by E J Gilmour
‘I am very glad to have you as my guest, Eben Ecorian,’ said Duke Emont as he led them through the door and into a long corridor. ‘When news that an Ecorian had returned there were celebrations in the streets of Elcalee. I ordered the celebrations myself. I support your return, and I believe you should retake the Sapphire Throne. The throne is your birthright.’
‘Duke Emont, not everyone shares your opinion,’ said Chiara. ‘Even your cousin, King Edric, opposes such a course of action.’
‘Of course he does. He must be seen to be diplomatic, especially with all the envoys from other realms staying in Faircastle. I can assure you, Lady Chiara, that my cousin has been amazed by the return of the Ecorian. Time will tell his true position on the matter. Hopefully after the war we will have the coronation of the Ecorian Emperor and a new age of peace and happiness will arrive in Veredor.’
‘Duke Emont, I thank you for your support, but please understand that I do not know how to rule,’ said Eben. ‘I do not want to cause any divisions. All I wish to do is help fight the Prince of Shadows. Perhaps the Ecorians won’t return in the way you are hoping.’
Duke Emont smiled and nodded. ‘Spoken like a true leader. I expected a certain level of humility from the Ecorian. As for ruling, there are many people who can help you do that. No king rules without advisors and magistrates, I don’t expect it would be any different for an emperor. All you must know is that you have many supporters and many hope for the Sapphire Throne to be occupied as it was in the days of old.’
Eben cast his eyes downward, not knowing what to say. The Duke turned to the right and opened two large double doors. Before them was a large candlelit dining chamber with a long table and windows overlooking the town below. A banquet fit for an emperor was set out on the table with roast lamb, gravy, potatoes, baked pumpkins, broccoli, nuts, bowls of sweets, apple sauce, and several bottles of fine Irvarian wine.
Red put his hand on Eben’s shoulder and smiled across at his friend. ‘There are some benefits to being an emperor.’
Duke Emont then showed them to their seats. ‘I know you have journeyed far today, and you must be tired. If there is anything you need please do not hesitate to ask. I have planned a meeting tomorrow at noon. There are several things we must discuss. Please rest now and enjoy the hospitality of Elcalee.’
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The next day Eben and Chiara met in a small upper hall of the fortress. Chiara had insisted on complete privacy, and Duke Emont assured her that no one would disturb them. The hall was about thirty yards long with a very high arched ceiling and thin stained glass windows. The floor was made of grey stone, and the walls were completely sparse with no paintings or wall hangings of any kind. Chiara stood across from Eben. She was dressed in simple brown canvas clothing. She wore no armour and had bare feet. She drew her sword, which was a magnificent blade, finely built, and rather ancient in appearance.
‘This is my sword; the Star of Emeril, an ancient blade that has been handed down through the Fiorian Order. The Star of Emeril was made by an exceptional Fiorian sword smith nearly a thousand years ago.’ The sword had a silver hilt and a woven pattern across the handle. ‘I brought you here to teach you what I can. The Fiorians have many secret fighting techniques. Some of these methods may help you overcome the Prince of Shadows. I would like to test your skills to know your capabilities.’ She lifted her sword slightly.
Eben drew the Sword of Light and held up the blade.
‘I have heard your skills are amazing,’ said Chiara with a smile. ‘I am sure both of us are skilled enough to ensure the other doesn’t get hurt.’ She lifted her blade, pointing it directly at Eben and stared at him with intense focus. ‘Begin.’
Eben moved to the left and began to circle Chiara. She turned on her heel to keep facing him directly. A hint of a smile passed her lips. In an instant she leapt forward. Eben skipped back as a torrent of precise and powerful strikes and slashes raced toward him. In moments he found he was almost against the wall. He had never encountered such skill and knew he would have to lift or be beaten. He leapt back, stepping up and using the wall to project himself away from Chiara. He flew through the air and rolled upon landing, quickly regaining his feet and stance. He swung his blade back at Chiara. Chiara spun around to face him and easily deflected his strike.
