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Rain entered the protective bubble of air and felt a strange chill go through her body. As soon as she was through, she could see everyone in the chairs around the table. Everything outside of the small area was blurry.
She recognized the king, and a beautiful elf sat next to him with her hand on his, who had to have been the Queen. Aeraldor and Rowena were there. Beside them were a dryad and a faerie, the former with deep green leaves for hair and a surprisingly human-like green skinned body, and the latter child-sized but with a womanly winged body. It was quiet, and she felt all of them staring at her, some kind and some scrutinizing.
Whiskey sat beside the king and seemed to avoid looking at Rowena, who sat on the other side of the queen. Rain and Shea sat on the other side of Whiskey, next to Aeraldor. Rain smiled at Rowena and the centaur in greeting as she took her seat.
“Welcome, Rain of Willshire and Lieutenant Shea of Eastcastle. It is a pleasure to have you here,” the king said. “Now, I believe you haven’t met us all.” He looked to the elf-woman beside him, suggesting she talk next.
“I am Maevara, wife of Arthain and queen of the Elves,” she said with a warm smile. She was exquisitely beautiful, wearing a simple but elegant dress of dark blue, her long dark hair flowing down her back.
Next to her was Rowena, and she nodded her head to Shea, the only one she had not met yet. “I am Rowena, representing the Wizards along with Deaglan.” She said this without a flicker of a glance at Whiskey.
The dwarf stood up, and the introductions proceeded around the circle. “I am King Gaelin Strongfist of the dwarves,” he said. He wore a dark tunic with a brown leather vest and had a large axe at his belt, which made her feel a bit better about wearing a dagger.
Next was the gnome, who wore thin leather armor and carried his own long dagger at his hip. He introduced himself as Mervin Gromley, leader of the gnomes.
Beside him was Queen Terramina of the dryads, who greeted her with a warm smile. A simple brown long-sleeved dress covered her green skin.
Alaea, queen of the faeries, sat by the dryad. She was short and small, perhaps a foot taller than the gnome, with light brown wavy hair that surrounded her petite face. She had the ears of an elf and magnificent clear wings spread out behind her, large enough that Rain thought they would be able to lift her above the ground. Her dress, a plain cream color, was thin and had jagged ends that closely draped her pale skin and hung to the bottoms of her feet. Her seat was a stool rather than a chair, to allow room for her wings. “I represent the whole of the faerie kingdom, as there are many races and beings that cannot have representatives here at the Council,” she explained. She sounded much older than she appeared.
Last was Aeraldor. He stepped his front hoof back and bowed. “I am Aeraldor, speaker for the centaurs.” He did not have a chair, and appeared quite comfortable standing.
“Now then,” Arthain began, “Rain, is a Sister of the moon elves, and therefore a wielder of innate magic. Lieutenant Shea is a Knight of Callaghan.”
There were a few gasps around the table. “What’s a Knight of Callaghan doing here?” Gaelin asked, not bothering to hide the harshness in his voice.
“He won’t cause trouble,” Whiskey said. “He’s with us. He carries an aegis.” He nodded at Shea to show it. The lieutenant took it out from under the collar of his shirt so people could see it.
“Humph. Since when does the presence of the aegis prove anything?” the dwarf asked. “Those traitors are probably using magic behind everyone’s backs, for their own use. Hypocrites, the lot of them.” He glared at Shea, then at Whiskey.
“My father gave this to me,” Shea said, his anger bubbling to the surface. “I have reason to believe he was killed by his fellow Knights for supporting my mother in her use of healing magic.”
There was a hushed silence for a few moments. King Arthain looked at Gaelin and cleared his throat. Gaelin looked down at the table. “I apologize, Lieutenant,” he said. Shea nodded.
“I for one am glad to meet you,” Queen Terramina said, directing her comment more towards Rain. “I’ve heard so much about you. The last hope of the moon elves, you are. I wasn’t here when you were found, twenty years ago. My predecessor was… struck by illness.”
“I’m sorry for your loss,” Rain said quietly. Speaking to large groups of such important people was unusual and daunting to her.
“We must speak of certain important matters,” the King said, mercifully filling the awkward silence. “Myrna’s Soulblight is spreading. From Deaglan’s information, she also has knowledge of Sister Rain’s existence, and is searching for her. Myrna is also using armies of craetons and Wingmasters to kidnap people by the hundreds. For what, we do not know yet. We also have some interesting new information related to the moon elves. Through a dream, you said?” he asked Whiskey.
“Yes. A Demonmaster used a Dreamwalker to send Rain a message.”
Rowena frowned. “A Dreamwalker? That’s powerful magic.”
“It’s true. Show them, Rain.” Whiskey said.
