The Pool And The Pedestal (Book 2) (8 page)

“Please.” laughed Ader. “The reason we are in this mess is because your forbears bowed down to one of my brethren. Do not tempt me to start the whole process once more.”

Macin rose and smiled at the Seraph.

“Advise me then, Lord Ader.”

“You don’t need me for that, Macin. Look about you.” said the Seraph sweeping his hand around the room. “All you need is here. You begin to swallow your pride and open yourself to the assistance of others. Continue down that path and you will receive the advice you require.”

Macin slowly drew his gaze about the room. It stopped upon the beautiful young woman. The king’s sight locked upon her sparkling blue-green eyes and she unblinkingly returned his stare. Macin smiled and approached her. The king nodded and softly took her hand. He raised it to his lips and kissed it.

“Thank you.” he said softly to the woman.

She nodded in return.

“I simply perform my duty, your majesty.” she replied.

Macin turned to face Teeg and Eidyn.

“What of the Grey Elves?” asked the king frowning. “You prove your skill at spying and subterfuge against your allies, but what of your skill at warfare against your enemies. Will you join us in defense of this world?”

Eidyn stepped forward.

“The Grey Elves always come to the aid of their allies, and we shall do so again. However, you perform a disservice upon our name with your accusations of subterfuge. As a prince of my realm and heir to the Almar throne, I assure you, the young woman who stands beside you is
not
in the employ of my father.” stated Eidyn.

Teeg cleared his throat and quickly entered the conversation.

“This matter is of no consequence at this juncture.” commented Teeg. “The prince and I have been instructed to ...”

“My lord, pardon the interruption.” called a voice from upon the dais.

The Fox’s companion stepped forward. Teeg grimaced.

“This may only complicate certain matters, my boy.” said Teeg to the young man.

“Be that as it may.” said the boy. “Lord Ader said it is a time for reckoning. The world rushes toward the conclusion of a conflict that lasted many lifetimes. I am instructed by Sprite to cast our lot with the alliance of the great nations if there is to be one.”

“Sprite?!” laughed Eidyn looking quizzically at the boy.

“Yes.” replied the boy seriously. “The leader of our people.”

Eidyn turned to Teeg and the old Elf frowned and looked to the floor.

“This is nonsense!” exclaimed Eidyn turning back toward the boy. “ Old Sprite disappeared with his family into the Toxkri Swamp over five hundred years ago!”

“I assure you.” stated the young woman with an icy glare. “My great-grandfather has never been about nonsense. The Grey Elves made that mistake in the first place.”

Eidyn set his jaw and looked at Teeg.

“I will explain later.” whispered Teeg.

Macin seemed mildly amused.

“It seems quite a few details have been kept from the royalty in the room.” smiled Macin.

The king strode over to Eidyn and threw an arm around the prince’s shoulder.

“Don’t feel too upset, son of Leinor. Apparently, you’ve been kept in the dark about some things. However, you don’t sit on the throne yet. I’m the one who looks to be the biggest fool. I supposedly rule this mess of a kingdom. Let us discover what secrets Lord Teeg has kept from you..”  laughed Macin turning to the boy on the dais. “First may I be so bold as to inquire your name Master...?”

“Chimbre, my lord.” replied the boy.

“And where do you hail from, Master Chimbre?” asked Macin.

“I call the Toxkri swamp my home.” returned the boy.

The room broke out into conversation once more. Kael heard exclamations of “impossible” and “ridiculous”. Macin simply smiled and nodded his head.

“Today has been a heady mixture of revelations, Master Chimbre.” stated Macin. “Yours seems the most fantastical. Am I to believe that you and your small band live in that steaming cesspool of poisons and death?”

“Since the day that Sprite and his family trekked into the Toxkri, we have grown from just a ‘small band’. The Toxkri is home to our society. There are thousands of us.”

The murmur in the room grew.

“Secondly,” continued Chimbre. “What misinformed outsiders consider a ‘cesspool’, we consider our homeland. It is true that to those with an untrained eye, the Toxkri may be considered a dangerous place, but there is much beauty to be found in the secrets of the swamp.”

“As evidenced by your companion.” said Eidyn stepping forward and bowing to the beautiful young woman.

She returned his bow.