‘Not bad,’ said Chiara. Eben focused and leapt forward, unleashing a surge of attacks. Chiara held her ground and calmly deflected all his attacks. She halted his advance and pushed him back with a burst of strikes. Eben nearly fell and stumbled back as he regained his balance.
She pounced forward and her blade cut toward him. Eben deflected and again she launched herself at him. Their blades flashed like lightning; Eben tried to hold his ground but found he was being pushed back across the hall. He strained to defend himself. He was losing control and focus. Salty sweat was dripping into his eyes. A moment later he felt his sword leave his hand and heard it bounce along the cold stone floor. Chiara held her sword only inches from his neck.
‘You win,’ he muttered, amazed her great skill.
Chiara placed her sword back its scabbard. ‘You are exceptional, Eben. You are far better than any warrior I have ever encountered; however, I doubt you will overcome the Prince of Shadows with the skills you have.’
‘How can I do better?’ asked Eben, picking up his sword from the floor.
‘Your technique is good; the main problem is that you reveal your intention to your opponent. You have to learn to calm your mind and not show what you are going to do. This is how I beat you; I was aware of what you intended to do. I could predict the outcome. This gave you the impression that I was faster than you. The reality was that you were much faster than me.’
‘How can I change?’
‘You need to relax your mind and not focus on the outcome. Focus on what you are doing in the moment and try not to overcompensate. Simplicity is often far better than complexity. You have successfully fought muckrons, Skatheans, and wyverns. The Prince of Shadows is in a different league. You must have a clear focus if you are going to stand a chance against him.’
‘Perhaps I should give the Sword of Light to you; even without it you easily beat me.’
‘Not easily. If you had not revealed your intention I would have lost. As for the Sword of Light, I believe that the Prince of Shadows is afraid of you for reasons other than your ability to fight. The Ecorians were gifted with the ability to unite and inspire the people of Veredor. He may be more afraid of your ability to lead an army against him. There may be one other reason why he fears you, but it is a deep secret. I don’t know much of it.’
‘What secret?’
‘It is said in our ancient records that the Astarian Fiora did not overcome the Prince of Shadows with the Sword of Light alone. The records refer to something that the Knights of Shidon knew little about, a mystical power of some kind. I know nothing of the power other than the fact that it existed.’
‘Can I learn this secret magic?’
Chiara looked up toward the windows and pondered the question. ‘This power may be what the Prince of Shadows is afraid of. Fiora left Veredor after she used this mystical power against the Prince of Shadows. Her fate has forever been shrouded in mystery. Somehow she closed the Cosmic Gate and sealed the Prince of Shadows out of Veredor. In theory this should have been impossible. All the Astarians can freely pass through the Cosmic Gate, but the gate was sealed against the Prince of Shadows.’
‘How then did he return to Veredor?’
‘I think it is important for you to understand why Fiora and the Prince of Shadows fought in the first place. The Astarians were the original people of our world. They were a majestic and beautiful people who possessed great knowledge and wisdom. They planted the trees and brought the lesser creatures to Veredor in ancient times. Fiora was one of their three leaders, graceful beyond measure, and a magnificent warrior.’
‘In the beginning there was a war; the Astarians fought
against an army of evil creatures from the darkness beyond. These enemies invaded Veredor to take it for themselves. The Astarians fought until few of their race remained. In the final days of that ancient war they built the Cosmic Gate to protect Veredor from the creatures of darkness. The Cosmic Gate ended the first war of the Forgotten Age and protected Veredor from further invasion. Few Astarians lived on in Veredor after the war. It was decided by a council of remaining Astarians that they should welcome others to Veredor to tend to the lands and bring joy back to their much loved world. That was when they welcomed men and mer to Veredor.’
‘The Prince of Shadows is an Astarian. Why did he fight Fiora?’
‘The Prince of Shadows was one of the three leaders of the Astarian people. His original name was lost in antiquity. The Prince of Shadows voted against welcoming men and mer to Veredor, yet the majority of remaining Astarians wanted to welcome men and mer to populate their lonely lands. Men and mer, who closely resembled the Astarians physically, were welcomed to Veredor in the Forgotten Age. They came and settled the lands and built towns and cities. Men especially flourished. The mer retreated to the oceans and diminished beneath the waves.’
