Chronicles of Atva: The Last Lithuist Book 1 of 3

Chapter 1: The Dawn River

King Erethor of the eastern elves of Erelis was quick with the aid of his horse's
strides and swift in the indigo night. Panting, he took the moonlit path through the
Broken Wood and along the right side of the Elberon mountains to the banks of
the Yire that branched from the black river. The stars were not bright, and the
seldom moments in which they gleamed and sparkled only told that they too had
heard of the rumors and were anxious enough to spread them. Erethor looked up
grimly; the dark could not wholly shadow the moon, but the air seemed denser
and the light dimmer.
Erethor stopped at the streams murky bay. Writhing like ink, the obscure water
that lapped over his silver boots left no mark, and only lured him eerily into the
whirlpool. At his motion, Erethors steed trotted further into the river. He dropped
into the brook a glittering chain and whispered beneath his breath the distinct
words Pandoras Lair. Bring me to your maker. The horse snorted as it hit the bed
of the river whilst the King felt the wind of the night disappear and watched the
trees in the meadows whip away soundlessly. Rigid and sensing the familiar
distant coolness of River Travel, Erethor felt the uncomfortable pressure signaling
arrival push on his chest; and then came the rasping wind again. His ice blue eyes
opened once more and his white robes emerged from the water untouched, not
even discolored, by the black water.
Emerging from the river, the King galloped for another half hour amongst the
brush and forest until he reached the grassy plain that beheld the home of the
woman he had been looKing for. The wind danced upon his white-blonde hair as
he walked through the meadow.
Before him howled low purple clouds, hanging forebodingly over the battlements
of a stone castle. Small puffs of magenta smoke and random showers of golden
sparks emitted from the building before the King. The beige brick work loomed
over Erethor, his hands loosening from his belt, and his fingers slowly released
their grip on his daggers hilt. The heavy doors gave way and in the threshold
stood a broad shouldered woman, her black curly hair billowing in the breezes and
her sharp features shining in the flashing light.
Erethor left the edge of the river and headed towards the bangled lady. Her
clothes were much like a gypsys except in color; their royal purple tint mirroring
wealth and honor. Gold and yellow suns were spun into her long trailing skirt and
hoops of encrusted amethyst hung from her rounded witchs ears.
Elf King! she led Erethor into the shelter of the castle and waved her hand, the
doors meeting with a sonorous clang, It has been too long. Her smile was
sincere but the weariness behind her wise eyes and her wrinkles did not fit well on
the young girls face. However, a witch can choose which form she takes, and
though her slim body told of youth, her eyes thundered age and knowledge. It was
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the woman he knew, all the same.

Pandora, Erethor held her two hands in the both of his, finding them extremely
cold, Little Witch of the West. He looked her up and down, I see you have been
over doing yourself again. Your little projects are costing you dearly. If the
Darkness that has been rumored to be rebirthing, truly rebirthing, then we will
need both of our Magic-lore experts in the final battle. The corner of the Kings
mouth lifted slightly, but when he chuckled, he laughed darkly, and the humor
was hardly there, lost in the castle walls.
Pandora did not appreciate being chastised, but her ally was right. Well, she
gestured to the smoke coming from one of the higher-up rooms, They may seem
as meaningless projects to you Erethor, but the future of your daughter lies in my
hands, and the outcome of my experiments. I am trying to find the proper
combination of potions to create something that will cease the magical instincts in
your daughter to emergeat least for the most part of her infancy until she learns
how to control her outbreaks.
The King sighed, We have talked about this. I came here to collect a liquid that
would dim her power, not wipe it out.
Pandora shifted her footing, Well, I havent found the solution and time is running
out, youll have to take what Ive managed or go.
Alright, but I want my child to enter the void with the least amount of tampering
possible. the King warned.
Tampering! Pandora said, trying to make the King see sense, I could be very
well saving her life.
I know but...there have been times when your potions have not done as
planned
Dont worry Ive made a sample that is much less strong, Pandora said icily,
Your daughter can try that first if you wish to be so wary.
Erethor kept bashfully silent until he couldnt help but speak again, What will it
do to her? The original, I mean.
Pandora pulled a wisp of hair away from her face, Seep the magic from her until
she turns fifteen. By then the liquid will fade and I will be able to do nothing. Her
instincts will overtake and hopefully she will be smart enough to hide her power
once she is of a more conscious age.
Erethor snarled, suddenly angered, The magic in elflings are for their own
protection, she will be defenseless! Have you seen the humans act? Have you
heard them speak? They grunt. They are dirtier than the klorns.
Pandoras face hardened, Erethor, you are being despicable.
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Why? the King asked with dignity.

Let me see, she said, her eyebrows high on her forehead, You speak of the
humans as if they were animals and yet here we are using them as dice with
which we gamble Indildris life. If you were truly playing this game, would you so
easily cast these humans along the board?
You speak in riddles to seem wise, Erethor shot back.
You speak so plainly that is it obvious you do not think before letting the
unworthy words roll from from your tongue. she hissed.
Erethor was livid, he put his long fingers together and looked up, Id just like to
say that whilst you speak of the humans as vital, do not forget my daughter. Right
now I see you using her as your betting coins. I simply would like to state that that
is an awfully risky thing to do with a Kings child, especially when there is a
very...single-minded Queen right behind him who does not easily embrace the
empty handed gamer who played his family away.
I am quite aware of how Queen Rindis will react to this plan, Pandora said
quietly, her tone almost deadly, But are you?
A fair question, though Id like to think that I am. Erethor said.
You are still too reluctant, she said sighing.
You cant blame me.
Then why did you come?
I- the King faltered, I just wanted to see what sort of potion you would be
whipping up. I just thought perhaps it might help this time. I see I have misIm going to show you something. Perhaps it will render you to see sense, The
Sorceress cocked her head to one side.
Erethor nodded stiffly and followed as Pandora led him to a long spiraling
staircase. Together they entered into a small glowing room. At the center of it
there shimmered a stone mantelpiece.
Pandora walked swiftly to the back of the room and recuperated a crystal ball from
one of her cupboards. She put the glittering sphere into a gold dish and placed the
dish upon the stone table. The three items click into place and the ball began to
shine. Pandora then poured a translucent liquid over the globe and suddenly an
image materialized on it. Four ugly creatures of peach colored skin and matted
hair had suddenly flashed upon the orbs surface.
Those are humans. Erethor exclaimed, and then switched his gaze to the empty
phial, But I thought you ran out.
Moonlight never runs out Erethor, she cut impatiently, Just watch. she pointed
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to the mirage and suddenly a burning stake flared on the surface of the ball.
Are they burning someone? Erethor snarled with an angry incredibility, See!
Theyre barbaric! He breathed heavily and then sighed. What is with your
trickery? You tell me to respect the humans and yet daunt me with images of their
most unrespectable side.
To be in total control of things you must be aware of every aspect of them. If you
wish to enter and extract Arassel from the Earth world without her encountering
danger then you must know what youre up against.
How will this help her?
They are burning someone because they are scared. The humans are acting this
way because they claim to have seen whoever they are murdering perform acts of
magic. When your daughter will be young she wont be able to control herself. At
fifteen she will hopefully be intelligent enough only reveal herself in times of great
danger or discomfort! But as a child the instinct of practising her magic will be
unstoppable unless her eyes dart to her messy countertop, That is why my act
of protection is essential, because in the human world your daughters power will
not be appreciated, it will be punished.
Erethor put his head in his hands and sighed, As a King I have always acted for
the greater good, but sending my own daughter-
You have no choice! Pandora said urgently, her eyes widening in fear, We have
already spoken and planned for months! You cant go back now! The prophecy
matches the fate and birth time of your daughter exactly. Fourth full moon and the
shining of the tenth star. It fits. I checked everything the moment I sensed your
daughters arrival. Please, I know this is more than I have the right to ask, but
please, will you for as much as Indildris sake as yours, let her go?
Give the potion to me then. Erethor glanced at the witchs hands and then
added tiredly as if to justify his action, I will remind you that you have been
persistent.
Pandora nodded absentmindedly and pressed a small phial filled with a blue liquid
into his palm. This is only the sample.
When Erethor said nothing the sorceress spoke.You are not losing her. she
comforted, You areSelling her, Erethor finished, frustration welling up in him, I am selling her. his
voice was hoarse and shattered. He then lifted his head and as the light caught on
his eyes Pandora noticed the tears that shimmered and danced mournfully in
them.
With loss at what to do the Witch takes the King in her arms, Erethor, the fault is
not yours, you are doing nothing wrong. It is me who began this all, I created the
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river in my anger. The great weakness of mine is my emotions; the dawn river
flooded my castle and I cursed it to serve the cities for evermore. And I am sorry,
but I plead you not to take the guilt upon your shoulders. You are a strong elf,
Erethor, but your great empathy and rare kindness will kill you in the end. You
must believe you are doing right or you will destroy yourself: the only one
powerful enough to do so.
The sorceress felt the worry fill her too, and she cursed herself again, wishing with
all her heart she were of elf kin, and would not see the death of him or of anybody
when the battle would come. When she would fight, she could hurt and feel pain
but to die would be rare. She was stronger. She would see the fall of all of her
loved ones and would be able to do nothing.
Erethor opened his eyes. His voice quivered and his hands shook as he spoke,
Well, as this is all I came for I must be going, unless you intended, upon your
summon, to mention anything more.
Pandora answered the King by letting him go and giving to him two pendants that
she pulled from her cloak, one with an array of pale blue sapphires and one plain
pearl necklace, This is the memory of the prophecy that is currently missing only
one bead: the one you heard and will be able to explain, she gave him the
sapphires, I believe Rindis has the right to know our plans, she then smiled and
handed him the pearls, The rest you can enlighten for yourself.
But these gems hold the only existing recording of Helwens prophecy. Erethor
motioned at the sapphires, Surely they will prove useful later. Erethor handed
back the jewelry, And what of this? he asked, holding out the pearls, What else
are you willing to give away?
Pandoras eyes flashed, Those pearls are a gift to you. They were strung by the
dwarves and they radiate protection. You will need them. As for the rest, I am not
being reckless; these words will be no longer useful, in fact, they will only make
others more eager to change fate. The earlier they are forgotten the better. This
way, their last echo can be put to good use, besides, you need to hear the entire
prophecy, it is your right. She looked at her bandaged fingers, The only thing I
ask of you is that you hold back. Not all of the prophecy speaks of a good future
for your daughter. You already know this but remember to try changing fate is
the worst thing you can do.
Erethor felt his fingers clench the beads that were suddenly back in his hands,
What do you mean? his voice was deadly quiet, You swore to me no danger
would come to my daughter! You swore to me she would never be hurt! his
nostrils flared and his hands lit up with sparks of dark magic.
Pandoras fingers lit up with a deep violet fire but the moment the King saw her
raise her own defenses he buckled. Pandoras hands darkened once more and the
light in the room dimmed back to normal.
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Im sorry. Erethor said curtly.

You are weak. Pandora hissed, One does not challenge a sorceress so
carelessly.
The King bowed his head, the weight of his sorrow carrying him to the depths of
his anger.
Very well, Pandora treated his silence like a thousand words. She then stepped
forward and showed Erethor the door, Keep them secret, keep them safe. She
said grimly, There are only two who know of the content of this prophecy. By the
end of tonight there will be three. It would be best if things were kept that way.
Erethor stopped in his tracks, What about Helwen. Wont she know? She made
it.
Oracles never remember their prophecies. That is an old rule of magic.
The King closed his eyes and thought a bit more. Looking for gaps in the plan and
searching for reasons to give it up altogether. But he found nothing. Instead he
looked up and said, If you wanted to get rid of the evidence why didnt you tell
me?
Pandora looked vaguely surprised and somehow cheated, I-I, she seemed at a
loss of words, her hands shaKing, She knows. Pandora said hastily, The
Darkness knows, and she wants to find out exactly. It will be safer with you. Safer
in Erelis that is far away from the borders rather than here in Bragolel.
How? For the first time since he had known Pandora Erethor felt a twinge of
suspicion in her.
Rumor. History. The fact that everyone knows it repeats itself
Erethor raised an eyebrow.
Every major change Fate feels will strike Atva she rallies against with
prophecies. she explained, I suppose Mersutihiel is arrogant enough to think she
will be able to change Indildris someday.
Maybe not that arrogant if Fate saw the future and agreed with her. Erethor
muttered darkly.
Pandora clicked her tongue, Yes, well
Erethors fist tightened on the necklaces during the silence, So. What happens if I
am murdered tonight?
Pandora felt tears spring to the corners of her eyes as she caught herself being
thoroughly surprised by the question. And by how much it scared her to think
about. I dont know. Dont speak doomed words, dont utter curses. She stared
at anything but Erethors handsomely shadowed face, lit only by the candles, Im
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foolish for telling you. She pushed Erethor out into the wind, Go, go and dont
turn back. Be fast, be strong. She held her ringed fingers to her chest, The more
they sense your fear, worry and knowledge the more easily they will find you.
You could have brought them to me tonight. Erethor glanced at the prophecy
and phial in his hand, Why didnt you? He asked dangerously.
Pandoras lip trembled.
What are you afraid of? Erethor whipped around and put a hand on the door
before Pandora could shove him out the threshold so unceremoniously for the
likes of a King.
That she will find the one way to be invincible. That she will know how to and try
to change fate.
And this is the only way you could think of fixing things? Erethor asked with a
sad smile.
Pandora ignored him and pointed swiftly at the potion in his hand, It is just a
sample, only to see if Arassel is compliant with the ingredients. Then she added,
Dont worry, Fate is on our side. And that was the wrongest thing she had ever
said.
Then, as the sorceress smiled tightly, the doors swung shut and the King
confronted the night.
Running through the great plain before Pandoras lair he reached the trees and
mounted his horse. Trotting into the river he was torn away towards Erelis once
more. Gasping for breath he felt the air again and then the grass. His elven eyes
saw well in the dark, and his whitish hair whipped in the breeze. He lay low for a
few minutes before kicKing up his horse and cantering North. For a long time of
the way his path was clear but the tell-tale stomps of the klorn Klans feet led
Erethor to string an arrow onto his bow and stop his horse completely, the sound
and flashing of his movements nearly giving him away to the night.
Five. He muttered under his breath, Two with an axe, and two with maces.
None, so it seems, concealing knives, the last with rope, he sighed, Shh,
Oreliel. He held the reigns of his horse tightly and lay low on its mane. The night
was soundless until the distinct shadow of the great race appeared and Erethors
first arrow embedded itself in the first klorns forehead. The great figure toppled
and so did its silver rounded weapon. The move was necessary but Erethor
regretted revealing himself so soon. The moment the arrow whizzed from the
notch a tyrannic swinging of weaponry began to break loose.
All at once the other four emerged, their bald heads and muscular build shining in
the moonlight. The one with the mace swung at the King whilst the other with the
rope lunged to the ground and tied the legs of Oreliel, maKing the horse rear and
buck.
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Erethor dismounted his mare and dropped his bow, the klorns now at close range.
The bulkier one with the swinging weapon grazed Erethors fair face with his
mace. The golden blood of the elves rolled from his cheek.
The King snarled and grabbed an arrow from his quiver. He leaped forward and
stuck the head into the klorns chest. He howled and fell to the floor. The faint
smell of sweat and mine work filled the air and the King kicked the fallen klorn out
of his way. Erethor picked up his bow again and released another arrow into the
other mace-wraiths arm. The klorn dropped his weapon to the ground and in his
vulnerable moments Erethor picked a knife from his royal belt and relieved the
klorn from his pain instantly in the collar bone. Two were left. The one who was
quick with his fingers loosened the horses binds and Oreliel bent to the Kings
head and neighed.
Be swift to Erelis, explain nothing, just guide them. Erethor ordered in the slick
elven language, and the horse bolted.
Catch the donkey! the klorn with the axe bellowed, his beady eyes and
shrivelled ears taKing a second too long to decipher the Kings action, Its bound
for the city!
The rope carrier scrambled to his feet but Erethor knocked him down and drew
blood from the creatures nose. The klorn howled and then swung his string at
Erethors feet; his target now changed once more from steed to elf. He yanked on
the string and brought the nimble King to the ground. The klorn crawled to be
even with Erethors face and smiled toothily. He took a dagger from Erethors belt
and held it to the Kings neck, the last one with the axe laughing menacingly,
spinning his weapon around and sticKing it into the mud.
Where is it? the one with the rope said, blood gurgling to his mouth frothily, Tell
us.
Erethor felt the breath leave him as the klorns elbow pushed painfully into his
windpipe, his scrawny, bent body heavier and firmer than the King had perceived.
He tried to push the creature from him but the klorn was too solid in his place; he
chuckled and pushed the dagger closer and harder into Erethors neck. A second
bead of blood came to the surface of the Kings throat and he swallowed, his eyes
burning with a sudden antipathy.
The Miss will find a good use for you if you come quietly. The last axe-wraith
cackled. Poor elfling, have you lost your bow? the one with the rope giggled in a
simultaneous, mimicKing manner, blood dribbling from his lips and staining the
Kings white robes.
Heave him Gargle, the axe-wraith said, Hell talk once the Miss is finished with
him.
The rope klorn frowned and slowly considered. Nay, lets kill him and eat him. I
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havent had good meat for days. Gargle licked his cracked lips, The Miss said
she wants him dead anyway, and to never bring him to the Razine. Dont be
stupid Bubba; we dont want the Miss getting angry at us. Gargle looked away
from his prisoner. Erethor gasped as the klorn lay off of his neck.
The Razine... the King muttered to himself.
What was that? Bubba demanded sharply, taking in a breath. Erethor bared his
teeth in answer, Thats right. Bubba laughed, You justGargle yelped as his legs caught fire. The ropes around Erethors ankles turned to
ash and the Kings fingers were full of magic. Bubba came running at him but
Gargle got there first. Their weights combined held the King down long enough for
Bubba to yell at the panting Gargle to get some kind of phial.
Look its in his pocket, you fool! Bubba screeched.
Erethor stopped moving and his eyes widened. NoBubba grinned as Gargle took the small phial curiously from Erethors waist. The
King tensed and heard a low, grim whistle escape from Bubbas lips. Whats this?
I thought it was something important. Triumph played on the klorns face, Its
got sample written on it...I expect thisll stop the firefly lighting up, now, wont
it? Bubba grinned as Gargle force fed the King the bitter blue potion. Suddenly
the light of the moon seemed to disappear entirely and the Kings defiant
struggles slacked. With all his movement the once concealed prophecy had slid
out from beneath his tight robes.
Search him. Bubba ordered, Erethors vision blurred and his fingers went numb.
As the King lost consciousness the two klorns easily found the prophecy necklace
on his neck. Bubba, the biggest, took the blue jewels and put them on his thick
wrist, he then threw a heavy rock at Gargle.
Stone him. He ordered, It should be enough to kill him now hes so weak.
Mumbling incoherently, the smaller klorn hit the elf King in the temple and
dropped the rock, freshly splashed with gold, near Erethors head.
As the klorns departed from the clearing, the steadily growing bruise on Erethors
head turned a brilliant blue before suddenly disappearing altogether. The same
happened on his cheek and neck. It seemed that each time a cut was healed a
bead on the pearl necklace (that the klorns so foolishly ignored) disappeared too,
and instead of fifty beads, there were forty seven when the King finally awoke the
next morning among the many faces of the Erelis rangers and hearing the
constantly nervous snorts of his horse, Oreliel.

Chapter 2: Rindis of Melltholl

The following morning, Queen Rindis of the eastern elves of Erelis, heard the blare
of the elven horn and the cry of the butler.
The King is back!
Rindis awoke suddenly, her daughter sleeping soundly at her side. Kina! she
exclaimed. A few moments later a ginger maid entered. What is all this? Rindis
asked, disoriented and seemingly exhausted.
Rindis, she approached the Queen, her fingers intertwining with themselves in
worry, The King is ill; he has been taken immediately to the infirmary.
Rindis stood warily, pushing Kina back as she rushed to her aid, No, stay with my
daughter. Be sure she does not wake. Thank you. she said, before turning to
leave.
Kina cradled the newborn and waved as the Queen sprinted down the stairs and
into the sick basket.
Erethor. She growled, coming to the King, his body entwined with vines and his
head held in an elf healers lap as he fed him nectar, What were you doing?
Erethor ignored his wife. Thank you, he motioned for the healer to leave. As the
doors shut behind the elf maiden Erethor finally turned to the Queen, wincing,
Thank god youre here. Now I can finally speak to someone who will actually
carry out my order. he sighed and then began urgently, Theyve been taken.
He said weakly, I need you to send rangers all through the Broken Wood and
across the northern Melltholl Mountains. Oh and the Razine! The Razine, it is there
that the Dark Lady hides! It is of the utmost importanceErethor! Rindiss eyes flashed purple, her hands searching for the bow that
usually adorned her back. You left last night. I want to know where!
Please just call to the rangers, this is important, no one has listened to me all
night, they tell me rest my King but I cannot rest, not until- he wheezed and
held his head wincingly. The initial bruise was gone but he felt a constant
pounding in his forehead and his eyes were always blinKing as if the sun were too
much for him.
You are pitiable, Rindis snarled at him before calling to an elf. She conversed
quickly and urgently in a slick tongue until their talKing stopped and the elf left
determinedly to signal to the rangers.
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Now... Rindis said dangerously.

Erethor sighed. Pulling off the vines that held him to the bed, he sat up and
handed his wife the forty seven pearls. Wear them, before I speak, promise to
wear them.
Rindis raised an eyebrow as she pushed the beads away, Jewels will not pardon
your foolishness, Erethor.
The King again ignored her scorn and tightened his grip on the necklace, he then
continued almost business-like, I left to speak with Pandora.
The sorceress, Rindis frowned, You visit her often. At least she is not a traitor
like Helwen, but a witch cannot be trusted. I never liked her, even from the start.
She is too old, and has too many friends we are not acquainted with.
Pandora can be trusted, the King pressed, I have known her for many years,
and she has her reasons to hate the Dark Lady.
Rindis sneered suddenly, The Dark Lady. That is what everyone calls her, but you
are a King Erethor, you cannot afford to be afraid.
I am not afraid, Erethor said softly, I am careful. Her name outspoken can be
dangerous at times like these.
And what of your outing, she asked, Was that careful of you?
I-
You have a very odd way of being careful, Erethor.
The King closed his eyes, I did what I had to do, the prophecy was not safe with
Pandora andOh, yes I had nearly forgotten about the trustworthy witch! However, I am
beginning to wonder if she had released you off into an ambush! Erethor looked
up to argue but Rindis added coldly, It doesnt matter how you wish to phrase it,
quite plainly, that is what she did. She gave you the prophecy in order to get it off
her hands and then let you leave to be welcomed into the arms of five klorns
against one! How will you find an excuse for her now?
She was afraid. She felt she knew too muchAnd decided to leave you kindly with the burden of the knowledge she once
thought as dangerous, Rindis paused, Is that the kind of person you are
defending? I find that you have very odd ways of trusting and choosing whom is
trustworthy. Hmm, tut tut Erethor, is this the way a King should act? So carelessly,
so thoughtlessly! Might I prompt you with the vital memory that you have a family
now and Erethors eyes sparkled shamefully, Enough of this. Listen closely. He pointed at
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the windows, Shut them, use a soundproof spell.

