by D E Boske
“I don’t know the extent of it, but yeah, that’s my guess.”
A runner appeared and the Gor Li’ Khan became stiffly alert. They surrounded Darian, Hunter, and Renlyss and Nymdal was wishing he’d brought more with him.
“Who is it, Nym?” asked the Mage.
“Dunno,” he responded, not taking his eyes off the approaching Gor Li’ Khan.
When the lone figure got close enough, Nymdal drew his twin swords, “Halt! State your business!”
The elf stopped in his tracks about twenty feet from them. “I want to talk to the Mage,” he said.
“About?” prompted Nymdal.
“I would join you. Word has spread about the Mage’s kindness and generosity. You know there are many who are not happy,” the lone elf said, looking around uncomfortably.
“How do we know you’re not a spy?” asked Nym.
“Please, can we go somewhere more private and talk?”
“Nym, do you know this elf? Can he be trusted?”
“I know of him, but I don’t know him personally. Thelarki kept us very busy and we were hardly ever home. And I don’t trust anyone where you’re concerned.”
“What’s your name?” asked Darian.
“Bryndyl,” he said. “I swear I only want to talk,” he laid his weapons down and let the others pick them up.
Darian nodded to Nymdal and they walked back to his room where they could speak openly. The Mage poured Nykessa for them all and they sat at the table, glasses in hand. Bryndyl took his time, gathering his thoughts as he drank from his glass. Finally, he spoke.
“Thank you for speaking with me. I know you probably don’t trust me, but I’m not here for Thelarki. I’m here for the Gor Li’ Khan. There are many good elves who are tired of living under Thelarki’s rule. We long to work for someone who appreciates our skills and uses them responsibly. I know The Order searches for you, I was present when they asked Thelarki for help. You must be the rogue Mage they spoke of. Darian Brade, right?” The elf took a great risk revealing what he had, but felt that it was necessary in order to bargain with him. Darian neither confirmed nor denied the elf’s assessment.
“Why do you wish to leave the service of Thelarki and join a Mage of The Order, Bryndyl?”
“Thelarki is vengeful and we hate him, but we’re trapped here right now. He doesn’t let us out of his sight for long and if he had an inkling that any of us wanted to leave, he’d kill us rather than let us go. We need protection, please,” he begged.
“You keep referring to us and we, how many are you bargaining for?” asked Darian.
“How many do you have room for?” Bryndyl countered. The Mage didn’t speak, and the elf grew anxious under his gaze.
“There’s about a hundred of us,” he cleared his throat, looking nervously around at the gathered Gor Li’ Khan.
“Nymdal, I know we never worked together, but I always respected your work ethic.”
The door opened and Kelindril walked in, looking as if nothing had happened. He looked refreshed and ready for work.
“Bryndyl, what are you doing here?” he asked, looking at the elf.
“I am asking to join the Mage. What are you doing here?”
“I am in charge of his safety.”
“Kel, do you know him?” asked Darian.
“I do. He is loyal, a hard worker, and he’ll have our back,” said Kelindril.
“Good to know,” said the Mage. “He said there are about a hundred Gor Li’ Khan looking to join with us,” the Mage informed.
“A hundred?” Kelindril asked, shocked.
“Aye,” confirmed Bryndyl. “You know what it’s like working for Thelarki. The Mage’s kindness and generosity is spreading like wildfire through our ranks. I wouldn’t be surprised if more follow suit. We need protection. You know Thelarki will not let us go willingly.”
“How is this spreading? Who’s talking?” Darian asked, looking at those gathered ‘round. No one said anything and he looked to Kelindril.
“Speak!” Kelindril commanded. “Who’s talking?” They all shook their heads.
“Bryndyl, how is the word spreading? Who did you hear this from?” asked the Mage.
“It’s just talk. I’m sorry I wasted your time,” he said, beginning to rise, but Kelindril pushed him back down.
“I’ve done nothing wrong! I came to you for refuge, not to be treated like this,” he said.
“Where did you hear about the Mage?” asked Kelindril, not backing down.