‘Why then did the Prince of Shadows turn against us?’
‘At first he accepted our arrival and allowed us to prosper. Soon after this time he left Veredor and wandered through other worlds and dark places far from Veredor. When he returned he had changed. He called a council of Astarians and demanded that he be made the Lord of Veredor. He wanted all the remaining Astarians, men, and mer to submit to his rule. The Astarians refused his request. Without warning he opened the Cosmic Gate and brought forth an army of muckrons, wyverns, draugs, and other creatures of darkness to destroy anyone who opposed his plan to rule Veredor.’
‘The remaining Astarians rose up against him and his evil army. Most of the Astarians were slain. Fiora escaped and went to men and mer seeking their help. She formed the Knights of Shidon, who later became the Fiorian Knights, and built a fortress called Shidon in the icy lands far in the north of Veredor. A mighty battle was fought in the land of Alber. Fiora wielded the Sword of Light, and the Prince of Darkness, leading his evil army, carried the Sword of Darkness. The Knights of Shidon were victorious over the army of monsters, and Fiora defeated the Prince of Shadows. With the secret power she sealed the Cosmic Gate against his return. From that day she was never again seen in Veredor. Her final act was to hand over the Sword of Light to the remaining Knights of Shidon.’
‘So now the Cosmic Gate has been reopened,’ said Eben. ‘The Prince of Shadows has once again brought an evil army. Only now there are no Astarians to prevent him becoming the Lord of Veredor.’
‘At the beginning of the First Age there were several Astarians who lived secretly in the wilderness of Veredor. If any remain today they are choosing to remain silent. Only the Voran Oracle lives in the Far West; our attempts to find her have failed. Thus far the Prince of Shadows has subdued all who have stood in his way. I fear that muckrons, wyverns, and draugs are only some of the evil creatures he has serving him. His impatience may be our only chance at overcoming him. If Acartor is right we may be able to defeat him, but you must prepare yourself. Acartor believes you are the only one who can do this. If you fail Veredor will become a world of darkness. You must prepare yourself.’
Chiara drew her sword again. ‘This time try to stay calm. Simplicity is the key.’
**
They went from training in the upper hall to the meeting with Duke Emont in a small command room on the uppermost floor of the fortress. Covering almost the entire surface of the table was a large map depicting the surrounding lands. Eben was seated at the head of the rectangular table with Red, Stella, Cassiel, and Chiara. Meara entered the room followed by Baftel and Arlen. Eben stood up to greet them.
‘I trust that your journey here was without incident,’ said Meara as she took a seat at the table.
‘A leisurely ride through the countryside,’ answered Red, smiling broadly.
‘We have much to talk about. Duke Emont is coming with Sir Walter, Commander of the Irvarian army. They should be here any minute.’
A moment later the door opened and Duke Emont entered the command room from the opposite side of the room. He was followed by a large burly middle aged man with a long black beard and strong dark eyes.
‘Greetings,’ said Duke Emont, bowing toward Eben. ‘Eben Ecorian, I would like you to meet Sir Walter of the Great Mountains, Knight of Irvaria and Commander of the Irvarian Army.’
Eben quickly stood up and walked over to shake the Commander’s hand before he could bow.
‘I am very pleased to meet you, Sir Walter,’ said Eben politely.
‘And I you, Ecorian,’ replied Sir Walter in a deep and strong voice.
‘Now, let us begin our meeting,’ said Duke Emont as he took the seat at the opposite head of the table. Sir Walter sat down beside Cassiel. ‘As you all know the main force of the Irvarian army is preparing to set out to join with the Everdonian army north of the port city of Lucaria. The Prince of Shadows plans to land his fleet somewhere on the coast of Everdon. We doubt he will attempt to attack Lucaria from the sea because of the city’s strong battlements. Any invasion from the sea would most likely be repelled. We believe he will want to establish a base away from Lucaria in order to prepare his army for a full scale land invasion of Everdon.’