She took the paper out from where she had tucked it under her belt, and placed it at the center of the table. The dark bloodstains and sharp handwriting looked more menacing than ever against the soft white of the heartwood table. Everyone was silent for a moment.
“I can almost feel the spirit magic wafting from that thing,” Alaea murmured.
“Oh, for Haedin’s sake,” Gaelin said, and picked it up, reading it aloud.
The moon elves will be vanquished. The Sisters will be killed. I will find you. Do not continue on this path, maiden. You are the last. You will fail. This is your first warning.
Dar’Quath
After a moment, Gaelin seemed finally affected by the power and threat of the note, and tossed it back on the table as if he regretted ever touching it.
“He uses the term ‘maiden,’ the typical word for a young female moon elf,” Mervin said, speaking up for the first time. “It also hints that the moon elves are probably still alive somewhere.”
“It only hints,” King Gaelin stressed in a deep, accented voice, “It also hints at a second warning. I’d not like to be the one to receive it. We do not know anything for sure. How do we know this information isn’t false?”
“We cannot disregard the warning.” Terramina gestured to the note on the table. “It would not trouble me so if it were fake.” Some of the Council members nodded their heads in agreement.
Gaelin raised his voice. “We cannot rely on only our personal opinions! We need evidence to show that the warning should be fully heeded.”
“Information seems to be the one thing we need the most,” Alaea said calmly.
“What can we do about the abducted people of Graemar?” Shea asked. Rain sensed he’d been holding in his question. “If they are still alive, I’d like to know where, and to save them as soon as possible.”
“Of course you would,” Terramina said, with a sneer in her voice. “Because your people are so much more in danger than my own. We are losing people daily to the Soulblight. My people do not live through it like the elves and the dwarves. We must find a cure, and fast.”
“Of course we have to find a cure,” Aeraldor said angrily. “My own people have to abandon their old ways of living, leaving our homes to ask for help from others. But the dryads and the centaurs are no more important than the humans. Our own Rowena and Deaglan are humans too, if you remember. If only with longer lives. We have to work together. It’s not the time to bring up old rivalries.”
“Thank you, Aeraldor. Well said.” Arthain gave each person and creature around the table a hard look. “Alaea spoke well. The one thing we need most is information.”
“What about gathering forces, building more of an army?” Shea asked. “Surely it’s only a matter of time before Myrna sends more craetons our way.”
“Let’s not get too hasty,” Arthain said. “I do not mean to downplay your idea, but we don’t exactly know that an army is what we truly need to dispel this threat. We need more information before we start spending resources on more weapons and armor.”
“We don’t need an army?” the dwarf said, incredulous. “Then why are we training troops? Why are my men here? ”
“We need troops to protect us, not to launch an offensive attack. We don’t even know where Myrna’s base of operations is, and could not make an attack like that if we wanted to. We need more information before we decide what to do.” The elven king rubbed his temples in frustration.
“You’re going in circles!” Gaelin said. “Do you even have any ideas on how to get this information?”
“What about the lake? Summoning the Goddess?” Rowena cut in. “We have someone here with the right magic to do it.”
“How do you know she could figure it out?” the dwarf challenged. “We’re just taking your word for the fact that she has the magic. Maybe you’re just hoping she does,” he said to Whiskey.”
“I’ve witnessed it,” Aeraldor said, glaring at the dwarf. “If anyone can’t be trusted, it’s you, Gaelin.”
“I am merely suggesting we be cautious. We can’t know if we can trust this note, if it came from Myrna.” The dwarf harrumphed and seemed to decide not to continue the argument.
“I think it’s a great idea, and no one seems to have anything better to add,” Terramina said.
“Before we lay all our hopes on this one girl, maybe we should see a demonstration of her power,” Mervin said. “If you don’t mind, Sister, of course.”
After a moment, Rain realized he was talking to her. She wasn’t used to the title. “Uh, no, I guess not,” Rain said. Her mind blanked. What could she do to convince them she could summon a Goddess, if even they didn’t know how to do it?
“She shot one of my archer’s bows, for goodness’ sake. You know how heavy they are, without practice,” Aeraldor said to Mervin.
Whiskey leaned over and whispered for her to show them something using orange energy, to show she’d already gotten that far. “Be creative,” he said, winking. “Consider it your first test. Sisters usually have tests when they’re learning, anyway.”
Everyone was silent, waiting for her to do something. She closed her eyes, holding out a hand over the table, feeling silly, but focusing nonetheless. She pictured the first thing that came to her mind—an Ellwood apple. She focused on the red color, the sweet, crispy taste, the weight of the fruit. Then she imagined it sitting on the table in front of her. The warmth of the energy flowed into her hands.