“However, with milady the reverse is true. The beauty is self evident,” said Eidyn rubbing the small red cut on his neck where her blade had been. “It is the danger that you stumble upon.”

Macin arched an eyebrow to Eidyn.

“Perhaps you are not so uninformed of this situation as I assumed.” said the king.

“Oh, I remain completely uninformed.” returned Eidyn and he turned to the woman. “But for now I will settle with your name.”

“My sister’s name is...” began Chimbre.

“... For her to give of her own accord.” the woman icily snapped to her brother.

“You are quite correct.” nodded Chimbre. “My apologies.”

“Accepted.” she smiled back.

The woman turned to Eidyn and gave a light curtsy.

“I am Lilywynn, eldest daughter of Jenpry, Lead council of Sprite’s people.” she stated. “I apologize for your minor injury, but I could not allow you to drive an arrow through my cousin Sprig’s heart.”

“The fox.” whispered Kael to himself.

“Apology accepted.” said Eidyn bowing.  “Is Master Kael correct in assuming that Sprig was the lead scout before our encounter with the warlock and his Keltaran raiding party?”

“He was.” replied Lilywynn.

“Warlock?” inquired Macin. “And what of this battle?”

“We were set upon by a Hammer unit yesterday, father.” answered Manfir. “A warlock directed their movements.”

Macin’s expression grew grave.

“Those who commune with Chaos and Amird the Deceiver are a twisted lot.” stated Macin. “How came you so close to the mountains?”

“We were not near the mountains, father. We were a day and a half ride South of the Capitol.” stated Manfir.

“And you were set upon by a Hammer unit?!” exclaimed Macin. “We are vulnerable indeed.”

“If not for the warning by Sprite’s people and their help on the battlefield, we may have been overrun.” added Manfir.

“On the battlefield you say?” stated Macin turning to Chimbre and raising an eyebrow in disbelief.

Chimbre laughed out loud.

“A jest? Something is amusing, Master Chimbre?” asked Macin.

“My grandfather is a wise old Elf, your majesty.” began Chimbre chuckling. “He instructed me to offer our service to the nations. Then he told me I would need to convince you to accept it.

You look at beings of diminutive stature and you misjudge our usefulness. So it was when our forebears were excluded from participating in the first great conflict against the Ulrog. Sprite gathered important intelligence concerning the Horde and presented it to King Leinor. This information was used to drive the Horde back into the Scythtar, but Sprite and others in his family were forbidden from joining the ranks of the Elven army. King Leinor trusted grandfather’s ability to supply information, but not his ability to stand beside his countrymen in battle. This mistrust led Sprite to leave Luxlor centuries ago and set out with a small group of family and friends to found his own community. A community where all could be respected and admired for the special abilities given to them by their Creator.

Over the past week we proved these abilities to the heirs of the world’s great kingdoms.  Today, we showed what we can accomplish under the very noses of the most diligent security. We live and thrive in a place others won’t set foot. It’s been centuries since my people held a place in your world. We return now to claim our part in it.”

“Your abilities have been recognized and appreciated much to my embarrassment, Master Chimbre.” replied King Macin. “An alliance with Sprite’s people will be welcome news in troubled times. We encourage you to step out of the mists of your homeland and show the forces of Chaos they have more to fear than the  tattered and tired Guard of Zodra.”

Prince Eidyn glanced at Lilywynn then back to Macin.

“And the Elves, as always will emerge from our woods in time of trouble. Leinor commits our forces to the fray.” began Eidyn turning back to Lilywynn. “And with such formidable allies already in league with the Zodrians, our success is assured.”

“Be careful with flattery of your allies, Prince Eidyn.” frowned Lilywynn. “For you might take their mind from the task at hand. Overconfidence undermines many an endeavor.”

“I am a determined individual, Mistress Lilywynn.” smiled Eidyn to the girl. “I seldom falter in the tasks I undertake.”

Lilywynn flushed slightly then turned to Sprig.

“Prepare to leave. Jenpry must be informed of the developments.”

The tiny man bowed to Lilywynn and in a flash ran through a service exit and vanished. Macin stepped back upon the platform steps and turned to face the room.

“And so old alliances are rekindled and new ones are formed.” he said thoughtfully. “The return of my son is bittersweet. I grieve for a life of friendship lost, a life of squandered opportunity.