Rindis glared at her husband, her fingers itching with black sparks.
Now! Erethor snarled, We dont have time for this!
I will remind you that you have a city to rule, and two daughters to raise, Rindis
slashed at the door and it locked, You cannot be so reckless anymore!
Rindis sit. You havent even heard the half of it and already you are angry.
Of course I am angry! Rindis shrieked, losing her wit to disbelief.
The King cocked his head and sighed resignedly, There is a lot more. I would
advise you to save your energy.
That is reassuring news, Rindis answered, lividly.
You could kindly take it that way, the King shot back sarcastically, irked and
obviously not expecting her lack of cooperation, despite his false reassurances to
Pandora.
The Queen ignored his remark and began slowly, her curiosity getting the best of
her, Well everything starts with something, what does this tale or should I say
excuse begin with?
A prophecy. Erethor answered grimly, One made by Helwen many years ago.
Pandora was luckily present at the time of the prophecys delivery and was able to
recall and later record what she had so coincidentally heardCoincidentally? Rindis interrupted. Arent all prophecies recorded by someone
else than the oracle, and if so, why is it so coincidental this time?
Yes all that are remembered in history are recorded by another being, but
perhaps not all prophecies are recorded in the first place? Erethor waved his
hand airily, So after Pandora witnessed her sisters prophecy she spoke the words
of which she could recall and enchanted them into the dragon of the wests
sapphire claws, encasing them in the jewels and keeping them for later reference.
Is this clear?
And what exactly, did the prophecy say? Rindis asked haughtily, disregarding his
question.
It spoke of the destruction of an evil. Also of great peril and loss. he looked
away, And evidently, it spoke briefly of sacrifice, as most do. he said hastily.
Rindis growled, Briefly, I doubt it. she stood up, But of course, you Erethor
stepped up for the job! Rindis began angrily, her mind whirring and her thoughts
forming, Of course, you great generous King stepped up and was prepared to
lose all for the world. That is one of your many great traits, I agree, but when it
comes to maKing decisions that will put us in danger - then I am afraid I cannot
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support you. Think about Prayer! You have two children now, one that is less than
a day old! You cannot be so kind anymore, not when the world has increasingly
begun to become so cruel.
When all else is turning evil, should one follow in its footsteps and resign. No, I
think not, it is when the bad comes that often the best of the good shines out. You
are ignorant if you expect Indildris to beat evil with evil and neglect. I am sorry if
my actions will hurt you. They have hurt me too, but I cannot let you expect me
not to act at all. Erethor closed his eyes and then continued, Now, if you wish to
speak of accusations then, first of all, he said defiantly, I did not step up for
anything. Over the years Pandora noticed that the prophecy could have been
according to our family. Only a few months ago, the Witchs suspicions became
confirmed when you were said to give birth to our second child. For a lack of
better words, the prophecy spoke to me first, if you will.
Rindis cocked her head impatiently, Fine. Fine.
Now, going back to what I had mentioned before - the prophecy spoke about the
destruction of evil and Pandora thinks that The Dark Lady; or as you say we
should call her: Mersuithiel, is indeed that named evil. Of course, now you are
beginning to see how things are tying together?
Rindis nodded her head, Mersuithiels disappearance from the face of Neteliar,
her being sighted in Ibeldurn. her voice was gravelly and quiet.
Yes, all that. However, to specify, the real danger is actually where in Ibeldurn,
not the sighting in Ibeldurn itself. Erethor coughed, If I remember well, then it
was among the Eastern ends of the Axe Mountains that Draugw last took refuge
after his servant, Morosauv, died in the last War of Indildris; and if I am not further
mistaken then it was also there that Mersuithiel was seen by the monthly scouts.
Rindis eyes widened, Then it is from he thatShe learnt her Necromancy. Yes, she had the privilege to be taught by the best.
In fact, she learnt the lore from the maker. Which is indeed grave news.
But Draugw of Saridon is gone! the Queen exclaimed with a delirious laugh,
He was said to have disappeared on the eve of Morosauvs death.
Yes, yes, but the scouts do not lie and he was seen. Plotting, cursing and very
much alive. Erethor explained, Draugw never died Rindis, he is too impure, too
terrible to be embraced in any way by Deaths arms. He will not die of old age, if
he is to be exterminated then it is to be by anothers hand, he must be
murdered.
And I am assuming this prophecy explains how. Rindis says tremblingly.
No, no, not at all. For now, our main target is Mersutihiel. For she is constantly
underestimated and very stubborn. She has a shady past which I myself must
13

admit I do not know much of, but those who have little to lose and a lot to take
revenge on are very dangerous apprentices.
So she left to Ibeldurn, the land of the klorns, to seek the old teacher and take
revenge upon the country that never gave her enough power. Is that so?
Aye, but you merely forget two things. The first is that Draugw of Saridon is not
just an old teacher, he is the creator of Necromancy and the first elf to move to
Ibeldurn. He knows much of the klorns and is wise in how to manipulate them.
Klorns are not stupid creatures, they are simply full of hatred and anger towards
the elves and those who took luxury and prosperity away from them. They are not
to be blamed too harshly. Erethor took a deep breath, Secondly, you have
forgotten that all of the mortal Lithuists are dead now. All of the light wraiths were
killed by Morosauv so now there is only one way to oppose Necromancy. And that
way is by consulting Ivlisar, the Last Lithuist. Unfortunately an effective
apprenticeship can take longer than the time that we have, but it seems our only
choice.
Rindis sighed, What you say sounds like a lot for merely two things I had
forgotten.
That is true. then Erethor smiled as he noticed Rindis dramatic change is
expression, You are not a fool, I see. Fools do not take stories as jokes. These are
not rumors, these are facts. Evidence of how afraid Indildris should be at present
was brought to Pandora after she sent her spies to the klorn Lands. Out of seventy
sent to Ibeldurn, only three survived. Mersuithiel is a dangerous woman, though
many have come to underestimate her.
This seems like a lot for Pandora to know and not share. Rindis looked suddenly
uncertain again.
Erethor glanced at the floor anxiously, You have to believe me Rindis, he
pleaded.
After long moments Rindis began to feel that for the moment, the least she could
do was hear the whole story, What is there to do? What is there to fear?
Well, our priority is stopping Mersuithiel right now.
Why is that? Why not Draugw? Rindis said.
Erethor inhaled shakily, his patience clearly waning, Draugw is becoming old;
yes he is all powerful, yes he is practically immortal but the world is sick of him!
What you dont understand is that he has tampered and altered his life so much
that now he is old! Simply old! To ever regain his strength he will need to regain
his power. He is not able to carry out his own plans because he is too weak. He
knows that his magic is far more powerful than any, but in a physical combat he
would have to flee. His body is able to contain outrageous amounts of magic but if
he were ever to try to channel that magic, it would most likely tire him at a
14

ridiculously fast rate.

So were ignoring a scarily powerful threat just because hes old?
No, were simply addressing the more pressing problem first: Mersuithiel, a
young reckless, brainwashed girl who doesnt know the half of what she has put
herself through.
Rindis thought for a moment before she spoke, All I wanted to bring up was the
possibility that Mersuithiel is Draugws distraction.
Erethor opened his mouth for a second and then closed it again. He considered
this for a a second and then finally shook his head, I doubt it, though if you had
said puppet I might have agreed with you. What I think is that once Mersuithiel is
done with overtaking Indildris, Draugw will allow her to live just long enough to
finish charming and gaining the klorns trust before he will kill her off and rule the
two countries of Ibeldurn and Indildris himself. If you look at things in that context,
I wouldnt be sure if distraction would be the right word.
Rindis looked hesitant to agree but eventually nodded.
He will feed on power and his body will slowly regain its strength from spending
more time in the sun rather than hiding away in dark, damp, caverns. The only
thing that could be a major setback is Ivlisar.
Rindis eyes widened admiringly, Ivlisar is definitely something to be worried
about.
Ivlisar, the last person on Atva who is able to counterattack Necromancy, is
something that Draugw will have clearly given thought to before. However,
despite the obviousness of Indildris only weapon, I think Ivlisar still thankfully
remains and can be still considered as our one advantage.
So what else is there?
Oh yes, Erethor said edgily, I thought wed come to this he put his fingers
to his temples, Well, there is still to consider the fact that if Mersuithiel gets her
hands on the prophecy then she would be very capable of turning the tables if
that should ever happen of c-
Unfortunately, on that aspect, you have already very nearly failed... Rindis said
jesterfully despite the evident panic in her voice like a badly hidden innuendo.
Erethor ignored her and swallowed bitterly. Yes well
What exactly does the prophecy warn her of, anyway? Rindis continued breezily,
a small smile on her lips.
Its not that really, its just that nobody knows of the prophecy except for us, not
even Mersuithiel knew of its existence, until recently. Thats why we have to send
15

out Rangers to find the klorns that are to bring the prophecy to her. So far
Mersuithiel is only curious of the rumors that are speaking of a prophecy referring
to her, she only thinks it might be of importance. However, if Mersuithiel does
hear the prophecy she will discover that there are two ways fate can go. Erethor
didnt take a single breath.
Two ways?
Yes, although this is the first time a prophecy offers two options of destiny,
Pandora is sure that every line has separate meanings. One is that the Darkness is
defeated by the four racesBut there are only three. Rindis interrupted bluntly.
Three that we know of, one some do not, Erethor corrected.
Rindis gripped the side of the Kings bed, her knuckles turned white and green
and blue fissures popped out amongst the rare paleness of her hands. She took a
deep breath her eyes flickering in between blackness and the dim light of the
infirmary. It seems that she had gotten over her doubts and pride, and finally she
was beginning to see that perhaps there was truth in her husband's outlandish
words until now. What...IAfter a moment the King spoke, his eyes glimmering with an odd, reflective pity.
You do know of the Dawn River, dont you, South from Lirhatael?
Rindis swallowed, The cursed river, Pandora turned it into a means of travel as
punishment for flooding her castle, didnt she? Apparently, one can give an
offering to the water and state where they wish to go and in seconds they will
arrive there, or at least as near as possible. It is an old legend though; one
Pandora has taken to telling often, and one known by even the oldest in Atva.
A legend, Erethor smiled, Who said it was a legend?
I recall that Pandora herself began to admit it didnt exist the last times we
spoke with her. I dont understand. How could you know more of its existence
than her, the creator? Rindis shook her head, Erethor, where is this coming to?
Erethor scowled, If you would let me, I will explain this story fully.
Sometimes I think you dont understand. Rindis said with tears brimming the
rims of her chocolate brown eyes, Cant you see? I dont want to know all this. I
didnt want my questions to lead to all this. I just want to know why you are hurt.
Why you are in pain. Inside and out. How you came to this, and how I can make
sure it never happens again. She said quietly, pointing shakily at his chest that
was rising and falling with great difficulty. Look at you.
Erethor held her out-stretched hand, Sometimes the truth is the hardest thing to
hear. If you want me to tell you lies I would do so gladly if I knew it was for the
best. But it is not. Keeping you in the dark would be dangerous for all of us. There
16

are things you must know, Rindis. There is nothing I can do.
The Queen bowed her head and said nothing so the King took advantage of her
silence and carried on.
Over the years Pandora has told Indildris of her creation of the Dawn River,
Erethors tone was lighter now, less harsh, less impatient, But none believed her.
She was a known tale-weaver in her time and so most thought it was simply a
new thing she wished to tell to amuse the children. When she began to insist it
was true people asked her to prove it, and when she brought them to the black
bays, those who said they would bathe, recoiled. The dark surface looked
poisoned, and nobody wished to fall into the Sorceress trap. When she said she
would show them, she simply disappeared into the water. But still none believed
her, for witches can become invisible and come and go as they please, so it still
remains an old myth; that of the Dawn River. But what if I were to tell you that Ive
bathed in it? What if I was to tell you Ive been in the Dawn River, and successfully
travelled through it?
I would tell you to rest my King, her tone was playfully but her eyes were hard
in doubt.
Erethor carried on determinedly to gain her belief, I was at Pandoras Lair last
night, even on bird-back it would take more than the mere hours of the night to
get there; it is on the other side of Indildris. The only way to have gotten there in
less than a month would have been by river-travel. The King took a breath, I
went to the edge of the Dawn River by horse, which we have proof of if you take
one look at Oreliel, and then I stepped in the water, gave my rite of passage; the
pendant from Lisathuin, he pointed at his bare neck as proof, and was whipped
away to Pandoras Lair!
You are being cruel, Erethor, if you expect me to believe this! She tried to sound
doubtful but her voice trembled and her fingers were fiddling with her cloak hem.
She was afraid. Afraid that all of this could be true. Afraid that all of this would
surely lead to so much worse.
She had no idea.
Speak as you may, but I tell you from my own experience that I the river works.
Erethor continued above her protests, If what I say is true then it would make
perfect sense that nobody knew about it because nobodys actually used it before
except for the sorceress and I. So as the years pass the river is faithful until finally
the magic fades off in one section of the river.
At first, Pandora was not aware of this until there was word of a sighting; a
sighting that Helwen, the sorceress of the east, disappeared into the river, and for
all the rangers in Indildris they could not find her until three days after. Pandora, in
Helwens absence thoroughly searched the place that she had gone and finally
discovered that the river had broken free from the curse and was working as a
17

void into another world. A void that instead of waiting for your location, whipped
you off into the human lands and took not youre offering but one that it seemed
fit; for example something that was in the water at the same moment perhaps. So
say I had a ring that I lost in the water, and at the same exact moment that I had
lost my ring, another in the human world had lost a pendant in the river. As quick
as the sun sets I would have a pendant and the human would have a ringWait! Rindis shouted out, Wait, please, just, what are humans.
Ah, yes, Im sorry, Erethor laughed maniacally, Humans he paused, Are the
fourth race, and they live directly above us, in a separate world which we would
not be able to reach were it not for the Dawn River.
Then that was followed by an endless silence in which Rindis attempted to string
enough words together to express, to her satisfaction, the extent of her disbelief.
It is, Rindis finally inhaled shakily, A lot to take in.
Indeed, Erethor smiled wearily, I thank you, you are listening very well,
perhaps not digesting as well as I had hoped, but swallowing, yes. You are doing
wonderfully. He smiled tightly, Now when Pandora studied the River bed in
which it was cursed, she waited the whole three days by the river with desperate
vigilance until finally her sister emerged from the river, beaten and bewildered,
her eyes wide and her face dirty with soot. On seeing Helwen in such a fashion,
Pandora predicted that the sorceress of the east would begin babbling like a mad
person, and so she erased her sisters memory and led her away to her keep,
where she would be safe to recover. Unfortunately, two things stayed in Helwens
mind, and it was in vain that Pandora tried to take them away. Small-klorns and
Flying-River, was all that poor Helwen could remember, and as smart as all
sorceresses are, it will not take her long to put the pieces together. Luckily, she
does not know the full meaning of the plot, but if Mersuithiel takes over Helwen as
Morosauv, the Grandfather of Death did; then this information will be dangerous in
the Evils hands.
What information? she barely knows anything.
That is what you think, but Mersuithiel has ways of extracting memories from
people. She has ways of finding the smallest of traces.
And you spoke of a plot. What plot? Rindis asked coldly, her suspicious glare
intense on her husbands face, Is there something I dont know.
Rindis, Erethor felt the blood drain from his face, You must understand, thatErethor! now Rindis was on her feet, a black light dancing in her eyes and
purple flames decorating her slender fingers.
The only way to defeat Mersuithiel is to become allies with the humans! his lips
were shaking now and he struggled to rally against the droning muttering of his
18

wife. If she gets there before us then she will be millions and we will still be
thousands and all will be lost. That is the second way of the prophecy; her
becoming invincible. Pandora called me one evening because the prophecy
matched perfectly with our daughter!
Rindis whole body was spasming now.
We are not enough people; we will need the humans to be enough to be called
an army at all! Erethor tried desperately to calm her, to soothe her, And I beg
you to understand that the only way is to send our daughter into the upper world
and switch her with a human. We must introduce human to elf and elf to human
before it is too late, please, I ask onlyIbea des wilgur fiantra zibon! Abrupt understanding dawned on her face as she
shot dark electric blue flames at Erethor. But he was on his feet now and he
blocked them with the swish of his hand.
Thats enough! Erethor bellowed.
No! No its not! the vibrations of her anger smashed the glass on the window
panes and sent a green fog to the Kings eyes. Erethor sent a spring of water to
weigh the mist down and send it, flaming, to the ground. But that was not enough
to calm the Queen in rage.
She threw wind gust after wind gust, leaving the already weak King breathless
upon the floor.
For your children, Rindis! he yelled desperately and for a second she stopped.
She cocked her head and she let tears stream down from her eyes like
rainshowers then the second was gone and her anger returned - but more
halfhearted this time.
I cant think like that- I cant I never could just unlessIn his wife's hesitation the King had enough time to duck the last three breezes
that were still shooting from her palms of their own accord and mutter his own
enchantment. Sighing, he sent a sleep-current towards the Queen and in seconds
Rindis was toppling over and losing her anger into slumber.
Erethor rushed to her side and wept, softly, but with tears of silver, streaming and
streaming, even without sound. He unclipped the necklace of pearls from his neck
and placed it onto the Queens.
How could you take her from me? Rindis said, with her eyes hard and hateful
and yet her voice soft and sleepy, How could youNo, Erethor said quietly, I am not taking her from you; I am taking her from us.
From us Rindis.
19

And the Queens head fell limp; her no longer radiant face relaxing, her beautiful
features changing from contorted in rage back to calm, her dark hair brushing her
cheekbone and her eyes fluttering shutas she was swept into a restless dream.

Chapter 3: The Bargain

The King and the Queen stood beside each other, their robes the traditional sky
blue in the case of such a ceremony. Before them the royal balcony and the elves
of Erelis awaited them and the speech to be made before the bathing.
I have it all seen by, Erethor comforted, Today will be born a Mayors son, and
immediately after birth I have observed that the humans wash their children, just
like elfish custom except instead of a week later they clean them instantly. Beside
the Mayors home is the void, and we must bathe Arassel at the same moment as
they bathe their son, or else all is done.
It is funny, Rindis said softly, dreamily, rocking the baby absentmindedly in her
arms as she spoke, That you should name her Maiden without a Path.
The King shrugged, Your namesake is not your future, but it gives you hope, at
least something to follow when finally the time is right. I believe one day she will
have a choice, even if now she has been given the opportunity to make none. As
for me, Erethor is not my name for nothing.
Mmm. I think Uniter suits you well, Rindis does not smile, but her eyes lighten,
and the anger that had taken time to leave was finally seeping away, The Tale
familly will have received a beautiful daughter.
I think so too. Erethor looked down at the Queen and sighed, I do hope
Prayothl shall not be tricky with her human brother, she was so glad to hear
Arassel would be a girl.
I think Prayer will understand. We must believe in her, like we must depend on so
many other things and people in this world.
Erethor nodded and took the blonde and blue eyed baby from its mother, Come
Arassel, he said softly, I will see you again. Despite the sureness of his words,
his voice faltered and the sentence ended like a question, on a higher note and
peppered with the distinctness of hope.
Rindis felt a tear prick her eye and she let it fall, cool against her cheek. She let it
meander down her face like a memory in the action of being lost. Slow, gradual,
easy to allow now that you know you have no control over it anymore. You will
have a whole day of feast and song to spend with her. The Queen smiled through
her wet lips.
Actually I will need to speak with Helwen, so it will be your honor to bathe her in
the water.
20

And what of the gifts? Rindis sighed, Who will hand her the bow and her first
arrow?
Pandora has offered to help, Erethor answered, As you know I wouldnt miss
this day with you and Arassel for the world, but unfortunately, ironically and
typically, it seems that the world is at stake. Helwen knows too much, and unless I
ask of her alliance soon, then it will be too late.
What of the rangers? Its been a week now! Have they found the prophecy?
Rindis asked, her face plagued anew with worry.
Im not telling, Erethor smiled, There is nothing you should worry about, today.
The King said, then he swooped down, kissed his daughter on the forehead and
took his wifes cheek in his hand.
Just as he turned to leave the looming figure of Pandora emerged from the
threshold.
Ah, Erethor said as he saw her, Is there something you wish toIm sorry. she said, her eyes glistening pleadingly, guilt ebbing through her olive
skin, almost visible it was so strong.
I am safe.
For everything. she continued quietly. I also came to give you this. she added
hastily as she rummaged through her navy cloak and then pushing yet another
phial of blue liquid into his hand.
The fourteen year restraint. Erethor took it briskly, Thank you. And then he
pushed passed her to go and meet Helwen where he had asked of her.
Rindis peered through the door suspiciously, Pandora looked away bashfully in
answer to Rindis cold stare, and then the witch disappeared.
***
It is indeed an honor, my lord, Helwens green cat-like eyes and hazel brown
hair shimmered in the sunlight of the Palace Gardens. She looked around, always
scrutinizing always suspecting, her distrustful glare masked by a nearly generous
wonder, If there is something you called here me for I pray of you to proceed.
Erethor laughed, Why so tense innocent cousin?
Helwen laughed silkily but her answer proved to be quite cold, When chosen a
sorceress, the blood of the elves disappears from our veins and our ears are
rounded and bodies bolder. I am not your cousin, Erethor. Do not forget it.
Fair enough, it is often said a witch is always right, by pride or by purpose.
Erethor said lightly.
21

Yes, Helwen agreed frostily, What a curse. Now, about this ceremonious calling
that has been so unfortunately planned on the eve of your daughters
christening?
The King sighed, If it is of that you wish to speak so soon- he stopped abruptly
and then continued slowly, - then I should suggest we move inside. He showed
Helwen the door to his study and walked in after her. A sound-proof spell,
please. Erethor spoke stiffly and urgently.
What did you see?
Only a shadow and a shake in the trees. The King laughed at himself, We can
only be too careful these days, but perhaps I merely shook off a bird.
Robins are merry things, but with dark magic they can be easily taught to relay
messages. Helwen pulled the curtains closed and muttered under her breath. I
daresay that should keep much more than the common bird from nosing.
Then all else can be left unattended to, I doubt a klorn with its keen listening
ears could enter my boundaries unseen. At least I hope it. Erethor said grimly. He
turned towards the sorceress and offered her a seat, You are aware of all the
turmoil spilling through Indildris and Ibeldurn at present I am sure. And you are
also aware of the rumored rise of Mersuithiel, are you not?
Of course, but I have never been sure what rise means. Helwen pondered,
Mersuithiel is just a poor girl who wished to leave Indildris and learn of Ibeldurn.
She then accidentally met Draugw of Saridon on the way and was taught
Necromancy. Not all Necromancers work for the negative. Helwen cocked her
elegant head to one side.
Erethor put a hand under his chin in thought, You know much, and you defend
her, is there something you wish to deny me. An alliance perhaps? the King
asked coldly.
I did not say so, Helwens eyes turned to slits, But your accusation was a quick
one, I observe the old division between me and the rest of the world has not yet
crumbled. But let me tell you something. If you do not trust me, then why should I
trust you?
But this has always been the question, Helwen, Erethor pointed out, Trust is a
fickle friend, but once it sets, it sets like the stone in the heart of the mountain.
That you have never understood. My fathers death was an accident, I believe you
to that extent. Erethor clenched his fists, Perhaps your self-exile and extensive
improvement on your castle saftey borders was a wise move at the time but I
cannot say I believe you when you say you loved my father or that when he
abandoned you as future Queen the eve your gift of sorcery was given to you you
had felt as if some line of trust had broken in between you because I dont think
that a true trust had ever set.
22

Helwens mouth changed from its indifferent line of silent fury to a slightly
surprised, barely open, state. You dontMy father was scared like any other. the King continued, Witches are special
races, a scarce one with incredible power and goodness, but when put to the
wrong use, witches are dangerous. He trusted you but he did not trust the witch
inside.
You cant try to justify your fathers infidelity and then expect me toActually, yes. I can. Erethor had no interest in sounding arrogant but he was too
busy trying not to scream. Not to cry. It was her fault in the end it was all herYou were so torn by his decision to leave you and to marry another that you
swore never to trust again. Erethor waited for her to answer. To defend herself.
But she said nothing. And that made it so much harder to hate her. She almost
looked sorry
Thus, when he asked for your help in the war of Morosauv, you never really
trusted. He asked for aid with their barricade on the borders of the Broken Wood.
You offered a tempest of weapons.
The sorceress nodded.
One that rained swords, hailed arrows, snowed bows and threw spears of
lightning. Helwen looked away, the tears in her eyes glistening with shame, It
was a great work of magic, a small, awkward smile leaped to her lips, the
amazed and fascinated smile of a witch, one that sees beauty not in death
exactly, but the way of it, I labored at it for weeks, and finally when I got it right I
couldnt call it to rain.
There was a deadly, deadly quiet.
Your father ran under the storm, trusting it to protect him and, Helwens smile
faded.
And Erethor had heard this story countless of times but he knew that to crack
the regrown the shell of the sorceress he had to put pressure on the old fault lines.
And I called again, somewhat knowing that the weapons would fall on the wrong
party. But still I called and sang until finally the first sword fell and implanted itself
in the chink above the neck of your fathers armor. He fell and his horse sheltered
him from the arrows that followed. When the tempest died down, the klorns,
aware with the storm now, were careful running through, and soon the forest was
taken over and King Esdilvor was breathing his dying breaths. Helwens green
eyes flickered a defiant grey, fighting with shame and the sadness like a tigress, I
heard him. He didnt say my name, he said yours. And I could swear to you he
glared at me beneath the dead legs of his horse before falling on his knees and
leaving for the stars.
23