“We saw you in the market; how you were talking and laughing, how he treats you with respect. We want that too. Is that so wrong?” he asked, eyes pleading.
“Of course not, but as you can see, we’re not the trusting sort,” replied Darian.
“With good reason, I suppose,” the elf replied.
“Before I agree to anything, you will submit to me. I need to search your minds and only then will my terms be discussed,” advised the Mage. “Do not bring any to me who are not willing to do the same,” he said, voice hard.
“Understood and thank you,” the elf said, looking relieved.
“Don’t thank me yet, it is not an easy road that you have chosen. It is painful, but necessary if I am to trust you. As I said, do not waste my time by bringing any to me who are not capable of withstanding the pain. I will not be happy if my time is squandered as I have much to do and little time in which to do it.”
“Understood,” said Bryndyl. “I will submit to you now,” he added, head down.
Without preamble, Darian delved into his mind, ripping through him and laying bare his darkest secrets. The Mage saw how Bryndyl constantly thwarted Thelarki’s commands. He saw how the elf helped people to escape the Monarch’s wrath.
Darian pushed harder, deeper and Bryndyl screamed in agony, feeling like his brain split open. He felt the Mage inside his head, poking and prodding, as he witnessed the elf’s truths.
Darian pursued the darker memories, needing to understand the elf who would join him. Thelarki had ordered Bryndyl to go to the neighboring town and deliver the new wharf agreement payment schedule.
Kaleika Bay had been there for millennia and the human towns existed only by the grace of Thelarki. The elven Monarch drastically increased their payment amount and ordered Bryndyl to deliver the schedule. As expected, there was much resistance and some carefully concealed threats. The one who handled the wharf fees demanded time to peruse the updated schedule and Bryndyl returned to Thelarki with the news. Thelarki was incensed that Bryndyl had left without insisting they accept the new proposal and beat him severely.
“I never should have assigned such an important task to you! Where is Kelindril? He will know what to do. You’re an imbecile, Bryndyl! A wastrel! An idiot! How are you even Gor Li’ Khan?” When Thelarki left Bryndyl, the elf was out of service for nearly two weeks.
Darian could see that the elf wasn’t upset about the two weeks off, he relished it. He used the time to see his family and his girlfriend.
Darian scoured through similar memories and became angrier with Thelarki’s treatment of them. He hated to cause the elf more pain, but he had to be thorough. Bryndyl endured it stoically and when the Mage released him, he slumped in his seat, drool pooling at the corners of his mouth. Darian picked him up and laid him down on the couch, covering him with a soft blanket. The elf slid into Ru Nay’ Sha, resting peacefully for the first time in years.
“How long has Thelarki been abusing the Gor Li’ Khan?” asked Darian and he saw how they all looked to Kelindril, waiting to see how much they should say.
“I’m asking all of you, not just Kel. Direct your attention to me. I understand that this is a sensitive subject, but it needs to be addressed if we are to help the elves of Kaleika Bay.”
“And what do you think you can do about Thelarki?” asked Kelindril bitterly.
“I intend to talk to him and get to the bottom of his disgraceful behavior,” replied Darian and Kelindril laughed.
> “I think it would take more than just your flowery speech, Mage. If you want Thelarki to
take you seriously, that is,” Kelindril added.
“The updated wharf fee schedule, how did you handle it?” asked Darian and Kelindril cringed at the question.
“How do you know about that?” he asked, as his eyes slid to Bryndyl.
“How, Kel?”
“I enforced the contract,” he said, pointedly not looking at the Mage.
“Kelindril, don’t make me ask you again,” Darian said, the irritation evident in his voice.
“I returned with another copy of the documents that needed their signature. The man tried to give me the same garbage he gave Bryndyl, but I didn’t accept it. It pissed me off that I had to go finish up the deal and I may have been a bit more aggressive than was necessary. I told him that if he didn’t sign the agreement, I would be leaving with his balls on a platter. He laughed and signaled his guards to attack me. After I took out all his guards, without killing them, I might add, I ended up behind him with one knife to his throat, and the other between his legs. He knew I meant what I said and eagerly signed and gave the first payment.
