The Merchant and the Menace (21 page)

 “That may be fine for a great ruler, but this
innkeeper’s son is confident who the enemy is. The Keltaran are the enemy.”

“As you wish,” smiled Teeg.

“So Granu is a Keltaran prince?” questioned Kael.

“Yes,” replied Teeg. “A direct descendant of
Hrafnu.”

The old Elf paused and considered if he should say
more.

“That’s enough for you to absorb in one day,“ said
Teeg. “Perhaps we might resume this chat later and I’ll answer more of your
questions.”

“No, please. I have so many,” protested Kael desperately.
“Like, why has my father been called to Zodra? What’s this nonsense of calling
him a duke? I need answers.”

“And so you shall receive them. Slowly Kael,
slowly. Be patient,” replied Teeg.

“I’m tired of being patient. Too much has happened
and too little explained!”

The door opened and in walked Ader.

“Tired of being patient. Is that what I heard?”
laughed Ader. “I’m not sure you’re aware of what true patience is, Kael. You
worry over hours while I have sometimes waited centuries for a particular occurrence
to take place. Relax, in due time all will be explained.”

“I’m not sure I’m ready for due time,” frowned
Kael.

“You may not be ready, but we are,” said Ader
shaking his head. “No matter, we’re off to Zodra in the morning. For now, I ask
you to remain in your quarters and get a good night’s rest. Will you do as I
request?”

Kael lowered his head and stared at his shoes.

“Yes,” he replied.

Kael slept poorly. Questions ran through his mind.
The encounter with Methra haunted him. What did he do, and could he do it
again? Part of him was fascinated with the power he displayed. Part of him was
terrified. He had felt so exhausted, frightened and angry all at once. He had
let himself go, let his mind takeover. He was desperate to protect Ader, end
the insanity of the last two days, and hurt the creature that killed his
brother. These desires welled up and created whatever it was he hurled at the
Malveel.

He tossed and turned in the night. When he felt he
was finally giving in to sleep, the diffused light of the morning forest
filtered into his room. Knowing he was about to embark on an exciting journey
made him even more restless. Kael rose and dressed. He opened his door a sliver
and stole a glance down the hallway. Perhaps he might find more answers this
morning.

Eirtwin stood in the observatory staring East over
the treetops of the Nagur as the rising sun splashed the canopy with light.
Kael hesitated on the final stair of the tower and contemplated his decision to
come here. After all, it may be the only solitary moment the queen was allowed
each and every day.

“Why do you falter, Kael Brelgson?” asked the queen
without turning.

“I ... I beg your pardon. I realized I might be
interrupting a special time for you,” replied Kael.

“You simply exchange one special moment for
another,” smiled the queen. “What is it that I can do for you? You knew I was
here, so I assume you didn’t come for the view.”

“I,” Kael hesitated. “I’m feeling a bit lost.”

“And you hoped I might be able to help you find
your ‘way’ so to speak?” asked Queen Eirtwin.

“Exactly,” answered Kael.

“Ask me what you will, Kael, and if I am able to
adequately answer your questions, I shall.”

“Is my father really a duke?” asked Kael.

“Yes, and a rather silly first question I might
add,” laughed Eirtwin. “When the prince heir of the kingdom in question
announces the exact thing in a room crowded with people, you can believe it to
be true.”

“I suppose,” smiled Kael “Then how about the prince
heir. Is he really the next King of Zodra?”

“Another silly question,” frowned Eirtwin. “You
must open your eyes and begin to see and believe that which is around you. I
referred to Manfir as the prince heir in this conversation. Would I now say he
was not?”

“No, I suppose not,” mumbled Kael.

“Time is a rare commodity. Think before you speak,”
advised Eirtwin. “One day people will be counting on you to act quickly and
decisively. Stumbling around before getting to the point might be disastrous.”

“Yes, I’ll try,” said Kael searching his mind for
the true questions it held. “Why did Ader and Manfir appear to me in disguise
for so many years?”

“The forces of Chaos search for ways to destroy
Ader and those who serve with him. Ader disguises his true nature to protect
his allies from reprisal. This in turn protects mere acquaintances. Contact by
anyone with Ader places their life in danger,” stated the queen.

“Am I a mere acquaintance of Ader’s, or am I an
ally with more at stake?” asked Kael.

“You’re learning,” smiled Eirtwin. “I was vague.
Presenting you with two alternatives to your question in hopes that you assumed
the most favorable. Most would love to make a leap in logic that all that
occurred is happenstance, bad luck. Those with insight and a keen intellect
will pursue extra avenues and ferret out the truth.

“Yes, you are an ally. Yes, you have much more at
stake, although, if you search yourself, you know this to be true. Your
performance against Methra bears that out.”

“If I’m an ally, then who is the enemy? Ader makes
alliances with some strange folk. The prince of Keltar stood in your halls and
nothing was done because of Ader,” stated Kael.

“The prince of Keltar is an ally, or at least we believe
him to be at this point,” said Eirtwin. “Often, you must go on faith. Believe
that which seems unbelievable.”

“I would like to stick with what Manfir believes.
Keltaran are evil. They are butchers. I’m unwilling to trust any of them,”
snapped Kael.

“Have you ever met a Keltaran before?” asked
Eirtwin.

“Well, no.” replied the boy.

“Again I caution you to be open and mindful of all
that occurs around you. Past prejudices hold no bearing upon the future. To
dismiss the help of a man such as Granu, without first interacting with and
understanding him, is folly. You may destroy the most important alliance you
enjoy,” stated Eirtwin.

“What of your alliances? Why do the Elves side with
Ader?” asked Kael.

“There is a distinct difference between good and
evil. It is true that we are not from this world. However, it is also true that
we are born from the same Creator. We are all servants of Avra and must fight
against the forces of Chaos wherever we find them.”