Pandora gave me a gift some weeks ago. Erethor, upon hearing the word star
remembered of something hed been waiting to ask Helwen for days. A theory of
his.
Mm
A silver horse. She said it was a gift from my father. I took it. He was beautiful,
and besides there was something about that mare. He ran faster than the others,
and shone brighter than the other white horses. In fact, he reminded me much of
the morning star, the legendary sun of the King. I named him Oreliel. I believe you
gave my father this horse a long time ago?
After a deep breath she answered,Yes.
This is just a guess but knowing you are the sorceress of the sea and the sky - I
was wondering if you had originally made him from ocean foam The King tilted
his head to one side in question, It is just a guess though.
A fine one, Helwen answered, And youre right, your father received Oreliel
from me what seems like ages ago. The horse died with his master and I made
him a star. My sister, Pandora, did some of her own more extensive research on
Necromancy as a young witch and was able to recreate Oreliel from his death as a
star spirit. I dont know how she did it, but according to you it seems she managed
fairly well.
So it was my fathers horse. Erethor leaned back in his chair.
Helwens eyes twinkled, It looks like. She confirmed, Now. What am I really
here for?
The smile on Erethors face did not disappear but his eyes darkened. He wasnt
surprised by her question and so he gave her the answer slowly but openly. No
innuendos. No white lies. Trust.
Your alliances have always been for your own benefit, He started carefully, All
of your previous friends have offered you something. Gold. Freedom. Power.
Love But I offer you choice. Something youve never had the luxury to
experience before. A choice that will certainly change things but not hurt you. You
have complete freedom in answering.
Helwen doesnt know how to react. So she says and does nothing. Only staring
with wide, guiltily curious brilliant blue eyes.
Slight warning. Erethor flashes a grin, I will not pay you, I will not give you
reputations, and I am in no position to offer you power but but I will give you my
trust and my honor if you choose to be my ally. To be the ally of all of Indildris. The
dwarves, the elves and soon, the King took a breath, the humans too.
Helwens eyes widened and she burnt the ebony armrest of her chair with a
purple fire that began to fly from the edges of her fingers, her hand grip was tight
24

and white.
But Erethor carried on as if nothing on the witchs beautiful face had changed. I
will give you the right to fight for what you believe in. I ask you to join the elves,
the dwarves and the humans in the rumored war. The war I will take the liberty to
call, the battle of the Four Races.
And it was then that it seemed as if a roll of memories began to shoot through
Helwen once more. Her eyes widened and turned a violent shade of blood-red. Her
face became contorted and her hair began to blow as if caught in an inexistent
gust of wind. Humans, she muttered to herself, Humans, humans, humans.
Then she looked up, her crimson pupils dilating wildly, I see you know more of
me than you have let on. She whispered icily, And here you amble about,
preaching to me about trust. She paused, So I will ask you again. How can I trust
you if it is clear you will never trust me? she stood, as if ready to fight or flee.
Helwen, Erethors fingers were dancing dangerously close to the dagger at his
belt. He did not carry his bow around with him inside the house. It was the only
weapon he could ever hope beating Helwen with. Magic was out of question and
so his accuracy against her distracted madness was something he was willing to
banter with. His hand curled around the kifes hilt and he waited. Try talking to
her first, he said to himself, Trust.
Helwen I demand you sit and let me explain.
The sorceress sneered.
Listen to me! The King was getting desperate. I only learnt of your trip to the
human world recently. Pandora told me of how you nearly got burnt on a stake,
but let me tell you; not all humans are like that. And if you ever wish to dream of
seeing this world in the claws of Mersuithiel then leave, leave and do not listen to
me if you think you know better! The King was harsh, his eyes menacing and his
patience on the very verge.
Helwen said nothing. She only sat, deathly pale, once more on her charred chair,
her face full of the most difficult emotions to explain and yet the clearest to see,
thus the hardest to look at.
Thank you. Erethor showed no relief on his face but his shoulders relaxed and
his hand retracted from the inside of his cloak and away from his belt, I have not
been spying on you. I have only realized that this war will be harder than the
many others we have fought and that the citizens of Indildris will need more than
the many elves and the fierceness of the dwarves to survive this. He let out a low
sigh, I believe that each sorceress of the sea and sky is also an oracle?
Helwen nodded. Her eyes had lost their terrible shade and were now a soft amber.
Glowing softly.
25

And that you would not remember the content of your prophecy even seconds
after making it yourself. The King said, this time not waiting for confirmation, On
the fourth full moon Pandora recorded your prophecy and caught your words in
the sapphire claws of Epquedral, the dormant dragon of the western mountain.
Your sister kept the prophecy for years, unable to understand it at all. Then, one
night, she came to me, and crushed one sapphire before my eyes, mingled with
moons milk. That sapphire only held a fraction of the prophecy, so only one
knows truly the full context of it, but I heard enough. I heard enough to finally see
that after my first daughter Fate would bless and yet curse me with another. A
daughter that I will be unable to love or have with me, a daughter that will have to
be sent to the humans through the accidental portal of the Dawn River, the one
you discovered, and be used to bring the two unacquainted races together, in
order to overcome Mersuithiel.
You are brave. Far barver than I will ever be. Sacrifice is perhaps the bravest
thing to do. Helwen acknowledged grimly, But there must be a way to soothe
the pain. A bit. Couldnt you send her at a more mature age, at a time when she is
able to have been explained the way of the plan? It would be more logical too.
I wouldnt dream of it, Erethor said, The more I come to know Arassel the
harder it will be to let her go. Besides, the older one is the easier to have less pity
for. I doubt even the barbarism of the humans would go as far as to burn a baby.
Anyway, the point of this is to grown trust. The humans must raise Arassel
themselves or the plan will never work.
Helwen frowned, This is not right.
It is happening.
But-
Your answer.
Silence.
Allies? Erethor pressed.
There was reluctance and wariness in her voice as she replied, Allies. For now.
The King stood, only being able with great strain to hide his relief, I must get rid
of you then before you can possibly change your mind.
The sea and the tide have not yet married, Helwen reminded with a sleek little
laugh, the texture of satin; smooth and slippery, There is still yet to come and yet
to change.
Youre right, but as long as things do not change of your own accord then all
should be well, for I am convinced Fate will lead you along the proper path.
Erethor smiled and waved the sorceress out, her eyes flashing golden and her lips
seeming fuller than before.
26

***

Down by the void, the Dawn River rushed and clashed. The only portion of the
entirety of Pandoras creation that had managed to defy the witchs curse seemed
like a raging fire in the midst of a raining sky. The one hundred meters of chaos
gushed and flourished in the feisty disorder and then past the angry boundaries
re-flowed in an orderly manner, calm and serving, thin and trickling.
Beneath Queen Rindiss feet this stream ran and her eyes became overcome with
fear and foreboding. It is here, fair Erelis! she called, her eyes flying over the
crowds of elfling children and the twelve members of council, traditionally invited
to the cleansing of the royal newborns. It is here that my King and I have chosen
our daughter to bathe.
The Kings and Queens of Indildris glared skeptically at the water but said nothing.
Relieved by the quiet, Rindis bowed and began to introduce the council, as was
custom, King Lethuin of the Southern Elves of Saertiel, she waved at a silver
haired elf, tall, lean, and dress in emerald green robes embroidered with leaves
and vines of oak as the fabric intertwined with shimmering threads. The elf
adjusted the golden crown that lay low, strung across his forehead and glanced
kindly at Rindis.
Queen Erymes, wife of the wood, Rindis smiled and indicated briefly in the
direction of the other southern ruler, Welcome to Erelis. The ladys blonde
straight hair hung on her shoulders and though she was beautiful, she seemed
frail and weak beside the strength of the other royals. Her pale hands crossed
over the belt of her white and green dress, her girdle made of intricate leaves of
gold. Before her stood a little girl; the top of her head reaching only the waist of
her mother.
Erymes nodded her thanks.
And Princess Eve. Rindis smiled down at the little elfling and put a swift hand to
her cheek before turning.
King Tithofaer of the Western Elves of Willows Keep, Rindis spoke, pointing at a
serious faced elf, his eyebrows oblique and dark, his hair leaf brown and his eyes
the color of amber. His robes shook in the wind, their hues those exactly of an
autumn days, the red and yellows brighter at his shoulders. Lady Sashryn,
Rindis took the hand of a severe looking woman with mountains of rich red hair,
curling largely at the ends and decorating her sour little figure extravagantly. The
Queen of the West bent her head slightly and then motioned to the patiently
waiting royals of the North.
27

King Hindor of the Northern Elves of Neteliar, a muscular elf looked up, his black
long hair braided at the center-back, his judgmental looks wise and fierce. Queen
Avalon, a limber elf-lady dressed in dark robes of black and purple shouldered
her bow and walked forwards. Her hair was less dark than her husbands and she
looked a significantly similar to Rindis. Chocolatey brown hair. Strong jaw. High
cheekbones. Maroon eyes.
Young sister, Avalon took Rindis in her arms and then pulled away as quickly as
she had come.
Pandora of the West, sorceress and advisor of the council, Rindis nodded, her
glance firmer and more meaningful than it had been to the others. Though she
despised the sorceress for an inexplicable reason, jealousy perhaps, Rindis
needed her this time.
Pandora nodded discreetly in encouragement, Thank you, your hospitality is
forever granting.
Rindis tilted her head and moved along quickly searching for Helwens thunderous
face, but none of her striking features were found. Finally the Queen looked away,
remembering her husbands warning, It seems Helwen is absent this day, but I
would like to honor her membership of the council all the same.
Pandora smiled and piped up, On her behalf I would like to greet all of the
travelers, for this is her side of Indildris, and I am certain she would welcome you
to the Eastern parts with the same warmth as I intend to substitute her with.
The elves muttered and nodded and then turned back to Rindis, awaiting her call.
Last but not, and never to be, the least, Rindis chuckled, Our dear old friends,
the dwarves of the Miresghalel Mountains, the one clan of their race still to remain
in Indildris. We welcome you again, King Thiralas, Queen Bronwyn.
The dwarf King bowed, his rotund middle clad and decorated by the ornate works
of the greatest miners in Atva. Pearls gleamed and crystals shined on the belt of
the dwarf, his fiery blue eyes and red hair singled him out. Beside Thiralas a
slightly taller dwarf-lady stood, her hair golden and her face fair, yet merry; her
chestnut eyes crinkled in gladness, her full cheeks red and bright. She looked
much like the elves but slightly rounder and much less stern and forever
intimidating.
We have yet to introduce the noble coming of the King of Kings Ivlisar, before we
begin the bathing, ruler of Indildris itself. King of the many, advisor of the gods,
and oldest creature to be known, Rindis put her knees to the ground and
watched the crowd follow her lead until only one man stood.
It is long since the citizens of Indildris have come together to talk of birth and
new life. Not death, but creation. The silvery haired mans eyes twinkled, their
ancient light the only thing to mark him as old among the immortal fair faced
28

elves and beautiful Bronwyn. I thank your mighty welcome and may Arassel grow
to be as beautiful as her mother and strong as Erethor, elf of the East. Ivlisar
bowed and motioned, All stand, and let the bathing begin.
Rindis blushed at the King of Kings thanks and started to speak, Arassel, born on
the fourth full moon of the year is hereby dipped in the waters. She placed the
princess into the Dawn River and waited, expecting a swap or a sudden flash of
light. Noting happened, only seconds existed and the long weariness of time. The
Queen searched for Pandora in the crowd and raised an eyebrow. The witch
shrugged and nodded, Carry on. She mouthed.
Rindis pulled out her daughter from the black stream and waited once more.
Then, finally, she placed Arassel into the waves again and the second she touched
the water she disappeared, an ebony colored child writhing in her place.
The black skinned baby shook its fists at the Queen and its long cries became
gurgles as the water overlapped the childs mouth.
At first the Queen was confused, Is this what the mayors son is to look like? she
muttered to herself. From the corner of her eye Rindis saw Pandora take a step
forward out of the crowd.
My Lady the witch said softly.
But Rindis ignored her and leaned down, a new wonder sparking in her eyes.
Many whispers flew around the crowd and the elves cried words of caution and
fear. Soon, the child was in Rindis arms and the Queen was rocking the baby to
silence.
Be careful, Sashryn said, This child is different. Where has it come from?
I dont know, Rindis lied, But she is beautiful.
Pandora stepped back and frowned, the crease in her brow draped in
bewilderment.
Let us call her jewel of the river! Rindis exclaimed after long moments, Let us
call her Nemeriel, gem of the waters!

***
Approximately fourteen elf years later

Chapter 4: The Elberon Mountains

Nemeriel watched the horizon, her emerald eyes bright and her dark skin shining,
reflecting an orange glow. When is the council?
29

At the dawn of the first moonlight, well need to leave earlier if we want to be at
the Elberon Mountains on time. Prayer closed her frosted blue eyes and put her
head on her knees, her long black corkscrew locks draping over her legs, Wait a
few more hours at best.
Wait? Cant we sleep till then? Nemeriel pleaded, Weve waited so long.
You can rest; Ill wake you up later. Prayer took her into a hug and watched her
eyes flutter and then close shut. Smiling she gazed down upon her sisters slender
face.
Nemeriels eyelashes were long and jet black. Her hair was of a hazel color, long
and curled near the ends. Her mouth was small and red. Prayer waited for her
breaths to slow and her limbs to fall limp before pulling away.
Nemeriel dropped against the pillows and stirred. Prayer looked away and pleaded
the sunlight to stay a little longer, the night arrived swiftly and the moon steadily
encouraged Prayers eyelids to droop but on seeing the white orb she
remembered.
Get up, she said softly, Wake up! Quickly!
Nemeriel rolled over and slipped on her silver boots, How long will it take for our
horses to get there? she spluttered wearily.
Two hours and a half at best, but dont stop and stay close to my horse, Prayer
advised as she led her sister down the winding cold staircases. As they reached
the stables they quietly stepped passed a night guard. The elf turned quickly but
the princesses were quicker.
Prayer trotted up to the gates and called with a whistle. A guard looked down and
then smiled. I could get sent to Prospero for this! he called out before opening
the gates.
Nemeriel grinned, How did you do that? Usually the guards were quite stern,
despite their playfulness and fondness of the daughters of the King.
Prayer winked, To be honest, I never thought it would work!
The princesses kicked their mares and dived into the night, their quick
movements flying through the brush.
The moon finally began to rise and at its fullest and at last the southern far away
peaks of the Elberon started to loom up, closer and closer. In the last half hour of
their journey the two princesses rode faster than ever before and eventually
reached the mouth and the only entrance into the mountains from the North. The
sisters tied their horses to the neighboring trees and slinked into the long
abandoned mines, their footsteps hardly heard but their ears keen to interpret the
council.
30

Be still, you know what to do with the shadows, Prayer warned. Nemeriel
nodded and followed her sisters lead, melting, almost as if by magic, into the
darkness. Down a winding path they crept and finally to the opening of a large
cavern breaKing off from the dark tunnel. Bursts of candlelight struck the
princesss eyes and Prayer leapt back, stifling Nemeriels shouts of wonder. In the
center of the cave a round wooden table was laid with light and sweet fragrances.
Thirteen ebony chairs circled the table, each seat but two adorned with the
shimmering robes of one lord or lady or another. Helwen and Pandora sat on
either side of Ivlisar, their serious glances jumping to Erethor, whom was currently
speaKing. The royals of the west sat by Pandora, and Rindis sat on the left of
Helwen, her husband at her side. The Northern Elves and the Southern Elves had
been seated together, their clashing dominance breaKing the uneasiness.
Each member of Council listened with utmost patience to Erethor who was in the
instant holding up a thin piece of parchment. Even Ivlisar, King of Kings was silent,
his piercing eyes turning to Erethor with rapt attention.
Finally, stopping the Kings flow, Sashryn, Queen of the West interrupted the King
frustrated, I dont think you understand Erethor, our people need us! Willows
Keep is at war! Tell us what we need to hear and let us be gone, for the hours are
short and by morning the city will awake ruler less and defeated! It is a miracle we
left, and a miracle if we shall return unscathed!
Please, patience, Erethor pleaded his weariness showing and his own calm at
the brim too, I understand the gravity of your situation and that Mersuithiel
attacKing from the Western borders was an unexpected piece of trickery, but that
is exactly why I needed you as members of the council to be here tonight. The
dwarves have sent many of their women, and children up to the Miresghalel
Mountains so as to be prepared to fight with you. Thiralas is preparing his troops
for battle this instance and Bronwyn is in the Miresghalel shepherding dwarves
through to Erelis by the second. Indildris is at war, not only Willows Keep! Not
only Khebeldur, but all of us!
What is your point, Erethor? Lethuin raised an eyebrow. Not meaning any
disrespect but this meeting is becoming to seem pointless. If what you say is true
and Indildris is really at war, and then shouldnt all of us be preparing troops, not
only speaKing about doing so?
Erethor sighed, My apologies for not explaining, he looked at Rindis and she
took his hand and stood with him.
What my husband is trying to say is that all of us are under this terrible wrath
now, so all of us must attend this council, and all of us must be aware of the
dwarfs valiance. This comment of honor brings us thus to the matter of Thiralas
and Bronwyns children; Baldor, Tan, Kithwen, Debuli and Hasthril, princess and
Princes of Khebeldur. They have recently arrived through the mouth of the
Elberon and staggered famished and tired to the fort of Hellboar where they found
31

a group of hawk rangers. The five royal children were carried straight to Lirhatael
and nursed to health by our elven doctors. They were sent by their mother and
had travelled many days through the Miresghalel to find refuge here. They arrived
with a letter written by the Queen of dwarves herself. Rindis sat and motioned to
Erethor.
King Erethor lifted the piece of parchment in his hand to the light and began to
read,
Erethor, Rindis, King and Queen of the East, take my children, keep them safe, it
is all I ask, a great burden perhaps, but something I will be very grateful for when
this is over and if I am alive to repay you for it. Bronwyn was desperate, that is all
it seemed she had the time and energy to write. Erethor puts down the paper
and claps his hands, Children of the dwarf city, come forth.
Four dwarf men, each clad in bright beards decorated with gold trotted to
Erethors side. One lean lady of gold-white hair and blue-grey robes glided behind
them. All of the dwarflings seemed as if handsome and beautiful once but their
eyes were sunk and their knees shaKing. Nemeriel closed her eyes, sickened and
horrified.
What thinks the council? Erethor asked gravely.
I dont see the danger of keeping the children. Pandora stated, her eyes dancing
around the room, examining each councilor with curiosity.
I am with my sister, Helwen added. She looked at Pandora and nodded. They
are scared and tired, keeping them would be the most merciful thing to do if not
the most practical.
Erethor bent his head in acknowledgement and turned to Hindor who began to
speak.
I think you have been generous Erethor, Hindors deep voice echoed through
the cavern, The dwarves should feel in great debt to the elven KingdomAs we do! Baldor, the eldest dwarf son spoke, his eyes fiery and his words
passionate. When his brothers were finished murmuring and nodding their heads
in asset he stepped back into the shadows and out of the pressing light of the
candles.
As Hindor was stating, Erymes said smiling at Baldor, You have been kind. I
have nothing against these five fair children, but Bronwyn asks the elves to carry
a dangerous burden. The dwarves are a rich race and I hear rumors that the
klorns are too many and their money too scarce; for their weapons are declining.
Kidnapping one of the dwarf children would certainly be on Mersuithiels mind
right now, and apart from gaining gold from this, she could start a quarrel in
between the elves and the dwarves which would prove to be a catastrophe and a
weak point in our defenses. If one single dwarf child comes to harm, Bronwyn and
32

Thiralas will have our throats.

Well said, Avalon piped in, The children are nothing but trouble.
Sashryn stood, Yes but what choice do we have, either way Bronwyn will be
angry. If we send the children back they could die of exhaustion. Little Hasthrils
eyes widened with fear at the Western Queens comment. But if we keep them,
there could be a change of plan and an ambush directed straight into the heart of
Lirhatael.
Hasthril stepped forward and whispered hoarsely, If you please kind maiden of
the west, she turned to Sashryn, I shouldnt ever wish to travel through the
mines again. Days we went without water, days we travelled with no light; I
believe I would die if I go again. Have mercy.
Rindis stood anger in her eyes, Come young lady, Hasthril surprised and worried
she had said too much stumbled towards the Queen; however, it was not with the
dwarf princess that Rindis was in disagreement, but with Sashryn. Now good
cousin, have consideration, Rindis said composedly, taKing Hasthril in her arms
as the dwarf child came to her side. These poor children have been through
terrible things these last few days. I have children of my own and never will the
dwarfs be sent through the Miresghalel again if I live to see the day of it! Rindis
sat down again, Hasthril standing behind her as if to support her judgment.
I meant nothing of the sort, Sashryn defended herself haughtily as her husband
nodded behind her, but please, let us be rational and make a decision quickly so I
may return to Willows Keep and protect my own people.
The Eastern King sighed and rose from his seat, Those in favor of keeping the
dwarf children please stand, Erethor bellowed.
Hindor and Avalon stood, Erymes and Lethuin stood, Pandora stood, Helwen stood,
Ivlisar stood, Rindis stood and Erethor, who was already standing did not sit.
Nine out of eleven, the majority has voted for the childrens safety and keeping
in Erelis, the dwarf royals stay! Erethor exclaimed, now, I would like a
confirmation from all that should Erelis come to harm or word spread of the
dwarves location, each of your realms will be willing to host these valiant
travelers in your home, providing them safety, food and drink to fill their
stomachs. Should any object to this confirmation please rise. The council fell
silent. After long moments Erethor sat down again and eyed the other members of
council curiously.
Ivlisar, whom had been silently listening for the entirety of the council finally
stood. You have more to say, Erethor. You know Bronwyn well and there is clearly
something on your mind.
Erethor, surprised by the King of Kings comment sighed, I must admit, the years
have gone by, and the elfs immortality and dwarfs long life has created bonds
33

between us all. You are quite right, I have known Bronwyn since my early years as
a boy and something brings me to guess her next move. Erethor breathed, The
Miresghalel Mountains are a direct, easily protected and concealable road to
Erelis. The dwarf men who are to fight may need the room of the mines for their
own troops in the future; I am expecting Thiralas to order half of the dwarf
population be sent to Erelis in a few days time. Even he sees that the mountains
will be an advantage. He will ask politely by letter, I am sure, but I can feel he has
already sent some hundred to confront Lirhatael at its borders.
The scoundrel, the dwarves have always been selfish creatures! Avalon
exclaimed, What will the poor man do when you refuse.
I will never know, Erethor replied icily, I do not intend on refusing to aid an old
friend and a trusted ally. We have all agreed to help each other in times of trouble,
have we not?
Hindor spoke, The Eastern King is right, he turned on his wife, we have all
signed, and all pledged, the dwarves and the Western elves, he bowed to
Sashryn and Tithofaer boldly, are the ones in the most difficult position at
present; if I were to travel to Laure right now, Im sure Id see no blue banner, or
green flagOr Black emblem, for that matter! Rindis said peevishly, You mean well, Hindor,
but I believe what you are trying to say is that Willows Keep is at war, then why is
not Erelis too, or Saertiel? I thought that if the Western elves are at war, then
Indildris is at war and that respectfully includes you!
Hindor said nothing in response.
Mm, Tithofaer hummed quietly, The dwarves have been our closest allies for
years, they have been generous and Thiralas and I are good friends.
Sashryn nodded. Thiralas has a brave heart and a good will. He will do what is
right to keep our city safe!
Then why can we not gain the same ranKing among his people? Erethor stood; a
light was in his eyes, I will send fifty men!
I will send seventy! Lethuin smiled, Seventy Rangers, twenty of them shall be
on horseback!
You will see a black emblem in Laure after all, Hindor stood. Ninety men, I will
send them down west by morning!
Tithofaer bowed, You are generous and I assure you a respectable repayment will
come in due course-
I really doubt that, Rindis said softly. We will all be dead by then for sure. The
war is coming and help will be shared out in every moment. To repay all your
debts would be to sell Willows Keep to the dwarves! It will be impossible! the
34