However, his appearance fills me with hope. Our eyes are opened to the real dangers we face and the true friends we possess. I fear that even with the help of the Elves and Sprites, our militia will be desperately overmatched against a combined force of Ulrog and Keltaran in the West.”

“That is why I intend to man the front lines with trained troops.” stated Prince Manfir.

General Wynard grimaced and glanced at Granu.

“I see you put some trust in the words of this ... of Prince Granu.” said Wynard nodding to the giant. “But to pull support from the North is a death sentence to the men you leave behind. We cannot afford to thin our ranks along the Scythtar.”

“I will require none of your veterans for support, General Wynard. The king is absolutely right. You must pull back toward the Capitol and wait. My militia will be supported by the Rindoran Spear.”

“What!?” exclaimed Macin.

Manfir turned to his father.

“The treaty states a member of the royal house of Zodra may call upon the Spear for support.” stated Manfir. “I chose to invoke that treaty several days ago.”

Macin scowled and reddened.

“They have sat on their precious boulder for centuries allowing us to protect them! They can stay there and rot for all...”

“Macin.” interrupted Ader smiling. “You’ve made such tremendous strides today. Don’t allow an old, childish rivalry to surface and deny Zodra the help of a well trained, willing ally.”

The king quieted and clenched his teeth. After a moment he sighed and nodded to Ader.

“You are right, Seraph. The river folk did naught but honor a treaty that has existed for centuries. We need them.” mumbled Macin turning to Manfir. “How is the old fool? Does he realize what he has committed to?”

“If he doesn’t, she will school him on all he needs to know.” stated Manfir smiling.

Macin’s eyes lit up at the reference to Queen Lucyn. He looked past his son, lost in revelry.

“Remarkable woman.” murmured Macin. “So like your mother. A true pair of gems they were.”

Manfir’s head dropped slightly.

“Yes, father.” replied the prince softly.

Macin snapped out of his memories and looked to his son.

“She missed you near the end.” frowned the king. “It was then that she informed me of your steady correspondence.”

“Like her sister, I believe she was a woman of hidden depth.” returned the prince.

King Macin arched an eyebrow in surprise. Teeg answered the unspoken question.

“It appears that Queen Lucyn has fooled us all. She is not the vacuous court butterfly she sometimes chooses to display.”

“I could have told you that, Lord Teeg!”  Macin laughed. “I’ve never met a more resourceful pair of scheming women in my life. All they attempted, they accomplished. That is, all except the friendship of their husbands.”

“Perhaps you should honor her wish and make a last attempt to come to terms with Corad.” suggested Ader. “He agrees to let you command the Spear.”

Macin pursed his lips and slowly nodded his head.

“Perhaps. For now I agree with Manfir. The Spear is best served on the western edge of the kingdom. They are a well trained, albeit small force. They will be a test for any enemy they encounter from the West, be it Ulrog, Keltar or both.

These decisions must be mulled over. Rash action is the downfall of great nations. We must think on all the information given us and solidify our plans. I suggest we break up this council and convene in the morning with clearer heads. A little sleep will do us all some good. I wish the General Staff to remain behind.”

“May I stay as well, father?” inquired Manfir.

“No, my son. You’ve traveled on a long journey and are fresh from battle. I want you to return to the Hold and rest. I require your mind fresh for the task we have ahead of us.”

Manfir bowed to the king and turned to go. The General Staff moved toward the throne. Ader and his group gathered by the door.

“We will all return to the Hold. Macin is correct. A good nights sleep will help all of us.” said the Seraph.

“I will find my way back shortly.” replied Eidyn turning. “First I must speak with...”

Lilywynn and her brother were nowhere to be found.

“They have other duties to perform, Elven prince.” stated Ader brusquely. “Let’s remain focused on the task.”

The Seraph turned and walked from the hall. The others followed. When they passed through the palace gate, Kael noted that Guardsmen replaced Udas’s troops.

CHAPTER 3: THE ROARING HORSE

Darkness enveloped the city. Lanterns, filled with pitch, cast shadows across centuries old cobblestones. Occasionally, a coach clattered past the group and they jumped from its path. Kael assumed many of these belonged to nobles not staying at the palace that evening. They turned a corner and Manfir nearly stumbled into a man standing in the middle of the street. The man wore a uniform unfamiliar to Kael.