“What do you mean you’re not from this world?”
questioned Kael.

“We are from a different ...  existence. We are
just visitors here. Granted, we’ve dwelt here a long, long time, but we still
consider ourselves visitors,” smiled Eirtwin.

Kael looked puzzled.

“Avra’s creation is not limited to this one world,”
continued Eirtwin. “He is the Master and Creator of many places. There exist
levels of beings all fashioned for a different purpose. This world is but one
of his realms.”

“You are from a different ... world?” asked Kael.

The queen smiled and waved a hand out over the
Nagur.

“Not a world as this is, but a world nonetheless.”

 Kael paused and reflected on all he learned. Avra,
worlds created, races formed and evil rising. These issues were far too weighty
for a boy from a small, backwards village. Forces greater than he imagined were
at play. He wished to go back to his old life if he might, one day hoping to
run “The King’s Service” and let his father retire.

“How does all of this connect with me?” asked Kael.

“I told you I would answer your questions. I also
told you that time is a rare commodity and a leader must get to the heart of
the matter expediently. I’m afraid your time is up,” stated Eirtwin glancing
over Kael’s shoulder.

Kael turned to see Ader standing at the top of the
stairs. The old man bowed to Eirtwin and glanced at Kael.

“What am I missing?” he asked.

“A brief lesson,” answered Eirtwin.

“Of what or whom I wonder,” frowned Ader.

“Do not fret, Lord Ader, your wishes are being
kept,” replied Eirtwin.

“It’s time we left, Kael,” said Ader. ”The others
rose and prepared their mounts. I must return you to your father and attend to
some pressing business in Zodra. If you finished your enlightening lesson with
her majesty, I would like you to accompany me to the stables.”

Kael nodded and headed toward the stairs. On an
impulse he spun and knelt before Queen Eirtwin softly taking her hand.

“Thank you for everything,” said Kael. “Your
attention comforts me in a troubling time.”

“Your visit delights me,” answered Eirtwin. “Take
care on the road ahead.”

Kael and the old trader descended the stairs and
headed toward the stables. They walked along in silence and Kael stared ahead
lost in thought.

“You seem preoccupied,” commented Ader.

Kael walked on without responding.

“I said, you seem preoccupied,” repeated Ader a bit
louder.

Kael blinked and looked to the old man.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention. ‘Preoocupied’?
Oh, ah, yes I guess I am,” shrugged Kael. “It’s Queen Eirtwin. Every time we
speak I find myself questioning whether I’m being the best person I can be. She
makes me want to do great things.”

“She affects quite a few people in that manner,”
smiled Ader. “A remarkable woman.”

They proceeded down the hall and exited the palace
into the stable yard. An unusual party was arrayed across the yard. Manfir
stood close to the stables stroking the neck of his mighty black warhorse.
Eidyn and Teeg stood in the center of the yard strapping pouches to the backs
of a pair of white stallions. The horses were outfitted with neither saddle nor
reins. Just a simple lead and a light riding cloth adorned the Elves’ mounts.
Kael barely noticed the large figure of Granu standing stone still in the
shadows of a large apple tree. The giant wore his black robe with the hood
pulled up and over his head. His face was barely visible in the darkness of the
robe. In his hand, Granu carried his enormous walking staff. As Kael and Ader
stepped from the doorway, Ader’s big gray stallion and Kael’s chestnut trotted
from the stables and approached them.

“It seems your little mare chooses you, not you it,”
laughed Ader.

Kael smiled and patted the beautiful horse’s head.
The stable boys saddled the mare and Kael’s pouches were resupplied. He turned
and greeted Teeg and Eidyn.

“Good morning, Lord Teeg,” bowed Kael. “Good
morning, Prince Eidyn.”

“Since we’ll be traveling companions, Kael, I prefer
we also try to be friends,” said Eidyn. “Ader and my parents vouch for you, and
that is all I need to know. Please forgive me for our initial meeting. I don’t
regret exercising my duty, but I do regret getting our relationship off on a
bad note.”

“No harm was done and no offense was taken my
Lor... er, I mean Eidyn. With all of the terrible things that are happening, it
made sense for you to question anyone you encountered,” returned Kael.

“Exceptionally gracious of you,” bowed Eidyn.

“I suggest we get on the road,” stated Ader.
“Events in Zodra are progressing too quickly for my taste.”

Kael moved over to the chestnut and pulled himself
up. The leather saddle creaked and the metal buckles clinked. He watched
puzzled as Teeg and Eidyn turned to their mounts. The horses remained
unsaddled. Eidyn gripped his stallion’s mane and threw himself onto its back
effortlessly and more importantly noiselessly. A stable boy approached the
prince and handed over a longbow and soft deerskin quiver full of lethal
looking arrows.

The Elven boy approached Lord Teeg as the old Elf
looked his mount over. The boy cupped his hands, bracing them against a bent
leg. Teeg glanced at the makeshift stirrup and laughed.

“Boy, I was jumping onto the back of a horse a
hundred years before you were born!”

The old Elf grabbed the horse’s mane and deftly
threw himself onto its back. He chucked the stallion’s flanks with his heels
and it pranced about the stable yard. Granu slid from the shadows of the yard’s
edge and moved toward the group.

“Do you require a mount, Prince Granu?” offered
Eidyn amiably.

From beneath the blackness of the hood, Kael heard
the deep rumbling reply.

“No, thank you. I fear your delicate animals would
have a difficult time bearing my weight.”

Eidyn protested, but was silenced by a warning
glance from Teeg.

“I did not mean to offend,” continued Granu. “I’m
quite used to walking and will not slow you.”

A snort from near the stables turned all eyes.
Manfir stood smirking at the Keltaran and shaking his head.