Eastern Queen rose and called with a mighty voice, We all must work on
receiving gifts as much as we do on giving them. Fifty men will go the Laure this
night, fifty men. And not one need be returned!
Hindor began to stand in disagreement but Avalon took his arm and rose instead.
Neteliar thinks Rindis speaks fairly!
Good, said Lethuin nodding his head.
And what were you saying before, Erethor? Ivlisar exclaimed his voice loud and
clear, I believe this council was called for more than the cases of the dwarf
children and Laure, am I right? He let the question linger.
Erethor turned a questioning eye towards Ivlisar, All I meant to say, that Lirhatael
cannot host all of the dwarfish population and still be organized and ready for war
at any moment. We need help. He turned to Erymes and Lethuin, I would prefer
that Saertiel be the one to aid me in this case, for it is close to Erelis and a safe
place to keep refugees.
Lethuin stood and repeated Erethor, contemplating his words, You are saying that
Erelis will need help... You are suggesting that Saertiel take in dwarf families as
well as the Eastern Elves will.
Erethor nodded, It is the only way.
Erymes chair grinded along the stone floor, When we signed the papers of Las,
Saertiel was expecting to fight alongside of its allies. But it seems now Erethor is
asKing something more. The Mighty King of the East wants my Kingdom to let
thousands of dwarves take refuge in Alsra! A long silence gnawed at the air and
it was not until Erymes laughed that the tension broke. Very well! We will do what
we must Erethor! You are lucky I trust you enough and think you wise enough to
make your own plots without our knowing. She held her gaze for a moment and
then resumed her seat.
Erethor sank into his chair. Thank you. Thank you very much, Erymes.
That is all well, but Erelis is known to be a very wooded area and though it may
be rough, dwarves will be able to set camp all over the Broken Wood, so how is it
that Erethor speaks of not having room? Hindor turned to the Eastern King and
bowed.
Just a moment, Erethor said and then turned to Rindis and whispered in her ear,
we cannot explain now
Rindis shook her head curtly and Pandora locked eyes with Erethor, sending him
her train of thought. What about the Elberon Mountains? Have you thought of
keeping the humans there? Pandoras voice echoed in Erethors mind. The King
shook his head stiffly and discreetly channeled these words back to Pandora, Not
after the location of this meeting. It may be our only choice. She answered.
35

Then where will the dwarves go, they will not like being kept on the outskirts of
the forest.
That is why Erymes has offered to help, you can keep most of the dwarves along
the river and the rest can go to Alsra in Saertiel. Pandora said and then cut the
telepathic connection only witches could conjure.
What about the Elberon, you can send the dwarves there and surely theyll be
enough space that you wont have to ask Saertiel for any help at all. Avalon
suggested.
Itll be too crowded, Erethor said as he drew himself back to the present.
Besides, if Saertiel ever comes to be attacked, theyll have dwarves, who are
valiant fighters, on their side as additional troops.
Lethuin stood and smiled, Hush Avalon, well be glad to help and grateful also for
the help, our city is big but with the dwarves, we will be close to unstoppable.
The Southern King sat and the conversation closed.
Very well then, Erethor said, Once again my apologies, but this meeting was
essential, even if calling all of us together was a little inconvenient. Erethor
nodded his thanks and then waved his hand to the council, dismissing them like
school children.
The royals all stood simultaneously and bowed to Ivlisar and then Erethor before
flying into the night, their cities each at bay their minds all troubled with the
calling of war.
Soon Erethor, Rindis and Ivlisar were the only ones left, and of course, Nemeriel
and Prayer whom were still concealed behind a large rock, hidden from and yet in
earshot of the cavern.
It seems that humans are a more complicated race than expected, Ivlisar said, a
twinkle in his eye.
Erethor was about to answer when his face became awe struck and Rindis gave a
little yelp. Here, here, tell me what you do King Ivlisar to find all our little
secrets?
Thats the thing, Ivlisar smiled. I am ubiquitous. I make it my job to know
everyones buisiness. How else do you expect me to rule everything? Being the
oldest of creatures is often an underestimated power, but you of all should know,
that when in doubt, I will always be here.
Erethor put his hands on the table and leaned wearily, Here is a slightly
inaccurate address is it not? the King grinned and looked up at Ivlisar
expectantly.
Yes it is, isnt it, however, I like living nowhere and everywhere at the same time.
It makes me seem more mysterious. Gives a better aura, better impression. The
36

King of Kings bowed and walked to the mouth of the cave, stopping only to say
one last word, But if you really want to know, I like it where the birds sing and the
clouds fly. You may call it favoritism if you wish, for Ive always found Helwen the
sweeter of my two daughters. You see, Pandora being so wise makes me feel like
Ive got no place with her anymore. The sea is too chaotic, but the sky, oh the sky,
it calls to me, even now. Ivlisar took one more step towards the door and stopped
right in front of the place in which the two daughters were concealed, their
breaths held and their eyes shut. Oh and, I meant to say, when the time comes,
you will send your daughter to me before she does anything else. The time of the
Last Lithuist is over. She needs to learn.
With that the King of Kings dissipated into the wind and was lost to the world.
Rindis squeezed Erethors hand and sighed, We can trust him, and he is
righteous and wise beyond all ages. He will do what is right for us, for even if he
has seen so much suffering through Atva, he knows it is the little things that
count. This secret is Indildris fate and freedom, but it could also cost us our
honor, and though that is a mere thing, Ivlisar will respect it until the end, until
the moment when all will have to be revealed.
I dread that moment so much, you know. I do not want to be disappointed by my
kin, Erethor said and then took a breath, Though I sense it is time. The Western
party of our elfish people is under attack and though everything feels as if it is
going slowly, hundreds of elves are dying at the front line right now. The King led
Rindis to a map on the table. See here, he pointed at the Western elves,
Willows Keep lying just behind the horrendous mountain range - the Dawn Sun,
Once the klorns have taken over the western elves, they will then move forward
and swipe out the dwarves, a strong but weak-in-number race. Mersuithiel, I am
guessing, is then planning on retreating behind the Dawn Sun Mountains and
filtering our troops through the Alps, causing harder transport and major
protection. Without the dwarves, we are nothing in the mountains; elves have
little experience without them.
You are learning, Rindis glanced at her husband and tilted her head, Years ago
the words, helpless without the dwarves would have been poison for your proud
lips, and yet, now you say things such as if they were honey.
Losing my daughter cost me, and also taught me, that when the time comes, the
pride of the elfish race will kill us all. The prophecy is more accurate than I had
expected, and now, it is as if I am seeing the past repeat itself as I watch the
foretold future slip through my fingers. Its like an odd dream, a dj vu that I
cant help seeing again and again. Pandora is right, changing fate is like trying to
change the landscapes. I have done what I can to change myself on the inside,
but I do not know if I will be able to change all of Indildris. Erethor rolled up the
map before him and tucked it into his coat sleeve. Now that we can safely
assume Mersuithiel knows about the first part of the prophecy, the second round
of the it shall begin. Nemeriel will have to learn of her kin and where she has truly
37

come from. The human world is waiting.

Nemeriel gasped and Prayer stifled her cry with her hand, pulling her sister back
and whispering to her desperate comforts.
Erethor stopped, his ears perked. He looked around and peered carefully at the
cavern entrance and then looked away, somewhat satisfied.
Her back pressed stiffly against the hard rocks, Nemeriel breathed heavily tears
already flooding her cheeks and blurring her vision. She didnt know why she was
so surprised. She had always known she was different. Her skin color was one
example and her lack in instinct was another. She had often heard songs or stories
that retold her birth. She knew she had come from the river but that it should
come to this, that it should come to the roots of a different race, she had never
expected. She had always been slower, less intelligent and shorter than most and
yet hearing the truth outspoken at last led her to almost break in two.
Prayer pulled helplessly on Nemeriels arm, trying in vain to bring her sister out of
the mountain and into the clear night.
Come on. Prayer whispered, tears catching on the lashes of her own eyes. We
need to leave. Please, we have to go!
Nemeriel staggered and Prayer caught her, dragging her desperately through the
caves. Together they crawled through the passage and into the night. Prayer
pushed Nemeriel onto her horse and smacked the steeds thigh. The horse reared
and galloped into the night, Nemeriel weeping on its mane.
Erethors suspicious glance turned to stone. A listener.
Rindis laughed nervously, Never! Simply Ivlisar leaving or perhaps a late-leaving
council member who just now emerged from the rocks.
When Erethor looked unconvinced Rindis eyes flashed and she sighed, Erethor,
you have to trust them. You bid them goodnight, the council was over, none would
have stayed. she paused, You know the truly dishonorable thing is that you
suspected them.
The silence treaded on like ice.
We were saying, Erethor murmured.
You will see her again, just as you wished, Rindis said as she turned to look at
the King, But I am afraid that, that will be the most painful of all.
Indeed. he answered bitterly.

38

Chapter 5: The Escape

The following morning was bright, the sun was cold and the clouds were thick.
Nemeriel heard her sister Prayer muttering, in the same state as she was the
night before.
For a moment Nemeriel felt quite normal, as if the council had never occurred and
that she had never eavesdropped, but the troubled look of Prayers blue-green
eyes told a different story. The cold regretted memories that took place in the
Elberon Mountains flowed in and Nemeriel lay back on her pillow again, her eyes
blinKing and her face trembling.
Prayer turned at the sound of her sisters movement.
I have a message for you, she said, From father for when you would awake.
Nemeriel shot up and wiped her face with the back of her hand, He was here?
Last night he came to speak to me. I was foolish to not blow out the candle
before, but when he saw the flickering light that shouldnt have been flickering...
well, he came straight away and asked me why I was up so late. I did not lie nor
give the truth, at least not until he asked. I told him we were only curious and
tired of being shut away from the things of the world. He asked me how much I
knew, Prayer gulped, And I told him what I think he believed was everything.
Did you mention me? Nemeriel asked hopefully, hoping to avoid speaKing of
anything to do with her past as long as possible.
I tried very hard not to, but your boots were still on, your cheeks were stained
with tears and your cloak was thrown across the floor instead of hung up as it had
been a few hours ago. Prayers eyes fluttered hard, He knew straight away.
What did father want to tell me after that? Nemeriels voice broke.
He wanted to tell you that he loved you very much. That the world is a cruel
place and that love can be the only savior. He asks of your forgiveness over all. He
asks you to meet him in his study. He says he wants to tell you the truth. Mother
39

will be there. Prayer stood slowly and then walked to the threshold of their room,
Youll find the truth can sometimes be the hardest thing to handle, but you are a
strong girl Nemeriel. You have the heart and soul of an elf, no matter what lies
your body tells.
Eht ho di ledifor Estrella sin, Nemeriel bowed and smiled as she watched her
sister leave the room, her dark hair swishing along her back and her robes grazing
the floor. The elvish words she had spoken were not in thanks of the compliment
however, they were a farewell.
Finally alone in the guttering light of the old spare candle Nemeriel mercifully
pressed her damp fingers to the fire and the wax received rest at last. The sun
was up and the extra illumination was unnecessary, besides, Nemeriel could not
stay a minute longer. She raced to the dresser and pulled away a slick blue
hunting cloak. She stretched her fingers out into the cold and cringed. She tugged
a robe of glittering green and white over her head and on top of her nightgown;
she flung the cloak over her shoulders and lifted the hood. Dancing into the cold
Nemeriel slung her bow over her nipped ears and shouldered the quiver with
twelve arrows of elven make.
Im sorry, but I dont want to hear it anymore, not now anyway, she said half to
herself and half to the beckoning threshold. She ran down to the grounds and took
Madildra, her horse, from the stables.
Then Nemeriel rode for hours into the daylight, her steed breathing white mist
and the wind whipping through her layer of clothes.
She didnt really know where she was going but soon the Elberon shadowed her
and the wind subsided at last. It seemed the mountains were a good place to hide
away for some time, a good place to regain peace of mind.
As Nemeriel walked towards where the mouth of the cave had once been, she
noticed that it had been magically sealed again as if it had always been that way
before. Stepping off Madildra, Nemeriel patted the young horses mane before
leaving it to graze upon the green grass of the Sten River Meadows.
Climbing the tumbling wall Nemeriel watched the ground leave her feet. Soon the
opening of Maze Quake Valley shifted in the light and became as visible as the sun
in the blue sky.
Nemeriel gazed, her face bathed in yellow rays and the distant neighing of
Madildra ringing in her ears.
She stepped forward and hit the rock face in frustration, groping at the walls as if
trying to capture the light through her fingers. The minutes passed but just as she
walked to the stone wall to strike again the rock exploded into minuscule pieces
and sent Nemeriel flying off of the ledge. She scrambled to find a foot rest as she
hung onto a protruding shard so as not fall to the ground. Madildra looked up from
40

her feeding and cantered back a few paces, startled by the noise and quickly
trying to avoid the raining dust falling from the mountain.
Sharp pains shot through Nemeriels arms and she cried out straining to lift
herself to the flatness of the ledge. Peering over the mountain-side Nemeriels
eyes turned to slits with pain and so the image she saw forming before her
flinched and flickered as she blinked and twitched. The dark shadow of a stout
dwarf holding an axe in his hands appeared and stepped towards Nemeriel, her
cries calling to his attention.
Who goes there? he cried, Baldor son of Thiralas son of Bronwyn stands brave
before the rightful threshold of the dwarves. Be gone, or be dead!
Nemeriel growled and somewhere found the strength to cry, Be gone or be
dead!? Ill be both of them soon if you fail to step nearer. I hang by the ledge,
fool!
The bewildered dwarf looked over the mountain and rushed forward to Nemeriels
help. He stooped and hauled her with surprising strength to the ledge and let her
gasp and rub her shoulders in her own time as he stared at her and gaped.
Is it you then who spoke? Baldor asked finally.
Who else could it have been! she retorted, The Mountain is empty, or so it
should be. Either way, if I were to find life here amongst the rock I would not
expect to find a dwarf!
Baldor stood and puffed out his chest. Here, here, are you saying that I am not
welcome in my own realm.
Not at all, Nemeriel said carefully, her breath back, But one must be in great
trouble if willing to do that unto ones realm. She pointed at the broken doorway.
You have been harsh to the mountain.
Baldor glanced at the shards around his feet and grunted, Custom is the hacKing
of rocks to the dwarves. Though for us it is not considered destruction but
discovery, and allowing the stone to reveal its greater beauties. We call it mining
young elf, but if you truly wish to know what my brothers and I are up to perhaps
sitting down in the darkness of the cave would be a far more fit place to do so.
Come, meet the children of the city Khebeldr. He beckoned to Nemeriel and she
stood quaKing, her legs shaKing and her knees buckling beneath her weight. As
she fell to the ground the floor loomed up at her and she cried out in fright.
Baldor frowned in worry and carried her into the cavern instead, You took quite a
fall, he said quietly, Ill lay you down for the time being.
DucKing so as not to hit his head, Baldor walked into the cave and lay Nemeriel by
a crackling fire. Surrounding the flames, three other dwarf boys and one dwarf
maiden shivered, their bodies thin and less round than was normal for a dwarfling
41

child. Nemeriel gave Baldor a questioning look and he suddenly adopted a fearful
glint in his eye. Theyve gone days without light. He whispered, This fires all
theyve had. Their bound to it and yet so afraid it might bite them. Theyll be
alright soon, but itll take a while to lure them into the daylight itself.
Nemeriels lip quivered and she leaned forward into the circle, handing the dwarfmaiden her extra cloak. The dwarfling flinched but accepted the gift thank fully,
wrapping herself in the garments. Nemeriel turned away, Its horrible.
Baldor nodded, Watching them turn this way was the most painful.
How are you so well, so fit? Nemeriel asked.
I kept them in mind each time I staggered, each time my stomach rumbled. Aye,
I am well and fit because the image of their healthy faces has fed me to remain
so.
The princess smiled tightly.
And what may I name your fair face, young elf-lady? Baldor asked, attempting
vainly to lighten the mood.
Nemeriel sighed and glanced up from the saddening faces of the dwarves she
hardly dared look at for longer than seconds, My name is, she hesitated, I am
Kina, she said at last. It was a common elven name, therefore not suspicious nor
attention-calling. As for her skin, she hoped the dwarves did not know too much
about Drm Sickness, for it turned your skin dark blue and not black.
Baldor nodded suspiciously and pointed at the second oldest brother, This is
Tan, and here is Kithwen. The two men bowed their heads, and then began to
stare once more to the fire.
And here is Debuli, Baldor gestured towards a dwarf with flaming red hair, He is
the youngest before Hasthril, my sister.
Hasthril had long white hair and big blue beautiful eyes that reflected the dancing
light of the fire, but even amidst their beauty there was pain.
Your name is not what you say, was all Hasthril said.
Baldor raised an eyebrow at Nemeriel and opened his mouth to speak. However,
yet again Hasthril interrupted.
I saw you at the council, she cocked her head, You were hiding behind the
rocks with your sister. Besides, I recognize you from the times I visited Erelis when
we were both small. Youre Nemeriel.
By god! Baldor exclaimed, I wished not to be rude, I thought your skin had a
sickness of the east, but no, you are the jewel of the river!
Nemeriel blushed, I did not want to call so much attention. But now I suppose
42

that you know me then I must admit I know who you are. You are the dwarfish
royals, I saw you at the council too. However, why are you still here? I heard my
father say youd be brought to Lirhatael as soon as possible.
Baldor fidgeted shamefully at the name of the King Erethor, Well, you see, King
Erethor hasnt been here for days and my brothers and I were thinKing of...well,
leaving. Its not that we wish to be disrespectful but we wish to fight alongside our
father. The only reason I hadnt turned back before with Kithwen and Tan is
because I didnt think Debuli would be able to handle taKing Hasthril safely to the
borders on his own.
Nemeriel frowned, That is no excuse. You are ungrateful things! It is for your
safety my father is keeping you! then she stopped, However, it is nothing like
my father to leave you here and desert you in such a way.
Oh no, he hasnt abandoned us at all! Baldor exclaimed, He simply is biding his
time. You see, Mersuithiel might or might not know about our refuge. And before
Erethor wants to transport us to Lirhatael, he must wait to find a time when
nobody is upon our path. He doesnt want us to be taken you see, and he doesnt
want to give us lots of protection or that would be too obvious and Mersuithiel
would know what is going on even if she doesnt already.
Kithwen, the third oldest, stood and spoke for the first time, his voice deep and
yet well-meaning, Weve been put into a trap. The only way out is through the
mountain. My elder brothers and I are willing to travel again, but my sister and
younger brother are too weak and afraid of going back. I do not blame them but
now that you are here, I would be grateful, and so would the rest of Khebeldur I
am sure, if you took this news back to your father. Tell him not to go after us. We
have made up our mind and we wish to help our father in battle. If he tries to stop
us we will fight the elves like we would fight the klorns. Tell him also that my two
younger siblings are still in the mountain and without us they will die soon. If you
are quick, perhaps all will go well. Kithwen walked over the fire and pushed past
Baldor.
He stopped in front of Nemeriel and handed her a sapphire necklace with two or
three beads missing that glimmered in the firelight, Our rangers were patrolling
the Gador Road one evening a long time ago, and we found two klorns stained
with the golden blood of the elves and carrying this token. My father gave this to
my mother to give to me. My mother told me to give this to Erethor. She did not
tell me what it was, but she explained that Erethor would. He will understand our
apologies for not returning this pendant sooner. Now ride well and do not fail us.
Tan then stood also and left with his brother and Baldor. However, before leaving
the eldest dwarf took Nemeriels hand and muttered quickly, This is a terrible
burden we have unkindly put upon you but let me add one more weight to your
shoulders, he pleaded.
Nemeriel nodded, Keep them safe, keep them together, and dont let them linger
43

here too long or they will drive themselves mad!

Nemeriel smiled weakly and took the dwarfs shoulder, I will do what I can.
The dwarf nodded in gratitude and lifted his axe from the ground, following his
brothers and parting on his way.
Farewell, he cried to his siblings, Be strong, be valiant!
And as his voice left so did his burly figure, his shadow finally disappearing behind
the curb of the great mountain.

Chapter 6: The Prophecy

As she took Madildras reigns Nemeriel felt free once more. The wind caught her
hair and the sun shone on her skin. Back at the cave Nemeriel had put out the fire
to the childrens great disgust. But with time they began to see sense and their
heads cleared. They asked Nemeriel where they were and where their brothers
were. She had explained everything and they had listened with great intent.
Finally they assured her that they felt safe on their own and Nemeriel vowed she
would return if her father did not. They bid her farewell and she rode into the
afternoon light.
44

Soon Lirhatael was in view and as Nemeriel stole into the city Madildra snorting
behind her she rushed immediately to her room to confront Prayer after a quick
detour to the stables.
Sprinting to the chambers Nemeriel found her room empty. She swiveled around
to run back down the stairs and into her fathers study when she found a teary
eyed Prayer and a livid Queen Rindis glaring down at her.
Rindis wiped her eyes and fell into Nemeriels arms whereas Prayer stood stonily
at her mothers side, her icy look boring into Nemeriels head.
You fool! she whispered, We thought Mersuithiel had taken you! We thought
you were ambushed by klorns! You fool, this is not the time to go fun-hunting! Not
when the war is on and the world is at stake! You fool of aThat is enough! Rindis cried her voice shaky and frail, That is enough,
Prayothl! Go find your father and tell him his daughter is safe. He can call off the
hunt and pay the rangers. The matter is finished. And you, Rindis turned on
Nemeriel and snarled. You are in big trouble!
But-
You have no excuses to make! You selfishly put your whole family in worry all forListen-
No you listen! I am the authority here; I order you to come down with me to your
fathers office and put away that silly bow for it has done you no good!
I WASNT HUNTING! Nemeriel yelled, Just listen to me for once! she was
breathing hard and her eyes were stinging, I rode to the Elberon. Perhaps it was
fate, I do not know, but I mainly went to mountains to...to run away...from things
and then suddenlyYou went to clear your head then, Rindis said quietly, a droplet of guilt somehow
finding space in the anger dominating her voice.
You could say so, Nemeriel answered, I waited for a while and as I was saying,
suddenly the rock blasted apart and I was flung to the side. For some minutes I
was hanging by my arms on the edge of the cliff and-
Prayer who had stayed a minute longer to hear the conversation had turned
suddenly, her eyes widening and her attempt at pretending she couldnt care less
disappearing entirely.
You what? she asked.
It was nothing, Nemeriel answered wearily, But soon enough Baldor had come
to help me and it was alright, she added hastily.
Who?
45

Baldor! Nemeriel cried, The dwarf prince!

And so went on the conversation until Rindis was feeling far more sympathetic
towards the matter and Prayer was no long glancing haughtily at her sister.
Right, well you best both go to Erethor now, Rindis demanded, Hell want to
hear what you have to say. She looked at Nemeriel pointedly.
***
And what is it Kithwen gave you? Erethor asked, his fair face sagged and tired.
This, Nemeriel handed her father the sapphire necklace.
At first the King said nothing and then his eyes widened and he began to take
deep breaths.
Where did Thiralas find this, and when?
Nemeriel answered and then stood suspiciously, Why? What are they?
Erethor looked away and put the sapphires in the folds of his robes, Theyre
nothing.
Nemeriel nearly let this lie pass when she suddenly stood, knocking over the table
in between her and her father, I heard the council last night! I am not blind nor
deaf nor brainless. I understand the elves are the fairest and the smartest and the
bravest! But whatever I am I am not an elf, and even then I am able to do and to
think. I know I am not like you, but you have treated me like a klorn! All these
years lying and pretending! Jewel of the river! What nonsense, I am a replacement
and one you bitterly resent!
Erethor sank deeper into his chair, I know that you overheard. But I have never
lied, or pretended, I have only kept; kept the truth from you because I loved and
love you still. If you want the truth I think you are ready to have it, but it will hurt
and you must be strong.
Rindis stepped forward and held back her husbands arm but he pushed her away.
No more hiding. The child is right. It is now or nothing will resolve itself and this,
all of this, will have been useless.
Give her time, Rindis pleaded.
No! Time. What is time? Time is one of the biggest lies of the universe and I will
tamper with it no more. Time is gone, time is passed. She needs to know.
Nemeriel looked between her father and her mother several times.
You will be brave, Rindis said forebodingly, I know you will, but try to also be
forgiving, even though it will require a whole new different courage.
46

Nemeriel said nothing. It didnt sound good.

