended it.
When the afternoon's festivities finally drew to a close about an hour before sunset, everyone helped bring down
the pavilion and break camp. As the two groups parted, Brian earned a bold, unabashedly affectionate kiss from Brianna, much to the delight of his comrades.
"It appears another bond has been forged between Elvendale and Brydium." Arrinor observed with grin.
The remark was made loud enough so entire company could hear. Brian grinned shyly, his face turning red as a beet. Laughing, the party set off with high spirits and arrived back at Woodhaven just before sunset. The company said their good nights and parted, each going off to make final preparations for tomorrow's journey. Before going his own way, Jack drew Ailicia aside and planted a kiss on the Ailfar princess' cheek.
"What was that for?" she asked with a smile, "Not that I minded of course."
"For today," Jack replied happily. "My men really needed this. After what happened to Kaegel."
"And you did not?"
"I guess I did. I haven't thought about Krayga or…other things all day."
"And Annawyn?" she queried.
"She is always in my thoughts." he said quietly.
"Have no fear for your princess," Ailicia smiled. "She is safe."
"For now maybe. Do you think later we could...we might..."
"I do not think it would be wise," Ailicia replied sadly. "He...nearly had us last night. To go Dreamwalking again so soon would be dangerous."
"You're probably right." Jack sighed.
"You will see her again soon enough cousin," the princess assured him. "And the next time will not be a dream. She is certain to be at Immer for the Haelfest."
"I know. It was just seeing her again..."
"Have patients’ cousin." Ailicia said with a consoling smile, "It will not be long. Go. Liam and Olen are waiting for you."
"As Ara’fael is probably waiting for you," Jack grinned.
"Must you remind me?" the princess muttered.
"Good night Ally," Jack said, kissing her cheek once more, "I'll see you in the morning. If we have the opportunity on the road, I would like to learn more about Dreamwalking."
“I would be happy too cousin,” Ailicia nodded.
Chapter Twenty-five
Wolf-brother
Morning dawned bright and fair in the enchanted forest kingdom of the Ailfar. Jack rose early, rested and refreshed and eager to begin the next leg of his long journey. As a parting gift, Arrinor provided him with trousers and a tunic of soft forest colors and an elven Shadow Cloak, a wondrous garment which blended chameleon-like to the natural surroundings of forests and woods. With Grimrorr belted at his waist in a fine silver scabbard and his green eyes, Jack looked every inch an Ailfar warrior when he stepped from the Travel Vein to meet his Lions in the stables.
"Have they made you an elven lord now as well, your grace?" Kirk asked grinning. He like, the rest of the Lions, was dressed in his blue surcoat, with the crest of Thonbor emblazoned across the chest.
"Do you think?" Jack shrugged. Though it had not been with forethought, it was actually quite an effective disguise with him being hunted by minions of the dark. True, the Krayga had found him hidden in the heart of Ail’ithirain, but for more natural seekers, such as those Kiathan was likely to employ, to be just another green eyed Ailfar among a company of Ailfar would make him difficult quarry to locate. "Umm...where's Brian?"
"Where do you think?" Anghol laughed. "Getting one last kiss from Brianna."
"Shall I go fetch him m'Lord?" Cyran grinned. "I saw her leading him, well…dragging him actually, off in that direction."
"We'll let him have another few minutes to say his goodbyes." Jack smiled.
"Another few minutes and we might have to leave without him," Erlwin laughed. "Lucky bastard."
Brian appeared not long afterward, looking decidedly flushed and caressing a golden lock of braided hair tied about his wrist.
"All done lover?" Anghol winked. "She's probably old enough to be your great grandmother. You know that don't you?"
"No great grandmother could look like the way she does," Erlwin sighed wistfully.
"Leave him be," Kirk admonished his men. "Pay them no mind Brian. They're just jealous."
"Your right about that cap'n!" Anghol laughed.
As they continued to rib the blushing young guardsman, other members of the chosen party began to filter down into the stables beneath Woodhaven. King Theros and King Cilidon came in together, both wearing shining mail and with the Highswords Dragonslayer and Grimblade about their waists. Soon after them came the twins, A'randraial and Ciliandrion, then Arrinor, Ailicia and Lady Ara’fael, and finally Captain du Gail and Captain Beltaran.
"We are all here it seems," King Cilidon nodded. "Captain Beltaran, are my Rangers ready?"
"They are sire," the grim elf bowed.
"The Dragon Guards are ready as well my liege," Captain du Gail informed Theros. "All but Sergeant Danning and Lancer Rhoden. The Healers say they will not be well enough to travel for at least another two weeks."
"Celliwic will see them safely to Brythond," Cilidon assured Theros.