“I went to see Bryndyl when I returned from dropping the payment off to Thelarki. He was a mess. He wasn’t even conscious and his face was swollen and bloodied so bad that I couldn’t recognize him. I sat with him for a long time and paid for a healer to help him. This is the kind of treatment we endure, Darian. It made us who we are. We cannot fail! The punishment is the least of our concerns. For if we fail more than once, or fail in an important mission, our lives are forfeit.
“I saw something in you the first time we met. I was curious about you, but couldn’t trust you right away. The others see it too, it’s why they come to you. You have always treated us with respect, even when some of us may not deserve it. You are generous and caring. These are foreign things to a Gor Li’ Khan. Our lives are harsh and brutal and most turned off our emotions in order to survive. Bryndyl… He’s one of a kind. He refused to change who he was just to do a job that he loathed,” Kelindril said quietly.
“Thank you for your honesty, Kel. I say to you all, not one of you shall die by my hand unless you attack me or what is mine,” said the Mage. “I will protect you from the raging storm that is Thelarki. Seek shelter under my Shryvven. My road is about to become very dark. Perilous would be putting it mildly. I will need all of you at your best. Don’t waste precious time trying to find me. You have my permission to carry out your actions.
“Remember, there is a traitor among us who is doing a damn fine job of remaining hidden. It is imperative that we find this son of a bitch soon, before any extensive damage is done. Kel, can I talk to you?” asked the Mage, encasing himself, Kelindril, and Renlyss in a sound shield.
“Bryndyl says there are one hundred ready to join us. How many can you safely manage
without spreading yourself too thin?” Darian looked to Renlyss and smiled, taking her hand in his. She reveled at his touch and gently squeezed his hand.
“Not more than one hundred,” confessed Kelindril.
“If we are to expect more, and by his admission there will be, then we need to promote several elves and place them in command positions. I will leave this up to you.”
“I will not move any of my team to those positions. A few deserve this opportunity, but I
will not risk your safety for their betterment. I actually wanted to talk to you about Nymdal.”
“What about?” asked Darian, running his hand down Renlyss’s back to let it rest on her bottom.
“I want to make him second in command,” said Kelindril, looking Darian in the eye.
“I thought he was already.”
“Not officially, no. But I’d like to make it so.”
“I’m fine with it, Kel. He really stepped up when you were away,” said Darian.
“Good to know,” Kelindril replied, not speaking of his absence.
“Have you any idea how many Gor Li’ Khan will wish to join?” asked Darian.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if more than half of the Gor Li’ Khan flee this land,” admitted the leader.
“What is their number?” asked the Mage.
“Well over one million.”
Darian could not hide the shock on his gorgeous face and Renlyss grinned because it wasn’t every day that you were able to surprise a Mage of The Order.
Hunter saw Darian and Renlyss and began running toward them, but Brandiel scooped him up and put him on his shoulders and the tot giggled. Darian nodded his thanks and Brandiel nodded back, looking away immediately.
“What of Brandiel?” Darian asked. “Any plans to promote him?”
“He’s good, but shy and I’m not sure how he’ll be in a lead role.”
“Only one way to find out. I think he shows initiative, don’t you?” countered the Mage.
“That he does. I will try to give him more important tasks going forward.”
“Please do. And if you need any help finding something, let me know. I’m sure I can find things for him to do,” replied the Mage.
“Why is this important to you? Don’t you have more important matters to concentrate on?” asked Kelindril.
“I take care of those I care about. You should know this by now, Kel. Brandiel helped me a lot putting things together for Reny,” Darian said, and the elf’s eyes went to them both. He looked them over and saw a ring on her hand and he broke into a wide grin.
“You finally did it?” he asked and the Mage smiled.
“I did, my friend,” responded the Mage and Renlyss laughed at the joyous looks on the men’s faces.