We will start with the prophecy; it is time we get rid of it once and for all.
Erethor said.
He plucked the remaining sapphires from the necklace and dropped them into a
bowl filled with a clear shimmering liquid.
Prayer leaned in, her face reflecting white in the eerie light of the liquid. What is
that?
Milk from the moon, he muttered as he glanced at the beaded pendant.
The necklace seemed incomplete, the sapphires that were missing had already
been used in the past by Pandora and Erethor yet there was still one that was
truly gone, one that had not been used, one that had been ripped roughly from
its clamp. As the King and Queen noticed this absence they suddenly became
consumed with fear.
Rindis and Erethor looked at each other, You dont thinkIts only one bead it cant make such a diffI would not be so foolish to bet on that though. He sighed and then tried in vain
to comfort himself, She cant know, or she would have entered the human realm
already. The bead is most likely lost.
Rindis was unconvinced but she stopped trembling and then became silent when
the echoing of a foreign voice rebounded off of the chamber walls.
Erethor then crushed the sapphires and watched, just as mesmerized as his
children as they mixed with the substance, the colors melting and stirring into
each other. Suddenly an image flashed and harsh, abnormal words echoed
through the room. It seemed as if three voices were speaKing at the same time.
The prophecy began at the center and it seemed as if it skipped several lines in
the middle. Finally, when it was finished the whole room fell awfully quiet.I am a
human. was all Nemeriel could utter, I am a human.
She was left awestruck on the ground. Her mouth was slightly parted and her eyes
were large and batting at her father and then her mother with disbelief. Prayer
was silent.
The quiet moments ticked and Nemeriels crazed face and wild breaths slowed
and melted into confusion.
What-what is a human? Nemeriel asked suddenly.
A being, or a race, that lives above Atva in another world. Humans are capable of
having different colored skins, where elves are not, nor dwarves, or any other race
I know of apart from faeries. It seems that you indeed, are one of these humans.
47

And are we all this color? she glanced down at herself, for the first time
wondering what it would be like to see another human, just like her.
No, Erethor answered, Some are like us, some we have probably never seen
before.
For a moment the princess said nothing and then, I just want to know what I have
to do. Nemeriel said finally, What has this all been preparing me for?
Rindis pulled Nemeriel up and helped her stand.
You must go to the human world and convince them that there are wonders
beneath them and that with their help, the elves can defeat evil and save lives.
Erethor marveled at how the touch of the Queen was able to calm Nemeriel so
efficiently. He smiled at her tenderness and the simplicity with which she
explained the situation.
Without us, the humans have no access to Atva. Once we show them how to use
the portal they will be transferred to Indildris and we must teach them and show
them the advantages of our world; endless beauty, places for crops and old
teachings. Magic etc. We can offer them land or gold or anything, as long as
they fight at our sides. You must bring them here and they must be welcomed, yet
how Indildris will react to this when they find out, I do not know. For some time we
will have to hide the humans and train them so that they will seem worthier when
displayed to the elves. The dwarves will be easy to convince as long as the
western elves are in agreement. You will have to start in the west if you wish to
get anywhere. The northern elves will be the hardest to waver but if all of Indildris
is in sync they will see sense I am sure.
Whose job is it to convince the Indildris population? Nemeriel asked slowly,
When they find out I am of a different race they will not trust me anymore.
It will be Arassels job, Erethor answered, My daughter, and yours, both of you
must learn to work together. You will of course have my help and my influence,
but above all, the help of Ivlisar. Which is what brings me to mention your first
task if we all wish this to be a successful defeat.
What is it? Nemeriel demanded, I want to help, I want to do something for
once, something that is worthwhile.
Rindis looked afraid but Erethor held up his hand as if telling her to wait.
Go to Ivlisar and ask for his council. He will give you advice worth listening and
knowledge that you will use until your death. He will train you in combat and
many other aspects. He will be your mentor for six months.
Six months? Nemeriel exclaimed, All of Indildris could be underway by then!
What about time?
48

Ivlisar is our only chance, besides, Mersuithiel hasnt shown any signs of new
attack yet. Erethor said.
Will I have a companion? Nemeriel asked, glancing at Prayer thoughtfully. Then
she chastised herself for being so thoughtless and cowardly.
It is your choice, but the moment you enter the Sky you will have to do so alone.
Erethor answered.
Nemeriel began to think of going out into Atva all by herself and having to speak
with the King of Kings and not even having Prayer at her side who was never
anywhere else.
What will I have to do, where will I have to go I dont even know whatShh, Rindis said, taking her daughter into her arms, Shh, I know, we all know
how hard it is. We all know everythings changing, I mean for example, this time
its not even your fault, she chuckled, But you will have to be strong. Dont
worry, well tell you everything youll need to know.
To get into the sky youll have to ask for a right of passage. Helwen, the lady of
the sky will be the one you will need to ask permission from. Erethor nodded.
She is kind and fair, Rindis said, She will see sense and let you through.
With no doubt, Erethor agreed, Just follow your instincts.
Theyre nearly always right, Prayer added with a watery smile.
Nemeriel felt so grateful and helpless all at the same time that she just let Rindis
rock her softly for a long time.
Finally Nemeriel sighed, Do I have to go now? Straight away? I want to have more
time, time to think. Can I haveOf course, Rindis said softly, Anything.
Nemeriel swallowed, her small dainty figure hugging her mother and giving her
father a quick kiss on the forehead.
Her grimly shaped lips and yet bright, spritely eyes dappled with old tears hardly
fit together, and yet the face was Nemeriels and the sigh she gave was in her
sweet voice. She turned away and disappeared through the threshold.
Prayer smiled sadly and followed her sister out of the door, her last glance an
image of Rindis arm around Erethors shoulders, the King and Queen ragged and
torn in between pride and sorrow.

49

Chapter 7: The Travelling Elves

The days dragged by and finally Erethor was able to bring over the two remaining
dwarf children. Hasthril and Debuli were taken to stay in Ithilwen, a far off city
near the Balthazar Mountains and heavily guarded on its easily accessed angle by
the Northern Elves. Even though Nemeriel agreed that it was the safest place to
put them, she wished that they could have lived closer so that she could see them
every day or at least once in a while.
At last when the dwarves were safe Nemeriel acted as if she had no place in the
world, as if she had no reason to be anymore. She stopped working and rebelling
as she usually did and became quite quiet.
With time Nemeriel began to feel smaller and smaller. Her eyes and cheeks were
often wet and her eyelashes never dried. The feeling of alone and emptiness grew
inside of her and she seldom smiled or became excited. The weather itself started
to darken and the rain of the Autumn moon lashed harder and harsher than it had
for many years now. The clouds stayed white but their strong color made Nemeriel
dizzy and recoil. She felt like Hasthril back in the cave, shut up for weeks and
weeks with only the dimness of a sputtering fire to keep her company. The
daylight seemed too much for her now, only the flicker of the fireplace or the deep
lanterns could soothe the princess.
One day, when Prayer thought she had seen enough, and was worried to her neck
she decided to speak to her sister.
Two fortnights have now dared to pass and still you stay. Prayer said slowly and
confidently, The white clouds may soon bear snowflakes and it is a known curse
to travel during Winter, it would be a foolish act on your part to not leave this
minute before the cold can catch you.
Nemeriel looked up from the dancing flames, I do not fear the cold.
You very much should! Prayer chastised, The cold is not merciful and the more
you try to strike a fire the harder the wind will blow. Do not be silly, you are who
you are and you cannot change that, but now that we have told you how you can
change the lives of others, why will you not take initiative as you have so many
other times before, especially when it was not permitted.
50

Nemeriel sighed, I dont like living anymore.

Prayer was about to laugh, but the way Nemeriel said it had such sorrow and
defeat in it that Prayer suddenly became afraid of what her sister might do next.
Well then, perhaps you should think to yourself that if you die, so will all the
other many people in Indildris and in a much more painful way I assume if at the
hands of Mersuithiel, that is. Prayer smiled, You are the tree that holds the
many, many leaves, and yet why do you feel weak when each leaf weighs but the
mass of a hair. You must fight the wind, or each leaf will fall, easily cut by the gust.
You have no choice, for without the leaves you are nothing. You are ugly and you
are, in the end weaker. I promise that if you will be the tree I will never cease to
be the roots underneath you. As always.
You promise?
I promise.
Dont, Nemeriel said suddenly, her smile vanished, Promises are like glass,
theyre transparent and thin, easy to break. At first, you think you know and see
everything as clear as crystal and then the glass shatters leaving a broken image
that had always been marred underneath. Always held a secret under its skin only
to be revealed if properly taken aprt. Bit by bit.
Dont be silly.
I wouldnt say this if I believed the plan would work. This switching, this
changing, this lying. She looked grim and faithless.
Prayer gave Nemeriel a funny look, I promise. She said firmly and stood to
leave.
***
One more day went and it began to rain again. Nemeriel watched the sky for
another night until the clouds finally cleared and a pale blue heaven was finally
visible. The sun was a feeble yellow and yet gave light enough and spirit to last
Nemeriel the week it would take her to travel to the edges of Prospero, Land of
the Villages.
You should take a rest at Hellboar fort. Rindis advised as they stood at the edge
of Lirhatael, There are always guards standing on that tower; tell them who you
are and they will surely give you a new pack of food and let you sleep the night
there.
Dont stay more than two days though; you dont want to come too late into
Prospero. Erethor added, Ive already sent Helwen a message in advance
through the river, shell be waiting.
Why cant I travel through the Dawn River, father? Nemeriel asked, Itd be so
51

much quicker.
Erethor flinched, You will not enter those waters until you absolutely have to. He
said firmly, Besides, I - the River can sometimes dissipate the travelers soul when
he or she passes through its realm. Its an old tale but one Pandora can neither
confirm nor deny. She doesnt know for sure. he paused, And, considering youre
human, I dont know how much worse the effects could be since you dont have a
natural magical lining to protect you.
But Ive been in the river before, she protested.
Yes. I know. But what would happen the second time? he turned, Im not willing
to take the risk of finding out.
Nemeriel looked away and shouldered her bag of beaten leaves. She held the sack
by the vines coming from it as handles and hung the weight over Madildras back.
The horse did not bend but it snorted ungratefully.
Nemeriel sighed as she put a consoling hand on the mares muzzle, It shouldnt
be too long.
Madildra paced nervously and Nemeriel mounted. The sun had already come way
into the sky and before she could change her mind Prayer had whispered
something in Madildras ear and the steed was off, cantering into the brush of the
Broken Wood.
The journey was a long one and Nemeriel did not stop her horse from cantering
for many hours. Finally Madildra halted on her own account and bent at the banks
of the River Sten, her tongue parched and her belly rumbling. Nemeriel climbed
off of her horse and watched Madildra graze for some time. Soon the sun was
setting and Nemeriel felt her own stomach rumble. Standing to fiddle with the
vines, she pulled apart her bag and opened the sack of leaves. Inside lay neatly
packed elven Swell Wine and corn crackers. Three bottles of a pale pink liquid
swished and frothed beside twenty seven corn breads. Nemeriel sighed and
picked three crackers and one of the bottles from her bag.
This is it Madildra, Nemeriel said sadly, Only the finest food of the elven
race she sighed and took a long drink from the bottle of Swell Wine. Suddenly
her eyes sparked brighter and her toes and fingers flooded with warmth. The
liquid was filling her mind with strength once more and yet it took Nemeriel one
look at the sorry horizon for the fright to surge back into her veins again.
Just before her the sun had gone and the moon was rising. Nemeriel tugged on
Madildras reins and led her into a more protected part of the brush. She hid
behind a circlet of trees and pulled down leaves and pine needles to shade her
from view. Suddenly a great noise like a twig cracKing caught Nemeriels
attention. She stroked Madildras mane nervously and waited. Soon the sound of
footsteps began to clomp, louder and louder and Nemeriels nimble fingers quickly
52

toyed with the strap holding down her bow to the saddle of her horse.
She cursed and finally the binds broke loose. Nemeriel picked an arrow from her
quiver and her grip tightened on the bow handle.
Light a fire, one voice said distantly.
Nemeriel held her mouth shut and breathed in and out through her nose. Madildra
made no noise and Nemeriel reached out to pat her cheeks so as to reward and
encourage her silence.
Madildra shook her big head and then kept still once more.
Dont be stupid, what if a klorn catches us? another said loudly; almost too
loudly, as if to lure Nemeriel out. To reassure her they were on her side. Foolishly,
the princess crept out, if they were against the klorns then that was enough for
her.
She exhaled and dared to turn her head. Just beyond the third tree she saw two
shorter elves converse in the distinct accent of the Gallworth people. They were
simply travelers, and yet something held Nemeriel back. It was almost as if the
voice speaKing of their fear of the klorns was especially loud, especially alluring.
Almost a trap.
Im chilled to the bone and weve finished our Swell Wine. Just light a fire and
well fight off what comes at us. the other answered.
Two faint sparks emitted from the trees and then suddenly an explosion of light
cast Nemeriels shadow into view. She jumped back but it was too late, the elf on
the left had seen her and had already strung his bow and gotten to his feet.
Who goes there?
Nemeriel said nothing.
I said who goes there? Speak! there was excitement more than warning in the
elfs voice.
Madildra, startled by the fire could take it no longer she began to pace and then
suddenly emerged from the trees, knocked down the elf and bucked at the one
near the fire.
Nemeriel skipped over the fallen elf and held an arrow at the face of the one
sitting and shielding his face from Madildras hoofs.
Put out the fire! Nemeriel screeched, Put it out, fool!
The elf who had been hit was groaning upon the floor, his chest badly bruised.
Finally Nemeriel threw her cloak over the flames and the light went out.
53

The three travelers were in the dark once more. Nemeriel felt around to find
Madildra and took her horses face in her arms. She stroked the steeds nose and
soon Madildra began to snort in content.
You can relight it now. Nemeriel said shakily, Ive calmed her. Just be more
careful.
Who are you? one voice said again.
Just please, light the fire again will you! Nemeriel said urgently, the darkness
tingling at her and maKing her nervous. She didnt care if they saw her, she
wanted to be rid of the blackness. Please, she felt a tear prick her eye and she
gulped.
The elf heard the fear in her voice and pulled away the cloak, throwing it at what
he guessed where Nemeriels feet were. Slowly, he struck a steady fire. Soon the
three elves were able to see each other quite well in the light.
My name is Erduoin, the elf by the fire said. He had long auburn hair and his
eyes were bright. He slowly stood and walked around Nemeriel who swiveled her
head immediately so as to keep the elf in view. This is my brother, Orin.
The elf on the ground groaned as Erduoin lifted him and dragged him into the light
of the fire. Orins face seemed already scarred but the old wounds were nothing
compared to the large cut on his chest. His grey eyes dodgily moving and wide
open, which was odd for one in pain. His hair was redder than Erduoins but
overall the two men looked a lot alike.
My name is Nemeriel, she said, knowing a fake name could never hide her rare
color as she had learned in the Elberon with the dwarves.
Nemeriel found Erduoins following calmness oddly unnerving.
He smiled with relief, his grin wide and eager. I thought so, what an odd place to
find a princess.
Nemeriel blushed.
Im sorry about your horse by the way; we didnt mean to frighten him. The elf
clasped his hands together to keep them warm.
Her, its a girl actually, Nemeriel corrected, she suddenly began to relax, Not to
worry, I should be the one who is sorry, I never would have thought Madildra was
capable of such a strong kick.
Hell be alright. Erduoin said nervously glancing at Orin, Im sure its just a
bruise.
Nemeriel bit her lip, I have something for him if youll let me.
Erduoin looked up, Of course, anything if itll help.
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Nemeriel went to her bag and took out the second bottle of Swell Wine, Here.
She poured the liquid down Orins throat and he sighed. His eyes flickered open
and the bruise upon his chest went down and stopped bleeding. A thin white scar
remained topped by a pink vibrant rash. In his pain he clutched the arrow in his
hand and Nemeriel noticed fleetingly the fact that the feathers along the stick was
black. Erelis bowmen always had blue feathered arrows, and yet Orin had not a
single sign of indigo in all the twelve of his quiver.
Nemeriel looked up and saw Erduoin frown briefly at her suspicion, Thank you,
we just ran out of that two days ago. It is lucky you were not an enemy. a gleam
caught in the elfs eyes as he watched Nemeriel bow.
Do you have any food? she asked.
As a matter of fact my brother and I have always been scarce on food and out of
custom we have managed to save quite a lot over the days.
Nemeriel peered through Erduoins sack and gasped, How long have you been
travelling? she asked.
Six days exactly. Orin answered his voice much deeper than that of his sibling.
Ive been travelling for one day only and Ive already had quite a bit of my
savings. Nemeriel looked sullen, I wish I could save food like you, Im sure Ill be
through my Corn Bread by tomorrow.
Erduoin shook his head, Not if you stay with us for a while, where are you off to?
Nemeriel hesitated, Hellboar first and then Prospero, Land of the Villages.
Erduoin glanced at Orin, Were going to the Ravonbern Marshes to meet old
friends of ours, but if I am correct I believe Prospero is on the way.
Nobody lives in the Ravonbern! she laughed, Who on earth are you meeting?
Friends, Erduoin repeated coolly.
Nemeriel looked from one elf to the other, We could journey together until the
borders of Prospero. She offered.
That is not a bad idea, Erduoin exclaimed, Besides I see you are quick in
stringing a bow.
Nemeriel looked away bashfully, Practicing with my sister is a hobby and
something my father insists on for defense. Ive become quite excelled for my
kind.
Erduoin did not ask so Nemeriel didnt elaborate but inside she felt a flint of pride
light up. However, Nemeriel did not want to show off. She liked these Gallworth
travelers, they seemed to understand her. They asked little and they gave little in
return. They did not marvel on her royalty and did not treat her differently.
55

That will be useful, Orin said, My brother and I got little training from our
parents, they died when we were young.
Nemeriel bowed her head, Im sorry.
We appreciate your condolences... Erduoin said, But theyve been gone for
many years now, it has been long since weve mourned. Besides, it was their
death that rendered us upon the streets of Gallworth. If it were not for them we
would still be ignorant. My brother and I have taken to roaming the roads and
seeing the sights. We have made many friends all over Indildris and many around
Atva know us better as the Travelling Elves than by our true names.
Nemeriel pondered over her first experience out of Lirhatael overnight and alone.
These two lone travelers have lived in that way for over ten years. She did not
know what to say, although deep down she wanted to ask why they liked being
out in the harsh wind all the time.
Instead she said what she thought was most fit, Tell me some of your stories, two
elves like you must have some things to tell, am I not correct? Anyway, are we not
sitting around a fire in a cold forest on a cold night? This is the perfect moment for
tales.
Orin grunted, We have many things to share, but half have never been uttered
before, even among ourselves.
Some of our journeys have been hazardous and sorrowful, but for the most part
bright and adventurous, we like this life though, this life of unexpectedness and
surprises. Erduoin smiled, If you want a story or two Im sure Orin would love to
tell, he is quite the story maker of the family whereas I am the one starring most
of his dangerous plots.
Nemeriel laughed, I seem to quite agree, even if I barely know you. It looks as if
Orin is the more quiet and modest elf of you two.
Erduoins cheeks burned red as he agreed, I have always been much the risktaker.
Nemeriel laughed and then asked again, eagerly, Well, why dont you start with
the first story of stories then? The first place you went and the very first thing you
did. I want to hear it all!
Orin coughed and Erduoin leaned back, a distant satisfied smile playing on his
lips, Father had just left with the many elves of Erelis, his armor tight and
farewells harder and harsher than expected. Morosauv, the last dark lord weve
had in a while, had made one threat too many and where his King would lead him,
our father vowed to follow, even into the depths of the Axe Mountains in Ibeldurn
or the parched desert of Norawarth. Orin leaned into the clearer light of the fire
and warmed his hands, Our Mother, alone with three children, for we had a
younger sister, worked day and night to earn our daily bread. However, despite
56

our help she soon fell ill of exhaustion and died a year later. Erduoin and I were
distraught but we kept working and laboring because our elfling sister, Elestel,
had to eat - besides it would kill us both if she died. Despite all our efforts we had
to make Elestel work also when she turned twelve. She was a cleaning maid at the
home of a rich elf man and his wife who claimed to have robbed a dwarf cavern in
their time. They had no children and had become exceedingly fond of Elestel. We
did what we could but it would soon be time to give her up. We were invited one
day to the man and his wifes home and they offered us gold for our sister. We did
not want to make Elestel think we were selling her so we asked her if she wanted
to stay. She knew it would be the only thing to do if we wanted to keep her alive,
so she has been raised by them ever since. We left with good money and decided
we would have to travel and eat from the free trees if we wanted to live long and
well without worry.
Nemeriel had tears in her eyes and she hastily wiped them away. Her thoughts
were painfully on Prayer, Do you visit her? Elestel I mean.
Of course, Erduoin said sadly, Every year we try at least once or twice.
However, the Restrings do not like us to stay too long; they dont think much of us
at all. We sold her, they bought her, and now Elestel belongs to them.
You should bring her to Prospero; there they accept all races, all people. It is the
Land of the Villages that you should take her to. Nemeriel said desperately and
then, Im sure you could find a way to live with her there.
But wed have to get her back first. Orin said darkly.
What does that mean? Nemeriel asked Erduoin quizzically.
It means that wed have to either pay the Restrings enough money to buy our
sister back or steal Elestel one night without paying our debts. Erduoin paused.
Nemeriel said nothing. She just waited - silently being torn in between not
knowing if she wanted to hear what they were about to say and on the other hand
being endlessly curious, as always.
It also means we dont know whether she actually wants to come with us
anymore. He finished with a sigh.
In which case youThat will be all for tonight. Orin stood and put out the fire.
Nemeriel wondered if she had said something and suddenly felt the darkness
wrap around her and bring the fear back again. Im sorry, she said softly, not
wanting anyone to hear.
Orin loves his sister very much. Erduoin answered unexpectedly, There is
nothing to be sorry for. Sleep now, I expect he will keep watch, he wont be resting
for a long time now.
57

What will he do then?