There were gasps around the table. She opened her eyes and saw the apple sitting in front of her. Shea picked it up, everyone else apparently too stunned to speak. He tossed it in the air. “Feels real to me,” he said, and took a bite. “Tastes good, too.”
“I apologize, it’s been years since I saw innate magic in practice,” Arthain said. “May I see it?”
Shea tossed the apple to the king. He caught it and took a bite for himself. “He’s right. A true Ellwood apple. Have you ever conjured this before?”
“No,” Rain said.
Rowena beamed at her. “Your magic is strong.” Then, she spoke to the table, “I have faith she can do the task.”
Finally unable to hold her questions in, Rain asked, “Who is this goddess you want me to summon?”
“She is the spirit of Lake Dolmeria, the only remaining landmark of the moon elves. In the center of the lake is a summoning circle, only accessible by a small, two person boat. She can only be summoned by a Sister of the moon elves,” Rowena said.
“And you don’t know how to summon her?”
“We are not sure,” Rowena confirmed. “That was one secret we were not able to learn from the moon elves. They do not share all their ways with others. You must discover how yourself.”
“It’s dangerous, and might be a waste of time,” Whiskey said. “We don’t even know if the Goddess will give us any useful information.”
Rowena glared at him, the first hostile look she’d yet seen from her. “It will not be a waste of time. I’ve heard that the summoning process is simple for someone who understands and practices innate magic. Can you think of any other way to find a cure for the Soulblight?”
Whiskey glared back. “She shouldn’t have to be forced to do this—”
“I know you’re protective of her, but she could be our only hope.”
Rain thought of the elves, centaurs, dryads, and other races represented here at the Council. She was frightened to think what would happen if the entirety of Ellwood contracted the Soulblight, and a cure was unable to be found. Whole races would disappear. She couldn’t stand them fighting about her either, and felt a sense of adventure steal over her again. She had to help these people. Gathering courage to speak, she cut in.
“I’ll do it.”
Whiskey and the dwarf looked surprised, and the rest of them smiled at her decision.
Shea spoke up. “I’ll go with her. She needs someone who knows their way around unknown territory.” At his words and the thought of going with him alone, the familiar feelings of both uneasiness and intrigue filled her and she felt butterflies in her stomach.
“Trust a Knight with our ‘only hope’?” Gaelin said. “I think not.”
“He’s trustworthy,” Rain said, surprising herself at her sudden defense of Shea. “He’s waited his whole life to be with people like us, who believe in the good of magic. Won’t you give him a chance?” she asked the dwarf.
“I think it’s a good idea,” Rowena said. “The rest of us are needed here, caring for the sick and dealing with our own people. Even the guards we are training should all stay here to protect the city. She needs protection on the road, and I can’t think of a better person to go with her. Knights are trained to travel through unknown lands.”
No one else objected, and the dwarf stayed silent. Arthain nodded. “Good then, that’s settled. When she is summoned, you will ask about the Soulblight, and if she knows anything about a cure. She might have insight about Myrna. Perhaps she will know what to do. Also, see if she knows anything about what happened to the moon elves. If she does, it will be invaluable to us all.” Rain nodded, determined to do the task. “We will make the arrangements for your provisions and anything else you will need on your journey. Aeraldor will give you a map and explain your travel route once things are settled.”
“My bow was broken on the way here,” Rain confessed. “Will you perhaps have one I can borrow?”
“Of course,” Aeraldor said. “We will find one fit for a great archer,” he smiled.
Shea shifted in his seat. “How soon will we go?”
“As soon as we can get everything ready. This is an important mission, and you will be doing all the races of Ellwood and beyond a great favor. Tonight, if possible.”
“Are you sure starting out when it gets dark is a good idea?” the elf queen questioned quietly.
“Yes. As I said, the sooner you leave the better, and better if you were unseen as you traveled. We don’t want minions of the Demonmaster following you.”
“These days it pays to be cautious,” the dryad said. “I agree with your plan, Arthain, and may the light be with you in your travels.” The faerie agreed as well, and soon everyone else was nodding, if a few did so grudgingly.
The Council shortly was over, and Rain gave slight bows to everyone, touching her palms together in respect. She couldn’t seem to wipe the determined smile off her face, despite the voice in her head warning this could be more dangerous than she thought.
***
That evening, Whiskey led Rain and Shea to the stables when they were told the horses were ready. Nighttime in Belmaeron was brilliantly beautiful, with small glowing lights floating around like fireflies. Pan and Shea’s black stallion waited just outside the city, already saddled and bridled. They had carried their saddlebags and weapons from their rooms, and proceeded to strap them on their horses. Extra bags of provisions were waiting for them beside the horses, and they packed them as well.