Kelindril hugged her tightly and whispered, “If you hurt him again, I’ll gut you like a pig,” and then out loud he said, “Congratulations to you both! This is wonderful news. You’ve been busy while I was away,” said Kel.
Darian dismissed the shield and Brandiel placed Hunter back down on the ground and he ran to the Mage, hugging his legs tightly.
“Hey, buddy,” said Darian in a gentle, loving tone that had heat spreading through Renlyss like wildfire.
“Nymdal, step forward please,” commanded Kelindril and the Gor Li’ Khan became stiffly alert. Nymdal didn’t speak, he merely came forward as ordered.
“In the time that we have worked together, you have repeatedly shown your attention to detail, quick reflexes, and sharp and quick responses. In addition, you have grown exponentially since joining Darian’s team and continue to show your willingness to take on more responsibility. For all these reasons, it is my pleasure to promote you to second in command,” announced Kelindril and the shock on the elf’s fair face was rewarding.
“Takasha! Thank you, Kelindril,” he said warmly.
“Brandiel, you will fill Nym’s vacated position on a temporary basis pending your performance. Don’t let us down,” said Kelindril and the elf blushed involuntarily.
“Thank you! I won’t let the team down,” he said fervently.
“Brandiel,” said Darian, calling the elf closer.
“Yes?” He seemed nervous to approach the Mage.
“Walk with me.” Darian led them out onto the beach, Kelindril and Nymdal keeping a respectable distance.
“Brandiel, you have to learn to be more confident and not so shy. You’re good at what you do and you managed to attract Lustryl, but you’ve got to be more forceful and commanding. They’ll eat you alive if you continue to be so submissive. Don’t be complacent, be confident and take what you want or you will always have footprints on your back,” advised Darian and the elf listened intently.
“I’ve wanted to ask Lustryl out for a long time, but was too scared she’d say no. I still wouldn’t have had the courage if she hadn’t made the first move,” Brandiel confided. Darian felt like he’d been punched in the stomach.
“Why didn’t you say something to me, Brandiel? I never would have touched her had I known. I’m sorry you had to witness that,” said Dar
ian sincerely.
“That did suck,” admitted Brandiel. “But, at least now I know what she likes,” he said, trying to make the best of a shitty situation.
“Seriously, you need to speak up and stick up for yourself. Luckily, there won’t be a next time for me, but where others are concerned, speak your mind, understand?”
“I do,” he said. “Maybe you can help me with my confidence and talking to Lustryl?”
“Of course. What do you want to know?”
“How did you get your confidence? I mean, I see you walk into all kinds of difficult situations and you just… handle them. How do you know what to say?”
“Let’s just say that The Order instills confidence in their Mages,” replied Darian, not wanting to say too much.
“It’s not just that though. I mean, look how you are with women,” he said softly. “How do you do that?”
“I learned at an early age, I guess you could say. And I learned through experience. Women don’t mind if you’re a bit shy at times, but it will get old pretty quick. They will run over the top of you, Brandiel. You’re a good-looking elf and have nothing to worry about. I’ve seen dozens of women staring at you on this journey, but you’re too reticent. Walk with your head up, Brandiel. You’re a Gor Li’ Khan and your charge is a Mage of The Order. I want you with me at all times for a while. Watch how I handle myself, what I say, the way I hold myself and how others respond. I think you’ll pick it up quickly. The key is not to be nasty unless you have to be. People will bend over backwards to serve you if you’re polite and understanding. Looks help too,” the Mage said with a wink and Brandiel laughed.
“How do I handle Lustryl. How do I talk to her?”
“Be open and honest. Just be yourself and you’ll do fine,” said Darian, clapping him on the back. “Watch how I interact with Renlyss and the way she responds.”
“Thanks, Darian. I never could have had this conversation with Thelarki,” admitted the elf.
“I don’t care what time of day or night it is, if you need me, I will always be available. Don’t ever hesitate to wake me, even if you just want someone to talk to. The only time I do not want to be disturbed is during lovemaking, unless it’s critical.”