He will think.
About what?
About how he can get her back.
Chapter 8: Hellboar Fort
Nemeriel woke suddenly. Her first night deprived from her usual castle comforts
had gone poorly. The dew had dampened her cloak and her spirits, for not even
her undergarments were dry. Her fingers were chilled to the bone and even
though she had slept with them close to her heated breaths their slender figures
were bent and crippled in the cold.
The sun had come out and Nemeriel was glad to have it bathe her frozen nose
and cracking lips. It rose high and then dropped beneath the leaves again, its rays
covering Orin and Erduoin next. They stirred and seemed to smile; their feet both
close to the dead embers of last nights fire.
Nemeriel blushed as she remembered her silly insistence of light. It had been
foolish of her to suggest lighting the flame once more. But the dark had been so
intense and the pressure of the unknown and the unseen infuriating. She did not
have the same advantages in the dark as the true elf did, even if her practise of
the hunt in the eve was extensive.
The ashes blew in the wind and scattered leaving a slight and safer trace; briefly
re-lifting the familiar smell of the hearth causing it to linger in the air.
Sighing, she lifted her aching body and trundled to Madildras warm side. The
horse woke sleepily and snorted warm puffs of hot air into Nemeriels face. She
laughed and carefully lifted her right leg over the saddle. Shifting her weight,
Nemeriel leaned forward to untie Madildras reigns from the boughs of a
neighboring oak tree.
Come on, Nemeriel patted her horses side and urged her into a steady trot out
of the clearing, If we can find some dry branches or mint leaves to go with our
Corn Bread Ill call our meal a proper breakfast.
Madildra whinnied and cantered east, the light of the sun emblazoning the early
periwinkle blue sky.
The two companions roamed the Sten river banks and the southern part of the
Broken Wood for little over half an hour. The morning was long and by the time
Nemeriel had returned to the edge of the clearing she had gathered a generous
amount of Elfish Herbs, despite that she could not see a single dry twig in all of
her passage.
As she just entered the sight of their nightly bonfire she gasped, her leaves falling
58

to the ground. Orin and Erduoin had gone and so had their sacks and packages.
Their bows were absent and Nemeriel failed to find a single arrow much less a
quiver.
Why on earth have they gone? Nemeriel cried.
Madildra nuzzled her mistress and then began to pace, grazing every once in a
while to relieve the silent moments.
Circling back with Madildra on her trail, Nemeriel checked where she had already
travelled that morning. Finally she heard the distinct voices of the two brothers.
Then she heard their footsteps and finally felt an arrow whizz past her ear.
Nemeriel screamed and buckled. She rolled into the grass and fumbled with the
bow she had foolishly tied once more to Madildras saddle, expecting to travel
easily that day with the brothers on her side.
Finally the bonds broke loose and Nemeriel picked a blue tailed arrow from the
quiver, stringing and shooting in the blink of an eye. Orins deep voice cried out
and Erduoins dark figure dropped.
If they wont pay a pretty price for your fingers, then theyll pay for your head!
Orin growled, Where are you?
Nemeriels breaths quickened and her head and body felt like lead. Why had they
turned against her? She knew they couldnt be trusted from the beginning, but
now it was too late.
She risked a glance over a delusional piece of brush and Orin and she locked eyes.
Orin, quick in aiming stopped and then held back. He knew Nemeriel was the
more skilled bows-man and quicker and nimble in avoiding his shots, so he
grinned toothily and aimed at the horse. Nemeriel cried out, No!
But it was too late, Madildras thigh was pierced and she reared cantering forward
and trampling the elf beneath her hoofs.
Stop! Nemeriel cried, Stop it! her voice was shrilly.
Madildra ceased and turned around her limps leaving blood trails on the grass of
the clearing.
Orins low groans were able to be heard and as much as Nemeriel wanted to turn
away she slinked forward and took one last look at the brothers.
Erduoins heart was pierced by her own arrow and his eyes were glassy and white.
He was so still...
Orin was lying three feet away from him, his face badly bruised and his arm gone
completely saggy.
Nemeriel coughed and felt tears of anger and self-guilt rise to the edge of her
59

eyes.
Im sorry, she choked her hate and disbelief gone with the quick sweep of guilt
and remorse.
Orin turned his terrible head and said sadly, Mersuithiel wants you. We wanted
Elestel. We had to buy her back. A princess for a sister, is it not all the same?
Nemeriel looked away half disgusted and half tears and hiccups. Elestel deserves
better than you!
You didnt know her! Orin shot back, wincing. You dont understand...how much
I - I miss her. I miss her. I miss - Then he yelled and rolled over, his breaths
becoming painfully ragged and then finally slowing to a convincing halt.
Nemeriel sniffled and turned away. Come on! she said softly, Madildra lets go!
The horse bent under the elfs weight but Nemeriel wouldnt stop. For many hours
Madildra kept trotting on until she could no more. Finally the horse toppled over
and Nemeriel leaped off so as not to get her legs crushed beneath the weight.
Rolling to break the fall Nemeriel rubbed her arm as she groped back to Madildras
fallen figure.
Please, please! Nemeriel pulled out the arrow from her thigh and examined its
tip. Poison. Filthy Galls men! she cried into the night until her voice cracked
with pain and fatigue.
Fumbling through the sack of food and drink Nemeriel picked one of the bottles of
Swell Wine and poured the whole thing down Madildras throat.
The horse coughed and her eyes lit up again. The wound closed but a big bruise
stained Madildras white coat.
You need to stand! Nemeriel said through clenched teeth, You have to. Her
voice faltered and then Madildras legs quaked and then lifted her body up.
Nemeriel took Madildras face in hers and laughed, Thank you, thank you,
Helwen, Queen of the Heavens, Queen of the Sky!
Madildra coughed and sneezed but she kept going into the darkest hours of the
night until her knees buckled and Nemeriel felt the darkness envelope her too.
The two of them fell into deep sleep, their combined body warmth the only thing
to keep each other alive until the next morning.
***
Princess? The sweet voice of an elven woman sung out into the early air,
Princess?
Nemeriels eyelids fluttered and an armored lady stood over her, her hand on her
shoulder and her long golden hair tickling Nemeriels face. She had the fair
60

features of the common elf but her head was clad in silver armor and plumes of
peacock hues danced above her. She held a warm cup of swell wine in her hand.
She looked slightly foreign.
My name is Caradhras, she said softly, We found you and your wounded horse
a few minutes from Hellboar fort. Your father the King sent us a message weeks
back; he said youd come. Youre safe now; my fellow guards and I have been
taking care of you.
Is Madildra alive?
Your horse? Caradhras asked, Im afraid the fact you gave her swell wine
worsened the problem, you sealed the poison inside of her and now we are forced
to cut her open if we wish to extract it again. Were starting on her tomorrow, right
now our priority is you.
But Im not hurt- Nemeriel sat up in protest, speaking through clenched teeth
and wincing at her sudden movement. Defeated, she lay back down again and
sighed miserably. Will she ever heal?
Weve tied her legs and she wont be able to walk for two weeks, but yes, she is
alive, and she will survive the poison if shes lucky.
Nemeriel sighed, her eyes brightening and the crease in her brow faltering.
There is a good chance she will live through this, especially with the medicine a
friend of mine from Saertiel has recently sent me.
Nemeriel looked up surprised. It was not often that Saertiels healing skills were so
freely shared. HowI am originally from Saertiel, my father from the south my mother from the east.
She was a two-feathered one. How curious that she should choose to be faithful to
Erelis.
I know I should not be so persistent, Nemeriel said wearily, But I was expecting
to be in Prospero in the next few days.
Well, rest and good nutrition might make you strong enough to walk to Prospero,
as I believe your horse will have trouble recovering as quickly as you. However, I
expect youll be fully healed in the next few days. Your arm is badly hurt but with
some Swell Wine and Sea Powder the bruises will be gone by tomorrow.
Nemeriel smiled and frowned again remembering the horrible sight of Orin and
Erduoins white eyes and glassy expression. Bruises. Blood.
The elf maiden turned and read Nemeriels expression, Sometimes its better to
talk about it. Nemeriel nodded, How did it happen then? Caradhras asked.
I dont know. She said honestly, I gave trust where there should not have been
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any and it bounced back on me. Two brothers, the Travelling Elves they called
themselves, they tried to take me to Mersuithiel so they could buy back a sister
from the Restring family in Gallworth. I expect theyre both dead now. She said
solemnly.
You killed them? Caradhras asked bewildered, You must be a very skilled archer
if you could take down two grown elven men on your own.
I had Madildras help, Nemeriel said, wincing as she moved, flashes of Orin
sloshing through her head.
Her hoofs were stained in the elfish golden blood. I was very surprised to see you
were attacked by your own race at first. Caradhras sighed, Well, you should rest;
there is Swell Wine on the mantel piece if you are thirsty. My brothers of the fort
will come and tend to you as well if you are feeling ill.
Thank you. Nemeriel murmured, for she was too weak to speak any more and
far too tired to do anything else than close her eyes.
That night Nemeriel saw black and blue and purple, and golden blood and heard
whinnies and felt stabs. She awoke, screaming and covered in sweat, her hands
shaKing and her wet body cradled in someones arms. She lurched forward and
her stomach emptied itself ruthlessly.
Prayer? Nemeriel whimpered softly.
No, came Caradhras calm voice, No, no, my dear, but youre safe, theyre all
safe. Hush now.
She felt the drowsiness take her again and she sunk into her slumber once more.
The next morning Nemeriel felt terrible, her eyes were sunken and her body weak
and lanky. You threw up last night, Caradhras said quietly.
Have you been here the whole time? Nemeriel asked groggily.
Ive had some shifts, she said humbly.
When can I leave?Nemeriel asked.
I expect youll be alright in another few days.
I wanted to start walKing tomorrow; I cant wait for Madildra to heal much less
myselfThats enough! Caradhras said firmly, I will not let you leave under these
conditions. Look at you! Your father made me promise that you would be safe, so
you are to stayHe also told me not to linger at Hellboar, I need to move, I dont have much time
and neither does Indildris!
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Caradhras looked at Nemeriel suspiciously, I dont know what you are doing or
why you are going wherever you wish to go, but you seem to think that it is all
very important. It might very well be but you are only an elfling of fourteen, I will
not let you leave until you take a days rest and Swell Wine stocks with you when
you leave. I dont think you understand, but your wit is on the line, you are edgy
and jumpy, to leave now could drive you mad. You need to recuperate.
Nemeriel was about to argue but she realized that Caradhras was right. Fine,
she leaned back again on her pillow and closed her eyes.
The next day was long and weary, but it was also the first time that Nemeriel had
stood up and walked around Hellboar to discover its surroundings and how distant
it was from the edge of Prospero Village.
The stone fort was grey and dull, but the flag that whipped in the wind above its
pillars of broken rock was blue and bright. Two guards had the tagging tendency of
following Nemeriel everywhere she went their steel eyes and silver armor
shimmering and more attracting than concealing or protective, contradicting its
general intention.
I think I can make my way from here, Nemeriel had once said haughtily. But the
guards stood fast and did not blink, they only said, We have been told your
safety is essential to the future of Indildris. We shall not go.
Nemeriel for the next three days continuously felt the burning glare of the
cautious guards. The nights were slow and painful but with the swell wine and
Saertiels supplies her recovery was quicker than expected.
By the fourth night Nemeriel remembered Erethors words and could not help feel
she had overstayed. Her limbs were strong now and there could be no more
excuses. I want to leave by midday tomorrow. Nemeriel confronted Caradhras
with a packed bag of leaves and two bottles of swell wine.
The elf maiden gave her a contemplating look and then finally nodded.
You are a clouded child, full of sorrow and determination not worthy of your age,
Caradhras yellow hair shimmered as she spoke,You are too mysterious for one
so young. Secrets can be heavier than they look at first.
Nemeriel looked at her quizzically and then let the world wrap her in darkness
that last night one more time. After a sufficient breakfast and a quick gathering of
meats and herbs she was ready to leave by the time the sun had met the center
point of the sky that following day.
The goodbyes were unceremonious, or at least Nemeriel had thought they had
been until she had reached the foot of the door.Before stepping away from the
threshold of Hellboar fort Nemeriel was caught by the trembling hand of
Caradhras once more. Here, she said, Take it. The poison can be reused within
a fortnight.
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Nemeriel frowned, What is it? she took the black phial in the palm of her hand
and gave Caradhras a suspicious glance, It looks likeMagpie's blood, I extracted it from the thigh of Madildra, it is still intact.
Nemeriels face contorted and she dropped the glass to the ground though it did
not shatter, What do you mean by this? I wont use the poison that nearly killed
my only companion against others! That is not the way of the elves and I dont
want it!
You need it. Caradhras said quietly pressing the instrument back into Nemeriels
hand, You can apply it to your arrows, it will keep you safe.
For a moment the two stood side by side; and then Nemeriel stepped away from
the door, the phial still in her hand, as Caradhras swung the gates shut.

Chapter 9: The Tale of Woe

For hours Nemeriel walked and yet the horizon came no closer nor the far off
sounds of civilization any louder neither the great looms of wall and rock that
lined the edges of Prospero city any bigger. But it was there, Land of the Free, land
of all races, at least it was still standing.
The day became shorter and the night arrived quickly so that Hellboar Fort was in
vision again due to its bright lantern lighting, intimidating location and large
towering make, created to be useful as a look out base and warning to other
enemies.
If theyve already ordered guards to the forts then war must be coming. Nemeriel
thought, But Willows Keep has been able to hold up and the dwarves have been
valiant in their aid. Why would they be so cautious? The war is on the other side
of Indildris. On top of it, rumors have it that the battle is won now anyway.
Then Nemeriel shook herself, Whatever rumor has; you clearly do not. As has
been proved for me, a lot can happen in nine days, and I wouldnt know it if all of
Neteliar had been burnt to ash.
Afraid and uncertain of her darkening surroundings; it took Nemeriel a lot of
courage to repress her yearning of light and want of striKing a fire. The late hours
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passed and the moon came out but its light did not suffice. Finally she lay down
and forced herself into a restless sleep.
SNAP!
The crackling of twigs and heavy feet awoke her. Nemeriel felt the same cool air
brush her face until a treacherous wind of blistering heat scorched her face, its
maker coming from the North. Nemeriel look up and stifled a scream, Hellboar
Fort was on fire, and despite her dreary, sleepy vision, the fact was clear.
Flames jumped up the walls and consumed the poisonous vines and surrounding
forest to nothingness. Already the smoke of the chaos was consuming everything
in its way. Hellboar was no more, and yet its stubborn brick walls still fought
against the turmoil of the destruction. And it was then, as Nemeriel squinted to
see what else had occurred, she noticed men, seeming small at their distance and
round at the middle, hack at the stone and throwing torches into the already
raging fire.
The wind made her eyes water and the smoke that hung on the evening cloud
bore down on her like a drugged cloth pressed to ones dry lips. TaKing her bags in
her arm and gluing herself to a tree she held her breath as her mind circled back
to the loud noise of footsteps that had wakened her from her slumber
Klorns! she blinked as the hot air caught on her eyelashes. The wind came again
and Nemeriel whimpered at its callous hand. She shielded her eyes but the breeze
came strong.
Faint cries and coughs were audible from the fort and suddenly so was the rearing
of a horse.
Madildra! Nemeriel screamed, unable to contain herself, the thought of her still
being alive caught her by surprise, and it was not until then she discovered how
worried and full of desperation and foreboding she was. She suddenly felt guilty at
how sure her mind had become of the death of her companions and saviours back
at the fort. Madildra, she said softly again, but this time, though the utterance a
much dimmer sound, was unfortunately heard.
The snapping of twigs stopped for a second and whispers of a foreign language
filled the sounds of the night like metal on rock.
Eht hano vil gasperi, one said.
Nah, nah, quebato, fi je bork, qui bana.
Nemeriel prayed and swore that henceforth she would never ever utter a sound
again, but it was too late. The bulky shadows of two klorns filled the spaces in
between the trees and blocked out the moonlight.
Hello pretty, one said in a choppy version of the elven speech.
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Looks like weve found, her.

Mm, it does.
And the first swung its axe with the mercy of the raging fire back in Hellboar. His
aim stuck in the bark but he was so strong it took him only second to retrieve it
from the tree. He swung again but this time Nemeriel had noticed the arch of his
back when he aimed and the vulnerability of his chest. She lunged forward and
struck him in the ribs. He faltered but didnt fall.
Behind her the second klorn was busy with a gladius. He took a blow at her leg
and as Nemeriel leaped to one side she still couldnt escape a graze that was
aimed at her chest but only reached her forearm. The pain was hot and quick but
the cut shallow and short. The throbbing agony of poison had not reached her yet.
Their weapons were clean.
But mine arent, she thought, its my turn to play dirty.
TaKing one of her arrows from the quiver that was slung over her back she aimed
at the sword-wraiths neck, the only place without armor, and released. The bow
shot true and her aim was fast.
The first klorn fell, clutching his throat and gargling with blood and froth, a side
effect of the drug. The second snarled and swung again, he missed only by
centimetres. Finally he realized she was too quick for the heavy instrument and
dropped his preferred weapon, trading it for the fallen gladius, its master inches
away from death. Nemeriels eyes shone with a new fear and the klorn laughed,
Youre only an elfling Princess. You wont escape again.
She swallowed and slotted an arrow into her bow; she felt the wind pass her face
and dance with her hair and then she let go. The arrow was released as the
gladius was swung, and neither was prepared for the other to act simultaneously.
The klorn fell with an arrow in his forehead whilst Nemeriel yelped as the gladius
caught in her heel.
She screamed and cried and winced, for the pain was excruciating like no other
pain had touched her before. She waited for death to take her, or sleep or
unconsciousness, but nothing did. She just waited.
The night began to fade and wind started to turn into a ruthless and cold thing.
The moon seemed to lose its light entirely and the fire that still fought with the
fortress determined structure seemed dim and insignificant. Nemeriels breaths
became ragged and her coughs sent stabs of pain to her leg. Her heel throbbed,
but to be frank, the pain in her lower-limb was gone. Completely gone, and that
was what scared her the most.
Finally a change in the never ending moment passed. She could hear the beating
of her heart get louder and louder until the noise hurt and shook the ground.
Surely she was dead, or dying. The noise was surely the noisy pocketwatch of
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Death himself as he watched it ticKing...ticKing away.

Stop! she whispered. Please. She did not want to go, despite everything
against her, she still had Prayer, mother and father. But then again, how easy it
would be to let go, how easy it would be to just drift into the endless, painless
river of death...
Tick, tick, tick. But it was not her heart she could hear, it was not her dying heart
taKing its final beats in haste and desperation, thank the heavens! It was the
sound of hoofs. It was the sound of life hope and memory.
Shes there! one echoing voice said weakly.
Caradhras! Nemeriel said softly.
The large shadow of a horse and two elves loomed over her head and one elf
dropped down to the ground.
Are you Nemeriel? the soft voice asked.
It hurts. she found the strength to answer, her whimpers shrilly and pierced by
sudden exclaims of intensive agonies caused by the strength of the wind and the
movement of the elf. She could hear Caradhras chuckle relievingly from behind
her and that was the first time she noticed she was slung over Madildras back a if
she was hurt.
Whats wrong with her?Nemeriel asked hoarsely.
She got badly burnt, I will do what I can. the man answered.
Nemeriel felt her face wet with tears and hadnt even noticed she was crying. The
pain of her heel got worse as the elf lifted her and the sadness that had taken
over her mercifully, finally set her to rest. So it was done, so it is finished. There is
no hope, and now there is only memory, she thought as the night enveloped her
and took her deep under. If only i dont wake, if only the pain would just stop.
In awaKing Nemeriel realized she was alone with the brother of Caradhras, one of
the guards from the fort.
You need to sleep, he said without looKing, Ive bandaged your heel. You will be
fine.
Whats wrong? she immediately said, the thickness of his voice terrifying her.
He turned to her and tears were streaking his face. His hands were worKing
nimbly on her cast but she pushed him away. As she sat up she saw the distinct
figures of Madildra and Caradhras lying on the grass, unmoving and pale.
Dont tell me. Because theyre not. And you know it because theyre not shes
not, shes not... Nemeriel began to cry despite her attempts to be stubborn and
brave. She began to cry like a baby, like the old Nemeriel. She was sick of having
67

to seem so strong. Because she wasnt, not anymore. The pain did not strengthen
her, it only made her easier to crumble, easier to render to sorrow. To tell the
truth, Caradhras hadnt known her for more than five days, and Madildra was on
the verge of death anyway, the pain that she would have had to go through would
not have been worth it. What really was rending Nemeriel to the state she was in
was the fact that so many deaths and so many brutal deaths at that had
happened in such a little time. And all because of her. She didnt know how to
handle it all, or understand it or anything!
They both died in the night. the elf said, I tried, very hard. Your horse was
brave and stronger than any other horse I had ever expected to meet. She was so
afraid by the flames that her instinct led her to standing and standing led her to
walking. She wasnt supposed to be able to do that for another three days. But
she did, and she was able to hold two weights on top of her. I think she could
smell you on Caradhras collar; she was comforted by the familiarity. Once we had
left Hellboar and found you I knew she was dying quickly, she was weak because
of the fire, and weak because of the poison. So I let her go in the least painful way.
With a sleeping draught and some swell wine.
What aboutCaradhras wanted to see you, but i couldnt move either of you without putting
one or the other in terrible pain. She told me to tell you how she was grateful.
Grateful for all you are doing for Indildris. She said that she wished she could have
done more, could have been braver; like you. She then died of severe burns, there
was nothing I could do.
For a moment Nemeriel was silent and then, Who told? she asked bitterly,
Whoever told I will kill them!
The elf looked troubled by her hate but he answered, On that matter be ready to
be disappointed. The klorns were saying something about a dying man. He was
badly bruised on the face but he was able to tell where you were heading in his
last breaths. he raised his brows It seems they were close on your trail if the
klorns are talKing about the same men you had dealt with. However, I wonder
why they waited so long. Perhaps they wanted you alive he looked up again
suspiciously, I think they waited for you to leave; then set the place on fire to
drive you back in and then catch you like fish to bait. We were your bait. he said
distastefully. Then he sighed, I do not blame you for the woe you brought on my
family, for a long time my sister and I have been dealing with problems of our
own, but I believe I deserve an explanation...do I not?
That is something I cannot do, she said slowly, I told one man where I was
going...I didnt even mention why or what...I just said Prospero and now look
what it did. No, I am done with trust. Trust is fickle and trust is stupid! I wont tell
you and dont expect me to change my mind. Life has taught me things that wont
waver for years now. Trust. You cannot trust it at all, besides, trust is for children.
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He looked at her, surprisedly, Children? And may I ask how old you are?
Experience should determine your age, she answered bitterly, It makes more
sense.
Most people experience things with time, with years.
Time is nothing. Nemeriel repeated her fathers words, a maniacal laugh
escaping her lips.
You speak wisely, but with such pain, and hate. What did these evil men do to
you if you will not say what you are doing yourself.
They made me look like a fool.she snarled.
You killed them both I believe, matters of honor are passed now.
Thats not the point! she put her head in her hands, They cut me and parted
me with what I thought I knew. It was for the best and I learnt of the many sides of
this kaleidoscopic world, but it was not the best way of finding them.
I agree he hesitated, Perhaps another time I will explain how I learnt the
ways of this world. Perhaps youll agree with me, perhaps youll understand that
you are not the only one grieving over deaths or grieving over how much grief you
have been through. he looked at her pointedly and then tied up the loose strings
of her cast and left.

The next time she saw daylight was when the guard was shaking her awake, his
voice urgent and pleading.
Nemeriels eyelids fluttered and she looked up, What is it?
You wouldnt wake! he said with a long sigh of relief, You were so still.
For a moment something scared her, something terrible inside her woke up, and
the fear of just floating in to another world frightened her so that she blurted out
suddenly, I would never leave you, she said, I will never go.
I know that. I know you are afraid. I sometimes wonder if she was afraid. The elf
smiled, You are brave, determined, everything she was too, he looks over at the
mound of earth that covered the two fallen maidens, She liked you very much.
She thought you were very important and so she wanted to feel as if she made a
difference to Indildris by saving you. By keeping you healthy, and strongShe did. Nemeriel said hastily, She did, and she made the bigger difference
than ive ever made! the tears were dried out by now, but Nemeriel didnt feel
like crying, she didnt feel as if she should be crying anymore. It was done, and it
was finished.
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Shed love to think that, to hear that...to believe it too,he looked away, Im soWho are you? Nemeriel said suddenly.
The elf laughed, Caer, Im Caradhras older brother.
But you dont look like her, his dark hair and long face was that of an Erelis-elf.
I take after my mother, Caradhras looked much like the Saertiel folk. Fair hair,
beautiful and good with medecine. She didnt like the city. So she and I made a
compromise. We did most of our trading in the Prospero square and she was able
to gather herbs and everyday foods out in the forest. We loved it, she and I.
He said it with a sad tone though, and he spoke painfully and obviously in the
past-tense.
You love it still.
Aye, and I wish to go with you. To take you to where you think youll be safe. I
want to finish what my sister started. he said it carefully, almost knowing
Nemeriel would protest before even asKing.
You cantI dont want to go with you all the way...just to Prospero. Ill settle in the Villages
and live off of trading. Itll be good to change.
Why dont you go back to Saertiel, have you ever been? Nemeriel for instance
hadnt before, but she liked the idea of the greenness and the things she had
heard of the place in the songs of the Chortlers.
Oh, I was born there, but I dont remember a thing, only how warm it was in the
summer and how bright the sun would shine. Caer clicked his tongue, But no, I
dont plan on going back, ever. It is a merry place for merry people and I dont
think i could pretend to be merry anymore anywhere, besides I like the Prospero
people. They say little and expect little. They all have their own tales of woe and
understand each other in the sense of not asKing. I think you would like the place
too.
Caradhras wouldnt, Nemeriel said softly, She would have liked Saertiel.
She belongs in Saertiel, Caer said, a lump in his throat, She was so much like
the southern people that she almost suggested moving there. But we were in
Erethors debt and I refused to leaveMight my father have anything to do with your story...the one you spoke of
yesterday?
It may. But it is irrelevant to what i say right now, he said sharply.
Nemeriel studied him carefully, It seems to me you have more than one tale of
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woe, Master Caer.