A light misty fog hung under the trees, swirling around her legs. The elves had outfitted her with light leather armor for protection, and she wore pants for the first time in a while. It made her feel like a proper elven warrior. It wasn’t uncomfortable, though, and she felt like she had more flexibility. Her other traveling dress was tucked into her saddlebags. She also wore her belt and dagger, and had her aegis safely tucked under the neck of the leather armor. Even though she felt physically prepared and she knew leaving at night would probably be safer, she couldn’t help wishing they were leaving in the bright light of the morning.
In the shaded twilight beneath the city’s tiers and platforms, she saw Aeraldor standing beside the horses. When the three of them stopped a few feet away, Rain saw the centaur had a bow and quiver strapped across his back, and a folded piece of parchment in his hand.
“Hello travelers, Sister Rain and Lieutenant Shea.” The title made her feel uncomfortable, but she smiled and bowed slightly in return. “And Wizard Deaglan. Come to see them off?”
“Yes, I have.” He nodded at the parchment in Aeraldor’s hand. “Is that the map?”
The centaur stepped forward and unfolded the map so Rain and Shea could see it clearly. “Yes. It shows Ellwood and the vicinity.” He made a circle with his finger around a large area covered in small tree symbols, and then pointed at a small circle surrounded by dark ink, labeled “Lake Dolmeria,” to the southwest of Belmaeron. “This is your destination. It is about a week’s ride. Take this path,” he gestured to the earthen road before them, “and go right at the first fork. That will take you east. From there follow the edge of the cliffs along the Hollow. Follow the map when you get further west, and you’ll be fine. The moon elves resided on the western edge of Ellwood, and the region has plenty of its own dangers since their disappearance. The place you should be wary of is called the Dark Wood. Lake Dolmeria sits inside the Dark Wood. You won’t find it until you’re in it, and very few who have ventured there unprepared have ever returned. We know of a safe path through the Wood, though, and I have marked it on the map for you.” Rain glimpsed a small squiggly line drawn through the dark mass around the lake.
“What is in the Dark Wood that we must be protected from?” Shea asked.
Aeraldor looked at him gravely. “Dark things of the spirit world have been feeding off the residual power of the Sisters since they disappeared.” He turned to Rain. “You must not use your innate magic there unless you have to. The creatures will sense you using it, and they will be drawn to you.”
Fear crept into her. She nodded her understanding, but wasn’t sure how well she’d be able to follow his directions. What if she used magic in her sleep, or there was some reason she had to use it?
“Clear enough,” Shea said. He glanced at Rain and smiled. “She’ll be safe,” he said to Whiskey, who was looking rather miserable. The old wizard nodded and gave Shea a firm pat on the back.
“Rain,” Aeraldor said, “I chose this bow to replace your broken one.” He unstrapped the quiver and lifted the bow off his back. “I want you to keep it.”
Rain tentatively reached out and took the bow in her hands. It was as finely crafted as the one she shot at the training grounds, yet a detailed, intricate carving of spirals wound around the bow’s long length. It was also white. Heartwood.
“It’s beautiful!” she exclaimed, a grin escaping her lips.
“May the spirits of my ancestors be with you. That bow was my grandfather’s, and I expect it will protect you well, better than any normal bow would.”
Rain’s smile turned to a frown. “But I can’t accept this. Rowena said heartwood is rare these days. Surely you need it to protect the city?”
“You are an excellent archer, I have no doubt. You were born to use a bow. This one has served me well through my long years, and now I feel it should be passed on.” The look he gave her said he wouldn’t let her leave without it, so she decided not to argue and nodded gratefully, grinning. “It works best with these arrows,” he said, handing over his quiver.
“Thank you. They’re beautiful.” She brushed her fingers over an arrow’s perfect fletching, and then examined the bow, trying to judge its weight. “Will it be difficult to draw the string?”
“If you use your magic, you’ll be fine,” he smiled. He handed her the map. “I think it’s time.”
Shea nodded and mounted his horse. The dark stallion pranced in what Rain thought was anticipation, and Shea had to calm him down to keep him from bolting.
Rain strapped on the quiver and slung the bow onto her back, then hopped onto Pan. He too seemed nervous, but she gave him a reassuring pat, and he seemed to calm at her touch.
She turned around to look at Whiskey and say her goodbyes. It struck her that this would be the first time she’d be far away from him for an extended length of time. Sudden fear gripped her, and she couldn’t hide her worried frown.
Whiskey stepped beside her and laid a hand on her arm. “It’ll be alright. You can do this.” He pointed to the bow on her back. “Use it well. It is a fine gift.”
“Will you be alright?” she asked quietly, suddenly trying to find any excuse to stay.
“I’ll be fine, child. Now, go, you’re wasting time.” He winked and she momentarily forgot her fear.