"Thank you, my friend," Theros replied, "Then I guess that's everyone."
Unlike a week ago when Jack and King Theros had ridden from Brythond, no cheering crowds came out to see company off. Only Queen Aydera and Ambassador Mandaran were present to witness their departure from Elvendale. Cilidon's Rangers formed the head of the column as they made their way down the tree lined streets, followed by the Ailfar king and his retinue, then Theros and Jack and his Golden Lions, with the Dragon Guards bringing up the rear. The company traveled southwest through the valley surrounding Elvendale until entering the forest, then began to move due south in a direct line toward the distant city of Immer.
About an hour from Woodhaven, a thick fog began to form around them. Jack glanced quickly to the rear of the column where Lady Ara’fael rode with A'randraial and Ciliandrion and saw the three Ailfar had locked hands, their eyes focused on some distant point only visible to them, and he knew the trio of Spellweavers were shifting the company from the normal flow of time.
"How far will be go today?" Jack whispered, leaning close to Arrinor.
"To the southern edge of Ail'itharain," the prince replied. "Three days journey normally. But with Ara’fael's strength added to my brother's, I would guess not more than four hours will see us to the Greenrun."
"Why use Spellweavers?" Jack asked. "Immer is not far and it is still a week and a half until Ljmarn Haelfest."
"The Krayga." King Cilidon answered, joining their conversation. "Without the help of a sorcerer, their kind cannot track us while we travel this way. It will be safer," he finished quietly.
"Why don't your sons and Ara’fael take us all the way to Immer then?" Jack asked. "If it's safer."
"There is a limit to their strength," the Ailfar king admitted. "It would take a half dozen Spell-weavers to move such a large company that distance. It is only necessary to travel this way until we reach the Greenrun. Once beneath the open sky my Rangers can protect us easily enough."
That they were forced to...sneak out if Ail'itharain like this obviously pained Cilidon, so Jack let the subject drop. They rode on in silence for most of the morning, or what passed for morning in this realm of mist, but even so, everyone was surprised to find night had fallen when the spell was released and the company rejoined the normal flow of time.
"Ara’fael?" Cilidon queried, looking up at the starry sky as they emerged from the eaves of the forest.
"Some...force was seeking us m'Lord." the Spellweaver replied wearily. "It was necessary to take additional measures."
"Who?" the Ailfar king asked warily.
"We do not know father," the twins answered. "But whomever it was was strong…”
“…and most...persistent."
"If I had to guess," Ara’fael added. "I would say Galen is desperate to find the...object he let slip from his grasp." She looked pointedly at Braedan as she spoke.
"And did you lose him?" asked Jack.
"We will be in Immer before Galen
Severa can find us again," Ara’fael said with a satisfied smile.
"And if it wasn't Galen? But someone...stronger?" Braedan asked. He didn’t know how much longer Graith would sleep. The Bloodstone’s master was near to waking, he was certain. Then perhaps it would not just be Krayga hunting him.
For that, the Spellweaver had no answer.
The company made camp under on the edge of the Ail'itharain. Though each member was equipped with a canvas shelter, it was such a pleasant night most chose to sleep wrapped in a cloak or blanket on the open ground. Cilidon's Rangers took up a patrol of the camp's perimeter, their sharp, elven eyes scouring the surrounding darkness with quiet vigilance, while members of the Dragon Guards and Jack's Lions took turns standing watch around a banked fire in the center of the sleeping travelers. The night passed without incident. Whatever force had been seeking them when they departed Elvendale, Lady Ara’fael and the twins had succeeded in throwing it off their trail. For the moment at least.
The day was barely a dim smudge of orange in the eastern sky when the company was roused from their beds by Captain Beltaran. After a quick breakfast of sweeten wheat cakes and hot tea, they mounted up and resumed their journey south. They had been riding for only an hour or so, Captain du Gail entertaining them with an account of his disastrous first patrol along the Kadin border as a smooth faced legionnaire lieutenant, when Jack suddenly felt a faint presence brush his mind. It was like a feather tickling the inside of his skull. He glanced quickly at Arrinor and saw the Ailfar prince had sensed something as well.
The prince raised a questioning eyebrow as if to ask, "What was that?" just as one of Cilidon's Rangers came galloping back from his position at point about a mile ahead of the main body.
"Sire," he said breathlessly, reigning in beside the Ailfar king. "There is a pack crossing our path about a league ahead."
“Headed which direction?” asked the Ailfar king.
“Northwest,” the Ranger replied.
"Size?" Captain Beltaran barked.
"A small one," the Ailfar scout informed him. "Less than a dozen. Eaolhar and his squad is giving chase."