The elf smiled grimly, They say in the end there is only one, and that is that you
refuse to forget them and will never leave the depressing state in which you count
them and revive them in your minds.
Though people seldom think of things that way, the saying is somewhat true,
Nemeriel nodded her head, I will never forget your sister...but then again, she
probably wouldnt want that. I doubt she has never been included in anyones tale
of woe.
She was lovely. Caer agreed sullenly, She was perfect...and I lost her. I, who
spent years studying the arts of medicine. I, who descend from the people of
Saertiel, I who have saved countless lives before could not, couldnt even bring
myself, to save her. And so there, that is my tale of woe, whether she wishes to be
in it or not, I cannot forget her like you. his eyes were dotted with tears, but not
those of sadness, but of anger, disappointment. He wiped his eyes with the back
of his hand, There it is. My story. The tale of he who let his sister die at the mercy
of his hands. Caer looked up, Everything, essentially depended on me, and I
couldnt do it. What Im saying is I wonder if her death saddens you, or perhaps if
it is the fact you caused it...or that you have caused deaths in general in the
past.
Nemeriel knew he didnt mean to so obviously state he thought it was her fault
that Caradhras was dead, but still the accusation bothered her.
I did not tell you to save me that night Madildra and I were huddled upon the
forest floor. Yes, I agree that what you did was the right thing and that I am
grateful, but do not blame me for killing your sister. I am a princess, and it doesnt
take a fool to realize that I would be a far more dangerous guest than a common
traveller, and since my father had already sent word of my coming, you knew well
that I could not be one. Nemeriel sniffed. Not with the royal crest on my bow,
not with the color of my skin, not with the roundness of my ears. Do not blame me
Caer, for I could do nothing for her. She stood, her face paling with every
movement and sweat drenching her brow each time she winced. She reached out
for the support of a tree branch and then as she relaxed again, Nemeriel ripped
the bough from its home and used it as something to put her weight on. I plan on
walking to Prospero. And what about you?
Caer lifted himself slowly, Nemeriel watching enviously at how easily he walked to
her side.
Well, a maiden would be unwise to travel alone.
Not this maiden. Nemeriel shot back, but Caer ignored her.
He lifted her bags of supplies and set them on his shoulder, Come now, the day
wont last forever.
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Chapter 10: Prospero, Land of the Villages

Caer walked slowly at Nemeriels side, and every step was agony for her, but she
kept going and she refused to yield. This went for hours, and even as night fell she
said, A little further, for in another few minutes well be there.
It was true, the lights of the village seemed closer and the noises of the market
louder, but Caer knew a few minutes wouldnt bring them to Prospero. Finally he
set her down and disagreed to help her walk any longer.
We cannot stop now, were so close! Nemeriel protested.
Thats what you think, but your tired eyes are perceiving things inaccurately, and
as a matter of fact so are mine.
ButWere both tired, its clear to see, why dont we just sleep and re-start in the
morning?Caer started searching the clearing for moss and smooth rock ledges to
lean on.
I cant wait that long.she answered, her voice shaking.
Youll hurt yourself. Youre weak. If you walk any farther youll faint and who
knows what could happen to you during your slumber. Caer said, a distant fear
glinting in his eye.
She was about to retort again but suddenly Nemeriels frown disappeared and her
tone became less sharp and less insistent. Did she die that way? Nemeriel asked
softly.
Yes. She did. And thats all he needed to say.
Nemeriel nodded and put her hand under her head. She closed her eyes and
waited for anything, anything but sleep.

The morning felt crisp from the moment it touched Nemeriels face. Snow had still
not fallen though it looked as if the sky was seriously considering the change in
weather. The wind was soft and the cool air pinched her reddened cheeks as the
sun let her bask in its warmth. A smile spread on her lips and she sat up.
She reached into her bag and took out the last bottle of Swell Wine. A pack of corn
crackers still remained but she decided to leave those for later. She took a swig of
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the pale pink liquid and then set it back in its place inside of the sack. Looking up
and around her she saw her companion still asleep beneath the oak tree opposite
hers.
In the corner, Caer was still resting, his long graceful limbs curled in a ball, his
hands wrapped tightly around the wooden carvings of his bow. Beneath his belly
lay the quiver of arrows. He obviously believed the klorns to still be on their trail.
Caer. She shook him and watched as his dark eyelashes fluttered, Caer, lets
leave now. Come on! She said as he lifted his upper torso and stretched his legs.
God, Nemeriel, he said, his face suddenly sharp and weary again, Dont make
such a noise, well leave in a few minutes like you say, but first well have
breakfast.
I already did, she said, Theres swell wine for you and crackers in the bag over
on the tree boughs.
Caer stood and took a long examination of Nemeriels leg. Its fine. She said
irritably.
He nodded and took the crackers and swell wine into his hand, drinking as they
went. Ive been to Prospero as you know, Ill show you the way to a known friend
wholl be sure to take you in. After that, he gave her back the bottle of wine and
finished off the last cracker, Youre on your own.
Nemeriel smiled quickly. Now that the separation was happening it felt easier and
lighter than she had thought it would be before. She at first detested those
moments alone with Madildra in the Broken Wood, but now, she felt safer. I just
wanted to say thank you.
Caer shook his head solemnly.
Nemeriel readjusted her weight on the tree branch the lent on, opening her mouth
to press the matter when she jumped in surprised, WhoOh! how she danced and how she sung, she made the moon smile, and the sunGet down, Caer hissed, and shoved Nemeriel into a tree covering her with his
emerald cloak as he seized a branch and pulled its twiggy seams in front of his
face. For a moment the singing kept going until the stomping of hooves and
trundling of wheels began to accompany it. Suddenly, Caers grip loosened on the
twig and it flung back into its place. He pulled off his cloak from Nemeriels body
and lifted her up with one arm.
Brimleer! He exclaimed, jumping in front of the wagon and confronting the large
man with an outstretched hand.
For a second the singing stopped and then there was laughter, hearty, loud
laughter.
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Boy! Boy, my boy! The great dwarf jumped from the carriage and leaned
against its wooden walls for support as he shook Caers hand vigorously,
Wherever have you come from and why have you been away for so long?
The dwarf shook his big head and frowned. He had a long brown beard that
shadowed his face and a round middle, adorned with a golden belt. Upon his
shoulders was a long cloak of midnight blue, the clasp decorated with sparkling
stones. His boots were loud and clunky and as he spoke he waved his fat arms
and wiggled his large red fingers. His eyes were wide and his nose round, red and
veined. The dwarf seemed one that was of a merry soul and a merry life.
Caers face fell, Ive been at Hellboar like I usually am, but this time... he looked
back at Nemeriel and she shrank again under the shadows of the tree.
CaradhrasIsnt here I gather, he raised an eyebrow, And where might she be?
With Helwen. he said, his voice cracking.
Brimleer gasped and staggered back against the wheel of his wagon and shook
his head more eccentrically than before. But this cannot be! This cannot have
happened!
Caer said nothing.
Klorns eh? The dwarf growled, his anger making him shake.
They set fire to the stables, the rest lit on its own. Caer rubbed his eyes with a
sigh.
It took the old dwarf a few moments to recover, he was shivering and blubbering,
Aye, us folk here heard of the fire too, and we also heard that klorns was sighted
in Erelis, and that, is a terrible thing to hear. He squinted and his eyes thinned to
slits.
Caer nodded, The good thing is, he said quietly, There hasnt been any declare
of war yet. However, before we get into that, my friend and I would very much
appreciate a ride to Prospero and a long talk of exchanged rumors over a nice cup
of cooled Swell Wine. Caer looked up expectantly.
Your friend now, and who might that be? He squinted again and Nemeriel got
the impression that he had very poor eyesight which was rare amongst the
dwarves.
Yes, Caer said, Shes over there, in the trees.
Brimleer looked up and began to chuckle, And why on earth are you in the trees
little elfling?
Nemeriel stepped out of the brush carefully and silently. She then stole forward
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and leaped into the back of the wagon. To Prospero please, she said and tossed
him a coin.
Chapter 10: Prospero, Land of the Villages
The trundling path and fallen trees upon it led the ride to be harsher and more
agitating than expected. Every bump, every crevice made Nemeriel grimace or
exhale. Caer watched her tentatively, never saying anything but his eyes flinching
too with her every whimper.
Finally Brimleer spoke, So tell me, child, he looked over his shoulder and left the
reigns unattended to, What is your story?
Nemeriel shrugged, I have a long one.
Doesnt everyone? Brimleer shot back.
Nemeriel scowled.
At least tell me how you came to be with Caer then. Besides, long stories are the
best. He chuckled and turned again, facing the trotting backs of the cart-horses.
Nemeriel hesitated. She wouldnt be able to tell the entire story without lying and
furthermore, Brimleer didnt strike her as one of the usual Prospero folk. He asked
questions, he smiled, and he scrutinized her. This was not the common way. I
cant tell you. Its justWere tired, Caer suggested, Well talk later. After shes had her leg looked
into.
Nemeriel nodded exaggeratingly, like a silent thanks to Caer. Brimleer stroked his
tangled beard and frowned through his small beady eyes, It is quite clear you
have been having a rough past few days, he glanced at Nemeriels cast, So I will
wait. But tomorrow morning I expect a full account. He smiled gruffly, You see,
there is something about you that reminds me of the days in which I used to live
in the mountain. I like the memories you bring. The sense of adventure, and
freeness. Now I have none of that. And so, I ask of you only one thing, in return for
my hospitality, you will tell me your story, that is all I will offer. He turned away
again and Caer began to shuffle his feet.
He is a tricky man, he said softly, his voice carried away by the din of the
approaching village, Brimleer is mysterious in his own ways as well. Even I dont
know why he left the mountain.
Perhaps he did not enjoy the mine works? Nemeriel said quietly.
Good god! Caer said loudly, Not every dwarf mines, how ignorant you are!
Nemeriel shrugged again and looked away to hide her burning cheeks.
For the rest of the journey the princess of Erelis slowly realized how uneducated
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her royal knowledge was. It is fine to be an excellent bows-man, and it is great

and honorable to know the entirety of the Melltholl and Lindsor family tree but
what is to teach her of the history of others and the sorrows and the true
happinesses of others and not just of herself.
Life. Life will teach her. She thought quietly, and it was then that she began to feel
small and dim-witted.
The day became hot and the sun started to leer at the people of Prospero. The
wagon was finally at the edge of the Land of the Villages, and so was Nemeriel.
She leaned out of the cart and stared at the markets, her eyes taking everything
in as she passed and disappeared among the tumult of the crowds. Men and
women were dancing, their dirty work-hats on the floor, glistening with golden
pennies and silver coins.
The dusty streets were littered with wind-swept spices and fallen grains. Boxes
and crates full of wines, elder flower essences and ripe cherries trundled in front
of Nemeriels eager face. Her ears resounded with the loud noises of speech and
song. Musical instruments peppered the pavillion and it seemed that she was the
only quiet one in all of Prospero.
By the time Brimleers wagon had reached the end of the main-road, it turned a
left and even more people filled the sidewalks. Only when they had needled their
way through millions of thick patch-works could they find generous quiet and
somewhat peaceful environments.
It was well past lunchtime when the wagon stumbled to a halt. Its great weight
lurched and sent Nemeriels neck back, giving her a startling jolt as it went. Finally
Brimleer skipped off of the drivers seat and patted his two horses, warbling as he
did, Come off now, come off, for the journey is done.
He unlatched the cart from the steeds and pulled them into the comfort and
shelter of two out of some twenty stables that were lined endlessly in a row. The
horses snorted and paced until they had found fresh hay sacks in the corners of
their homes and began to feast.
It has been a long day for the two of them, Brimleer said good-naturedly,
casting a relieved glance at the retreating stables.The jaunty dwarf bounced
slightly for a moment led them in side.
Nemeriel followed hesitantly. Ducking under the threshold, she trudged through
the old home and looked around. The walls were lined with pots. Sweet fragrances
filled the rooms. The floor was just plain dust like the streets of Prospero, but the
eerie candle-light was the most curious of all.
What is this place? She said quietly.
Caer stopped abruptly and then spoke, I believe, if indeed Brimleer brought us
correctly to the right location, that this is the home of Kimso the witch doctor.
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Nemeriel suddenly felt cold as half of the candles sputtered to a merciless stop.
The darkness intensified and then as light flickered back again the sight of a tall
lady shimmered before Nemeriels face. Her eyes seemed an illuminous grey and
yet dark at the same time, her hair was black and frizzy; sections of it shaved off
upon one side, near her right temple, where other hair fell atop the sheared spot
in little waves. Her lips were bright red and her lashes long. The overall effect as
odd as it was, proved to be quite beautiful.
Nemeriel screamed and then as her knees turned weak they betrayed her to the
ground. The lady bent down slowly and took Nemeriels hand. The witch's touch
was cool and electric. She chuckled softly and then spoke, Did I frighten you?
She cocked her head to one side, the bangles on her ears shaking as she did, her
black robes swaying with her movement.
Thats enough. Caer said warily.
But she ignored him. I expect I did. My name is Kimso. I am a witch-doctor. Is
there anything I can help you with? When Nemeriel said nothing, Kimso finally
spoke again out of impatience, What is your name.
Nemeriel opened her mouth to speak but the witch-doctor cut her off, Your real
name. she laughed, Honestly, dont even try me with a fake one, your skin is an
awful give away.
The princess gritted her teeth, wondering why the lady was asking if she clearly
already knew, Nemeriel.
Kimsos eyes flashed grey and she let go of Nemeriels wrist, her long nails no
longer pinching her skin. Now, answer me or I will kick you out for wasting my
time. What can I help you with? she repeated out of mock politeness, though it
was hardly worth asking the question because it seemed Kimso was already
glancing thoughtfully at the princess leg.
Nonetheless, Nemeriel looked up, You cannot be a witch, and yet you seem to do
magic. Elves cannot teleport, and yet you just did. If there is one thing I need help
with, it is knowing what you are? Nemeriel did not stammer, it was something
she found so cowardly, but her eyes wavered and her fingers werent at rest.
Kimso smiled toothily, But isnt it clear, I am the mistress of illusion, Queen of
Perception and source of all Deceptions. Everything you see is a trick. She
snapped her fingers and she disappeared. But I am still here. Her voice echoed.
The lights turned out again and as they returned she was standing, quite plainly
where she had been just a second before. It is only tricks, she leaned forward,
But tricks are good for money and money is good for buying medicines, which
brings me back to you, my dear!
She clasped her hands together and took a good look at Nemeriel.
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I know just what you need. She concluded and took the princesss arm, reeling
her away into another room. This will sting, love, she said urgently as she set
Nemeriel down on a long wooden board.
She then went to the cupboards that lined the walls and pulled bowls of pastes
and cups of herbs from the shelves and drawers. Coming back to her patient she
first pulled off Nemeriels cast. The cut was deep and oozing yellow liquids.
Thankfully the blood-flow had long stopped with Caers basic treatment, however,
Nemeriel felt a different kind of trust in this witch-doctor. A trust in someone who
truly knew what they were doing.
It is infected. Kimso said finally.
How bad? Nemeriel asked through clenched teeth.
Nothing I cant fix, Kimso answered breezily and began mashing the paste with
a grinder and adding leaves and petals to the solution as she went. Hand me the
water bowl. She said, and watched as Nemeriel stretched up for the basin of
liquid above her head.
I cant reachIt doesnt hurt to stretch. She interrupted, Good. Nothing has spread farther
than your calf, your upper body is clean. You can lie down again. And she stood
and got the water cup herself.
WhatBe quiet and I will do what I can. Kimso said, a sort of finality in her tone. She
put her fingers into the paste and put a small portion of the mix on the cut. The
moment the two made contact a putrid smell came from Nemeriels leg and her
mind became like led. The pain was so harsh it was almost numbing. Smoke
began to rise from her ankle and finally when the reaction stopped Nemeriel could
unclench her teeth and loosen her jaw.
I warned you, was all Kimso said as she stood to cut a new cast from the cloths
on the shelves. When the wrapping was done Nemeriel felt only an odd freshness
and a sharp soreness. Everything else was in too much pain to be significantly
different enough to be noticed.
It will keep hurting for another twenty four hours. Heed it no attention and the
throbbing will start to become unnoticeable. You will sleep here tonight. And then
she left the room, leaving Nemeriel on the floor, cold, with beads of sweat lining
her forehead and no blanket to cover herself with.
The morning was terrible. Her head hurt, her eyes were watery and her leg
refused to move.
Kimso was already in the room and preparing another concoction so it seemed
when Nemeriel awoke.
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Without turning the witch-doctor spoke, I have sent word to your father, I am
expecting good money for your full recovery in return for my work, but there is
another thing I ask of you. She spins on her foot and sits down by Nemeriels
makeshift bed. I had heard, as one does, of a princess coming to Prospero. I
heard even more interesting rumors of klorns pursuing her. When I came past this
information I immediately guessed you were hurt. I, as a witch-doctor, make less
money than you would expect. I am good at my trade and I like to do my work as
a healer, but the truth is I have always wanted to be a Sorceress. She said this
with the tone of a hopeful child, and it was that that brought Nemeriels attention
to its fullest.
When I wasnt chosen the year that Lira died, I waited for Helwen to meet her
death at the hands of an angry elf wanting revenge for the death of their King, but
she didnt spill a drop of blood. With time, I went from twelve to sixteen, which
means I have only two years to learn and two years to be chosen. I know what you
will say when I explain to you that I am curious in Mersuithiels case. She was only
an elf of basic magic and yet managed to learn so much that she became nearly
as powerful as a sorceress herself. She paused, Do not be disgusted. Nemeriel
sighed and watched almost deafly as Kimso formed her next words. I heard that
you were coming here, but I knew that the likes of you wasnt merely running
away from home. You are off to see Helwen.
Kimso awaited a reaction but Nemeriel held fast. Her eyes widened slightly but
she did not speak.
I know this because the only next place on the map of Indildris one would want to
travel here in the east is Helwens Keep. Prospero sells goods, that is all, what
would a princess like you be doing buying the groceries. Her eyes twinkled as she
sneered, All I wish is that you will let me go with you.
You ask for a lot more than you think, I have my own things to take care of and
they are not for every ear to hear, Nemeriel said quietly, You are already to
receive good money from my father, why ask of me even more? Besides, why
couldnt you go to Helwen before I came along. Why wait? What do you need me
for?
Helwen will have lessened her defenses. I know she will be expecting you. This
may be my only chance, her eyes suddenly were plagued by fear and
disappointment, But you are right, in return for my personal request, I will give
you my dress. It is a charmed robe and it will hide you. She smiled crookedly,
Your skin is slightly obvious, but this cloak will hide it all.
Nemeriel considered. She had been needing something to hide her dangerous
difference for ages. Very well.
Kimsos face brightened significantly as she spun on her heel to leave, Perfect.
She walked briskly out of the room and as she returned, she wore a plain stained
79

garment. The shimmering dress in her arms, she handed the robes to Nemeriel, a
sad look in her eyes.
It used to be my mothers. But it is a necessary precaution for you and I have
very little other to offer that would sway your answer. She sighed, There is a
cloak that goes with it. She leaned forward and added a heavy black hooded robe
to the pile. Quickly. Dress yourself, by tomorrow you will be healed and by
tomorrow we must leave.
But where are Caer and Brimleer?
Kimso hesitated, It was not by mere chance that you were found by Caers old
friend. It was I who sent Brimleer to look for you in the forest. I payed him well to
play the part of innocent and nonchalant. As for Caer, he is gone now, I shooed
them both.
Why Brimleer? I dont find him trustworthy. She remembered his questions and
how intrigued he was with her story.
I know, but he was the only one who knew Caer enough for the boy to trust him
with a ride. Im sorry if the dwarf was persistent, she smiled, But I am a very
lonely woman and ask rarely to see people on my own account. They come to me,
I heal them, they leave. That is all. However, this time, Brimleer saw that
something else was going on. I expect he was simply curious as to my behaviour
and intrigue in meeting you. Kimso explained.
Well what about Caer? I wanted to say goodbye, Nemeriel said, Why didnt you
let at least him stay?
He is curious too, and nosy, she said, cocking her head, I didnt think you
wanted him to know about your planned trip to Helwen.
Nemeriel nodded her head in agreement, Trusting men is horrible.
Kimso flung back her elegant head and laughed, You are right, she said putting
a hand on Nemeriels face, You are very right indeed.
And for the first time in a long time Nemeriel felt safe and comfortable. There was
something in Kimso that reminded her of her mother. Rindis had always been a
mysterious woman, strong, beautiful and tender. Nonetheless, there was
something about her that Nemeriel could never quite put her finger on. Perhaps
Rindis had a passed-sorrow, or perhaps a passed freeness, a passed happiness
that she lost and missed. Perhaps it was a dream, a dream just like Kimsos, a
dream to be heard.
Shaking her head, Nemeriel suddenly felt a wave of fatigue hit her, despite the
fact it was mid-morning. Her sorely tried bones began to take their toll and she fell
into a slumber deeper than the cut on her heel.
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Wake up! Kimso said suddenly. The room was completely dark and only the
outline of the witch-doctor was seen. Put on the dress and cloak and we shall be
off, for the horse I must offer you is not mine and neither am I fit to pay for it.
Nemeriel stretched out her legs and gasped, I feel no pain whatsoever. She
looked down, Nor do I see a cast! she laughed.
Kimso smiled, It is not completely healed so I stashed some extra medicine in
your carrying bag. You must apply it every night for as long until you no longer
see a scar. Once the cut has visually disappeared then you must drink this brown
liquid for the next three days to regain strength and muscle in your leg. By which
time you should be in no more pain or suffering. It is all I could give you for now,
especially since there is little time to prepare much else. But I took extra
ingredients to make medicines on our way if I need to.
This is perfect, thank you, Nemeriel said quietly, the rustles she made as she
put on the dress echoing off the walls.
Stand up, Kimso ordered as Nemeriel declared that the dress and cloak were on.
Clicking her fingers, the common purple fire of the trained elf leaped up, creating
an eerie light to see from. The dress had shrunk magically to Nemeriels size, its
sequenced fabrics shimmering in the luminosity of Kimsos hands. The neck of the
dress hung just on the edges of Nemeriels shoulders and the cloak hooded her
long mane of hair snuggly. The black camouflage cloth covered most of her face
and it almost was impossible to identify color of skin or even basic facial features.
The princess Nemeriel was invisible, her obvious figure turned into the stealthy
one of a witch-doctor.
You look...like me, Kimso grinned and clenched her fists quenching the fire.
Now come, there are horses waiting for us.
Nemeriel smiled and said to herself, Its good to have a companion.
Kimso took the princess hand and pulled her out into the darkness .Yours is the
black one, the witch-doctor said quietly as she swiftly mounted a chestnut mare.
Nemeriel readjusted the satchel on her hip and then gripped her mares reigns.
Once she was seated Kimso whispered, Yours is called Tide, hes a strong horse
with a quick pace.
Nemeriel nodded, Shall we leave now, South-West is our quickest bet.
You lead. Kimso said as she smacked Tides thigh. The horse went rearing down
the quiet streets. The journey to Helwens keep was just about to begin.

81

Chapter 11: Through the Undergrowth

For many hours the two rode on, their horses panting into the early morning and
their warm breaths stirring up fog storms and veils of mist. The cold of dawn
finally faltered and as the sun began to rise the two set down their satchels upon
the plains high grass surface. Once they had escaped the sleeping city the elves
had found themselves at the edge of the Endless Meadow. Legends say the grassy
plains went over the horizon and all around the world. Others who had
experienced the long paths say it takes around four days to cross the whole land.
Kimso and Nemeriel were aiming for three days, or at least three and a half at
their best.
Nemeriel turned to face Kimso and began to think of Erelis with a slight heartache, Where did you live before Land of the Villages?
Hmm? Kimso said suddenly.
Everyone has lived somewhere before Prospero. Nemeriel said hesitantly, What
about you?
I dont know? Kimso answered stiffly.
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What about your parents, where did they come from?