‘The Prince of Shadows has power far beyond any seer. He has shrouded many of his plans in darkness,’ said Baftel. ‘Yet the Prince of Shadows cannot protect the intentions of those who captain his ships. I have seen the intentions of the fleet. They do not intend to directly attack Lucaria.’
‘Good, it is as we expect,’ said Duke Emont. ‘Our main concern is the ship of Zyranian wizards sailing with the enemy fleet.’
‘At least fifty Zyranians have set sail to help the enemy invade Everdon,’ said Meara. ‘King Ignis now has spies in Zyran. He sent news of this Zyranian ship to Faircastle, which arrived just before we left for Elcalee. It is cause for concern; fifty Zyranians could alter the outcome of any battle fought in Everdon. I have made a request for the Irilians to send a brigade of wizards. They can only spare five at this time. War rages in Iarthar and our wizards are scattered across many lands. These five Irilians are crossing the Great Mountains as we speak and should enter Irvaria in the coming days. We are still vastly outnumbered by Zyranians. The only wizards we have to help us are those at this table and the five Irilians who will join us on the road south.’
‘What about the Fire Order?’ asked Red. He pointed to the map and the Old Guardian Mountains which were not far from Elcalee.
‘That is precisely what this meeting is all about,’ said Duke Emont.
‘Surely they will help,’ said Cassiel. ‘They had a representative at the council.’
‘Yes, the wizard Mostyn was at the council,’ said Meara. ‘He left soon after the council concluded and returned to the Tower of Fire in the Old Guardian Mountains. He didn’t commit anything to help our cause. When we asked for his help he wouldn’t answer us.’
‘Why wouldn’t they want to help?’ asked Eben.
‘The Fire Order is a meditative and reclusive order of wizards,’ said Meara. ‘They have had little to do with the happenings of men over the last two thousand years. They keep to themselves and rarely mingle with others. It was a great feat that they even sent an envoy to the council. They live out solitary lives in their ancient tower hidden high in the Old Guardian Mountains.’
‘Surely they must see the danger we face,’ said Stella. ‘The Prince of Shadows will also destroy them if they don’t help us.’
‘They do see this possibility. Unfortunately they have few loyalties to anyone outside their own order. They simply don’t trust anyone but their own people,’ said Arlen.
‘How many of them are there?’ asked Red.
‘At least forty,’ replied Duke Emont. ‘There may be more. The reality is that the Fire O
rder will only help us if an ancient oath is called upon.’
‘What oath?’ asked Eben.
‘The Fire Order is a sworn ally of the Ecorians; this oath is actually written into their rule. If you request their assistance they must help you.’
‘Then I will have to go to the Tower of Fire to ask for their help,’ said Eben.
‘Precisely,’ said Duke Emont. ‘They simply can’t refuse to help you if you make the request. Although there is one possible problem; to enter the Tower of Fire you must pass through the Gate of Fire. Only a wizard can repel the flames of the Gate of Fire, anyone else would be completely consumed.’
‘I will go with you, Eben,’ said Cassiel instantly.
‘That is brave of you to offer,’ said Duke Emont. ‘I dare say that an Irilian would not be welcomed by the Fire Order. The Gate of Fire is only one of the ways the Fire Order protect their home. The road to the Tower of Fire may prove dangerous.’
‘How is it possible for Eben to pass through the gate if a wizard can’t go with him?’ asked Red, scratching his chin.
‘There is a way,’ said Meara in a low and sombre voice. ‘Before you arrive at the Gate of Fire you will find a cave which leads to an ancient place called the Chamber of Ash. In the chamber there is said to be a pool of water that glows as if it was infused with sunlight. If you drink the glowing water of the Pool of Radiance the flames of the Gate of Fire will not harm you.’
‘What does the water do?’ asked Eben.
‘It will cause you great pain,’ said Arlen sternly. ‘An unnatural pain will come over you of a kind unknown to men or mer. For a time you will be completely crippled and blind. Eventually the pain will pass and when it does you will be immune to fire brought about by magic. All the wizards of the Fire Order drink from the Pool of Radiance; therefore they can pass through fire unharmed.’