I never knew my father. My mother was from Neteliar though. Kimso sighed,
What do you mean by this?
I have lived in Erelis all my life, but the passed few weeks have gone so quickly
that I havent felt any pain about my family until now. Nemeriel thought before
speaKking again, I just wondered if you truly believe youll ever see Prospero
again. I certainly doubt ever returning to Erelis. After I...well I probably wont have
time before Ill have to go somewhere else again.
Kimso smiled crookedly, Stand up, quickly,
Nemeriel jumped up from the high grass curiously.
You see that, Kimso pointed North, See the greenness of the Broken Wood, do
you see the edge of the tree-line? Well, just beyond that brush, there is a travel of
around eight days at most. After eight days you are at the foot of the Elberon, and
by then there are only three hours to go and youll already be able to see the
outskirts of Lirhatael.
Nemeriel felt tears prick her eyes and she looked away, a grin spreading all over
her face. I do hope sometimes...
Hope is essential. Kimso said softly, I wouldnt have lived this long without
hope.
What about you? What about Prospero? Nemeriel asked after sitting down again.
I hope, unlike you, to never return. She said with surprising bitterness, I lost
everything there. I dont ever want to go back. Back is full of regrets.
But your stories must have other things than regret in them.
Oh, no. Not for a long time anyway.
Nemeriel cocked her head to one side, I dont believe all you have to tell is all the
times you made mistakes, even I, who was sent on a journey I didnt even know
the purpose of is not full of regrets. Sadness yes, pain certainly. But regrets are
seldom because half the time I didnt know what was happening to me and even
less why it was happening.
Kimso shook her head, Ive made conscious mistakes Nemeriel, they are the
worst.
Well, theres always room for the happy things. The princess looked up
hopefully, I dont mind hearing bad things if there are also the good moments.
The witch-doctor suddenly stood, Im not an interesting person, alright? Theres
nothing to tell, Kimso snapped, Mount your horse, weve got a long way to go.
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And she took the brown horses reins and trotted away, her body tense.
Nemeriel watched her for a while and then gripped Tides saddle and lifted herself
onto his back. She shouldered her bag and galloped after Kimso.
The rest of the day was cold and quiet. The two didnt speak for a long time, until
finally night was clearly falling and Kimso and Nemeriel made a silent agreement
to rest.
There was little protection along the plains save the long grass and the pitch black
nights, so the elves had to force their horses to lie down so that they wouldnt be
seen. Soon the meadows became awfully quiet and it didnt take more than the
wink of a star to pull Nemeriel into slumber. Kimso, however, slept fitfully that
night and was awake sitting up and staring at the sunrise long before Nemeriel
had even stirred the slightest.
Finally the princess woke and on seeing Kimsos motionless body she creeped
forwards and took the witch-doctors hand in hers.
When you see Helwen, and suppose she agrees to mentor you, what will you ask
to learn from her?
Kimso blinked. I-I, nothing. She is the true sorceress, shell know what to do.
Nemeriel was unconvinced, but she had not expected her to give her a straight
answer anywya. One day youll have to specialize in something likeAnd when the time will come for me to choose I will do so.
Nemeriel smiled resignedly, So be it.
Indeed, Kimso grumbled and stood, brushing her cloak off and shaking her dew
damp hood. She then lifted her skirts and walked to the warm side of her pacing
horse.
For the next day endless travel occurred, and when nightfall returned Nemeriel
was grateful to drop her things in the high grass and finally sleep well; feeling
safe.
However, as the night dragged on Kimso violently awoke Nemeriel, putting her
hand to her mouth to stop the princess from screaming. Nemeriels stiffled cry
echoed only slightly. As Kimso let go she put a finger to her lips. Her eyes were
wide open with the familiar reflection of fear.
klorns, she whispered, Up north.
Nemeriel nodded and lay her head on the grass and started to count her breaths
and her heartbeats. 116, 117, 118
Theyre gone. Kimsos voice brought Nemeriel abruptly back to reality.
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No theyre not. She finally answered.

A temporary bitter-sweet relief had flooded her veins but she knew that the klorns
were still on her tail and still close and still hungry.
Youre right, Kimso muttered as she raised her arm and carefully placed it
around Nemeriels shoulders, They never will be. And she tightened her
embrace pulling her closer and shielding her like a mother would her vulnerable
child.
Nemeriel tensed, but the night was cold and the touch was tender, genuine and
well-meaning.
Thank you.
But Kimso was already asleep, or so it seemed.

Another day of riding west now and the keep should start to come into view.
Isnt it surrounded by the Gaming Forrest?
Yes, Kimso pointed south-west, But by Helwens Keep I mean the general area.
Itll begin to appear around there round about midday. The forest is huge
considering it only holds one inhabitant and it will be easy to find.
Will we be able to get in? Nemeriel glimpsed in the distance.
I dont know, Helwen often has defenses of some sort up, but Im guessing she
knows youre coming. Sorceresses know everything. Kimso said awkwardly, her
voice prideful and tinged with persistence.
Nemeriel raised an eyebrow quickly and then looked away, What makes you
want to know everything?
I only wish to learn witch-lore, its not like I intend on being a sorceress. She
answered icily.

The last day was through and as the blood-red sun began to make its steady sink
towards the meadows surface, another great image bobbed amongst the light of
the horizon.
The Gaming Forest. Kimso breathed.
I thought so. Why is it so black?
Wards off enemies, I suppose, she shrugged, Helwen was never the welcoming
type.
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The two horses rode further and further until the wood was no longer distant and
the horizon held other beautiful shadows of mirages.
Gnarled branches and black boughs twisted and vined over each other. Grey
leaves fell thickly on the ground surrounding the woods borders. Despite the gaps
in the vining twigs, only darkness shone through the holes. Nemeriel couldnt see
farther than a second layer of vines and then everything turned creepily obscure.
I dont think...this is the way in.
It has to be, Kimso pressed firmly, The forest goes on like this for hours, we
cant afford a tour around the whole thing looking for portals.
What ifWell just have to cut our way through, the stories say her palace lies at the
center. Im sure well find her there. Kimso picked a dagger from her belt and
tried to cut one of the tree branches.
I dont think she would really appreciate us literally cutting down her defenses,
Nemeriel muttered but Kimso ignored her and continued to hack at the brush.
In a flash there was an odd blowing sound. Kimso fell clutching her fingers that
seemed to be drawing blood muttering, The twig...it lashed out, it cut me. The
thorns, they cut me!
At first Nemeriel ignored Kimso. Something had moved behind the undergrowth.
Something had made that noise. And then she realized, Kimso, she said shakily,
Wheres your dagger?
In my haShe glanced at her empty fingers and began to search the graying grass around
the wood.
It must have fallen, Im sure its here.
No, Nemeriel said, No its gone. Its gone through the wood. Its in Helwens
Keep.
Kimso frowned for a moment. Her sharp eyes squinted and she stood still.
Suddenly her face lit and a thought dawned on her, Do you mean to say I
dropped itAnd it entered through the portalWhich isRight in front of us. Nemeriel finished.
We found it. Kimso smiled broadly, We found the door to Helwens keep.
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Actually, I believe that if we walk round the entire wood the whole place is
covered in portals. We would be able to enter from anywhere.
Why would she do that?
Because you were right. Helwens been expecting us.
And with that Nemeriel lifted an arm and let herself fall through the vines, trees
and thorns and through the Undergrowth.
There was a sudden awkward tugging sensation until the darkness covering her
eyes fell away and a dazzling light replaced it. Before her enrolled the longest
stretch of the most beautiful nature Nemeriel had ever seen. She turned around
but behind her was only another extensive line of forest and trees; as if there had
never been a before and only an after. Suddenly Kimso appeared at her side,
surprised and yet in complete marvel.
At the tip of a lengthy marble stone path that cut through trees and berries and
flowers was a tall palace of the most brilliant white. Despite the evening dark in
the real world here in Helwens keep it was still daylight. Nemeriel let out a low
gasp. Before her a flock of birds had exploded from the ground and clustered in
the sky. A circular lake adorned with swans and the bluest water shimmered right
before the twelve stairs of the palace. A bright sun shone above the castle despite
the fact that outside it was nearing winter and the clouds werent nearly as fluffy
and scarce.
Rushing through the paths she reached the wide doors and saw an intricate doorknocker with the detailed face of a horse on it. Above the threshold a series of
runes and elfish scriptures were carved into the stone. Sorceress of the seas and
the skies.
Helwen. Nemeriel murmured. She then leaned forward and touched the knocker.
A sonorous boom shook the forest greens and the smallest crack broke through
the doors flanks.
Nemeriel could hear Kimsos bated breaths. She could feel the excitement and the
wonder seeping from her quivering body.
The seconds passed and finally the door creaked and a shimmering gleam of blue
and dark indigo shone through the sliver of light.
You are welcome here ladies, a silky voice drew the elves into the home of the
witch, and as the bright scenery darkened to gray stone walls and cool
temperatures Helwen came into full view at last.

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Chapter 12: Helwens Keep

Her eyes flashed green, and purple, blue and then green again. Her hazel-colored
hair was long and swept gracefully along the sequenced back of her robes. The
dress she wore reflected the many states of sky; night, day, dawn, dusk. The tints
were vibrant and the hues variously ranged. Her thin lips were drawn and
emotionless, but her eyes...they shone with curiosity, they shone with happiness
and knowledge.
Come in. she put her hands behind their backs and led them into a separate
room. I am sure you are eager to hear of what is going on. Her voice was brittle,
Especially you my dear, she looked pointedly at Nemeriel, I know what travel
can do to oneself. But dont worry, Ill fill you in soon enough.
Nemeriel sighed in relief, her thoughts jumping to Lirhatael and her family. I do
have many questions.
Im sure. She answered curtly, And what about you Miss Anduor?
Kimso said nothing at first, her eyes wide in surprise, I...I do not remember
introducing myself. She said rather weakly.
Helwen ignored her mercifully and turned to Nemeriel again. So, she said,
When did you last leave Erelis?
Nemeriel shrugged, Three weeks ago, and thats just a rough guess. Probably
longer Id say.
Helwen nodded intently, Well well start with the main points. Have you heard of
the dwarf King Thiralas?
Nemeriels heart throbbed as she thought of the dwarf princes running off to fight
with their father, Is he alright?
There are rumors hes dead, Helwen said emotionlessly, What about Willows
keep? Any news on them?
Nemeriel shook her head miserably; shocked at how casually Helwen had
transmitted the news.
Well, theyre fighting valiantly but theyve had to ask Saertiel for help. The
dwarves are straining. They wont last for long is what everyone thinks. Helwen
sighed, Erelis is safe but theyve got armies on stand by. Mersuithiel hasnt said
88

anything official yet but Erethor says hes expecting a war declaration on all of
Indildris soon. Until then, hes keeping his armies back in case this is all a trick. He
sent Saertiel men because he wouldnt let Willows Keep die out so soon but more
than that and he will be vulnerable. He believes Mersuithiel is trying to draw all of
the elves men into Willows Keep so the rest of Indildris is weakened. Erethor
does not like to be the bait, you see, no matter how well of a friend he is to the
fish.
Is it bad? Nemeriels voice faltered.
I dont know. She answered, Nobody does.
Kimso leaned forward, suddenly interested, What about Neteliar?
Nemeriel remembered their conversation on the plains. Perhaps there was family
she cared of back in the north.
Helwen smiled grimly, The first time in the previous war Morosauv tried to attack
from the North. Ever since borders have been harder and harder to cross. If
Mersuithiel had even tried to come in by boat that way, she would have been
crushed immediately. Id say the Northern elves know what theyre doing.
Kimso nodded satisfactorily, Thats why they took the western wing. Willows
Keep is weak and small in number. Kimso sighed, The plan was then to take the
dwarves, another small and easy conquerable city, but also probably because the
klorns have a score to settle with them. Kimso saw Nemeriels puzzled
expression and explained, Before leaving Ibeldrn to Indildris the dwarves were
smart. They took their gold, or as much as they could carry with them, before
fleeing to the shores of Neteliar.
Nemeriel frowned, I have heard of the dwarves living in Ibeldrn at first but I
never knew that the klorns had any sort of history with them.
Kimso shrugged, There are many things people dont know about the klorns.
They are odd creatures and new to this region of Atva.
Helwen stood up suddenly, making Kimso jump. She rose to put hot water in a red
kettle. Tea?
Yes please, Nemeriel said absentmindedly, her mind on many, many other
things.
I gathered some herbs on the plains whilst crossing them, Kimso offered, Take
them, theyre scented and will be nice with something warm.
Helwen took the bag of petals, Are you sure you wont need them, being a witchdoctor and all, especially when travelling it is better toBy the end of today, hopefully not. Kimso said tentatively.
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Helwen looked from one companion to the other.

You have things to tell me? She smiled and cocked her head.
We both do. Nemeriel blurted out, Perhaps Kimso should go first. She was
beginning to feel sick. What if Helwen said no? What if the prophecy was
confused? What if Nemeriels world had been turned upside down for nothing?
This was all wrong
Kimso glanced questioningly at Nemeriel and a small hint of distrust clouded the
witch-doctors strong face. What do you mean? Can we not go together?
I...yes, its just, Nemeriel took off her black cloak and draped it over her arm, the
heat in the room suddenly stifling, I thought you wanted to do this alone.
Kimsos features relaxed and her cheekbones lowered. Of course. She smiled
quietly and Helwen looked from one to the other expectantly.
Ill go first. Kimso confirmed and followed the sorceress into another inner room.
Nemeriel felt her hands sweat and she turned the door knob behind her; the one
that led to the hallway. Nothing happened. She must be locked in.
Nemeriel cursed and sat on the floor her head in her hands.The worry sent her
mind on a dangerous adventure and a train of nervous thoughts began to chugg.
Finally, when the ringing subsided from her ears and her mind began to clear she
realized that Helwens voice was loud and due to the echos of the house, very
hearable. What could make the serene Helwen raise her voice like that. She
seemed so joyful just a moment ago.
...I just thoughtYou thought wrong, I dont do that! Helwens angry tone was surprisingly
frightening, A long time ago a girl just like...I cant do this. Not again. The
sorceress voice dropped from aggressivity to helplessness.
I dont understand. The fear that plagued Kimsos soft words made Nemeriel
squirm. What had she listened in to?
I wouldnt expect you to. Helwen snapped.
Suddenly, a cold hard determination swept over Nemeriel. She stood and tiptoed
her way through the hallway. Kimso did not ride three days with her to receive a
rejection. She pushed open the dining room door and walked into the tense scene
with her hands clenched in fists.
At first the two women stared at her and then Nemeriel spoke.
Please Helwen, she said quietly, her voice shaking, Can you not teach her?
What would it take...why cant...
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Helwen first stared, a mixture of annoyance and confusion on her face.

Slowly the expression of disbelief hardened and Helwen stood up, No. I cannot
teach her. It will do no good. Now leave.she stared at Kimso coldly, as if nothing
was between them but thick, tense air.
The icy silence was long. Kimso stayed in the threshold staring at Helwen with a
crushed frown. Finally she made her move and turned around.
Thank you. Helwen said as Kimso left the room, her witch-doctors eyes full of
fury and confusion.
Nemeriel felt tears catch on her lashes and she felt her hands shake. There was
nothing she could do, except do what she came here for and forget the witchdoctor. Yes that was best, forget the mysterious witch-doctor and her silly dreams
and her silly hopes with her pitiful regrets. It was all to be finished soon anyway.
I came for a very different reason than that of Kimso, Helwen. Nemeriel said,
her voice finally steady and composed.
Helwen nodded wearily, Go ahead.
I need to see your father. I need you to give me rite of passage. Into the sky.
Nemeriel breathed in nervously and waited.
Helwens eyes grazed past Nemeriels face. I understand that and I will help
you Helwen turned and clumsily arranged the cups on the wooden table
between them, I just need you to understand that I will need something in
return.
Nemeriels eyes widened. She had not expected this. Of all things she had not
expected Helwen to ask, but just to reject. Nemeriel knew how to convince how to
persuade, her stubborn manner and simple human mind made sure to that, she
thought. But never had she imagined Helwen to comport herself this way.
I -Nemeriel exhaled, her own eyes firing up, Why cant you justHelwen stood up, Because people have told me that too many times. Trust me
they say and then once Ive given all, they run away. Im sorry but the world
doesnt give and give and give. There must be take...you will give me something
first. And then.and then I will take you.
Nemeriel sat down again. Her mind was whirring. This wasnt fair. However, she
needed to get to Ivlisar, and nothing Helwen said could stop her, not after coming
this far, not after braving so much. Flashes of Caradhras face and Madildras
whinnies caught her breath like a fishing hook. She choked.
Ask me then, her voice trembled, What do you need.
Nothing, Helwen did not sit, I dont need anything from you. she said this
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haughtily, proudly, but with a shred of dishonesty that Nemeriel couldnt help but
notice, But I want to know the prophecy, however. My prophecy. I understand
Pandora gave it to Erethor a long time ago. It was not her place. But my sister
often can get away with things like that. No matter, youll tell me now. Helwen
looked at her expectantly.
Nemeriel sighed, I cant give thatFine. Her voice was sour and yet still waiting. There was no finality in her tone
yet. She needed the prophecy.
What makes you want to know the prophecy anyway? Nemeriel shot quizzically.
Helwen stepped back and spread her arms out wide, Doesnt the world want to
know the prophecy? Didnt you? Mersuithiel is sure to declare war at any moment,
and if the fate of our people is in the hands of a noble, weak-minded King and that
of a petty elfling then there definitely is no hope for Indilris. Not this time. Not
ever. Helwen was shaking with rage and frustration but Nemeriels anger was
beyond clenching her fists and batting her eyes. She simply stared.
My father is not weak minded. And as for his nobility, it seems to have done him
quite a favor. All of Indildris is willing to follow him to the death and you, here in
your corner sits and waits for somebody to tell you whats going on! Well maybe
its time you walked out of this Keep and found out yourself!
Helwen sat down again, her eyes broken in a thousand pieces, each shard holding
a different shade of sadness and helplessness and shame and shyness, I- I, I
need you to tell me. Erethor wont, Pandora certainly wont, but you, youre here
and youre not going to judge me. Youre my last hope.
Hope, there goes the word hope again. It is a despicable word and only lets you
down. Forget Lirhatael, forget 8 days and three hours. Nemeriel thought to
herself, forget it all.
And yet something inside her could not forget. Not ever. Nemeriel thought for a
moment and then an idea came to her.
I have a proposition.
Yes. Helwen looked up wearily.
Ill...Ill only tell you the prophecy if you swear on the Mindiruin to teach Kimso
your lore. Nemeriel paused and then spoke, cutting Helwens protests short,
That is all I have to say.
Something in Nemeriels mind began to sound an alarm, what was she doing. She
was giving up Indildris for this girl. I was only joking, Nemeriel wanted to say, to
pedal back. But something told her it was too late. Far too late.
We cannot work together this way. Helwen said simply, smashing the cups down
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on to the table in a silent rage with herself, You tell me the prophecy or you
leave. The two women glared at each other. Nemeriel was reluctant to cracking
first and when she had a determined intention, she was stubborn as a bull about
it.
So finally Helwen spoke, I have been used so many times that if you wish to get
something from me for free, it will be because I truly want to give it to you.
Because I care for you. You will have to gain my trust, Nemeriel. Do you know how
long that takes? No, you dont. Now, its years of acquaintance and a passage for
free, or the prophecy.
No its not; its Kimso and the prophecy or nothing. Nemeriel felt sure of herself
now, she felt as if this could work. She knew now how much Helwen needed to
know it now. She had found a chink in the sorceress armor.
Helwen sat down on the wooden table and her fingers turned to flame. Afraid,
Nemeriel jumped back and with the speed of lightning she strung an arrow but the
sorceress was finished. Her fingers had gone out and her eyes were tired. Done.
she stuck out her hand and Nemeriel stepped forward, putting away her bow.
They grabbed each others forearms and put their foreheads together. Swear.
Nemeriel pressed, Swear by the Mindiruin.
Helwen was quiet, only their breaths could be heard until finally she spoke. I
swear.
The two pulled apart.
Moments passed and Nemeriels brow crinkled more and more as they did. I
cannot remember it too well but memorizing it was important, so I made sure I did
before leaving home. There is a part my father told me from memory and one part
of the prophecy that is lost.
Tell me all and everything you know.
And so Nemeriel began,

A life will give, a life will get,

the dark will find the numbers fret,
until the world is added by two,
a life will give, a life will get,
Atva earns a mortal threat.
Then when the babe has turned fourteen,
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The clock will strike and the babe must leave,

Then one shall enter into the realm of worlds above,
And learn the ways of older than old,
The child must seek her long lost twin,
Then bring through the doors her long lost kin,
To avoid the clash of equal pridesThe rest of the verses are lost, unfortunately no one knows where nor to whom
they have been lost to... Nemeriel stood and Helwen finally sat down.
Is that all you need from me? Nemeriel asked with hostility.
The sorceress brow was furrowed and she seemed deep in thought. She did not
answer but she did remember her promise, thinking it was that Nemeriel had
spoken about, Ah, of course. Helwen leaned forward and took the princess head
in her hands. Her thumb came in contact with Nemeriels forehead and the castle
of Helwens keep disappeared. Bliss clouded Nemeriels mind and she thought of
nothing.

Chapter 13: King of Kings

The darkness that had so suddenly put sleep to her eyes just as quickly fell away.
The imaginary blind-fold disappeared and light seeped through her tired thoughts.
Clouds whirred around her and beneath her feet had been built a firm marble
pathway. The sky around her seemed dark, distant and incessant. The moon and
stars were equally far and gave just light enough to see the wonders of the night.
Before her, a vast Kingdom of silver stone glittered like a star itself.
Nemeriel stood shakily and then took a tentative step forward. Slowly the castle
came closer and closer. Despite Nemeriels sequenced steps the surrealness of
the palace led her to thinking she wasnt moving at all. Finally the dark doors
faced her and she waited. There was no knocker, nor bell.
Her boredom getting the best of her Nemeriel turned on the spot to pace along
the hardened clouds when the gravelly echo of an old mans voice caught her off
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guard. She jumped and spun on her heel.

Little princess! Ivlisar laughed, You have been away from home too long. Never
mind that, my hospitality will help you regain trust and comfort.
Nemeriel, relieved and stung at the same time, gave Ivlisar a quirky stare. He had
a clean shaven mouth and no beard despite his age. His hair was white and
glowing. His face was bright and his eyes a brilliant blue, but something inside of
him was so dominating that it shut her off. She suddenly blushed and answered, I
am here on account of a prophecy, I believe you are aware of this.
Indeed.
Can you teach me?
Ivlisar smiled, Lithuism is a long, hard branch of magic, but if you are determined
and strong not only in body but in mind...it is always possible. I have enjoyed
being named the last Lithuist for a long time but that time is over, you must bring
to the world what I never could. You have the power to change fate. I do not
belong in Atva. I only live to watch and to keep. I am the last resort, but now, I
think that through you I can bring some good into Indildris; perhaps a little more
discreetly than Fate might allow.
Ive heard of Lithuism before.what does it do? Truly.
Let us discuss that inside. His eyes shimmered and he led her into a wide room.
Nemeriel looked around only half listening to the King of Kings answers.
Now, what does Lithuism do...well, it uses the light in others or from the sun or
stars or moon as a defense mechanism and with that light you are able to control
its matter. It can shatter like a spear or burn like mist, it can sprint like a wave but
you must learn first, and that will take time.
Nemeriel sighed and then followed the King of Kings beckons, What a nice cape
by the way, I believe I have seen it before.
Ivlisars face shone as he took the cloak from Nemeriels grasp and placed it on a
hook, You wont be needing it however.
Nemeriels mouth opened in protest but she closed it quickly, Yes sir.
Oh you wont need to call me sir, Nemeriel. I think Master will do.
Nemeriel snorted nonchalantly but stopped suddenly as Ivlisar gave her a hard
look, Yes Master. she said hastily.
You will begin training tomorrow. he said sharply, In your room there should be
a pair of black dress robes. They are all you will need for the next six months. If
you please, he pointed upwards and Nemeriel followed him.
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Climbing a long spiralling case of stairs she finally reached another floor. She
peered down the hallway and found one door open. She pushed through and took
a look inside. There was a large elf-made bed and a small window. The windowsill
however, was long and wide.
This will be your room, I hope I chose well. You see, I thought youd like the view.
He then spun on his heel and walked away.
Nemeriel sat down on the bed and looked at the robes on the sheets. They were
jet black and covered her entire body except her face and her hands. Protruding
from the waist was a thin skirt of wide space for leg movement. The black cloth
basically looked like a tight dress. There were two robes. One seemed to be the
undergarment and the other a cloak to wrap around the dress. She picked up the
fabric and frowned, What is this? she said to herself.
The material was firm but soft. It did not seem as if it were made from the
ordinary loom. Nemeriel picked up the two dress robes and began taking off the
black dress Kimso had given her. Although the cape was gone she still had the
dress. Nemeriel looked once more at the black sequences and smiled. They shined
surprisingly bright for a black dress. Like gems almost. She took off the warm
garments and replaced them with the skirt. She then slung the cloak over her
shoulders and ran down the stairs again.
Ivlisar. She called, Master?
Ivlisar glided in through one of the many doors that lined the circular hallway that
held the foot of the staircase. An archway loomed over him and he stepped away
from beneath its shadow. He was wearing a shimmering white robe with golden
designs along the hem and he looked purely magical.
Nemeriel. He said shortly, It is good you changed but it was unnecessary, we
are not starting until tomorrow. First we shall dine, then you shall sleep, and when
the first dawn breaks we shall train.
Yes master, she followed him into a long room with a polished wooden table.
She sat in one of the chairs and looked down at her hands, an odd glow seeming
to protrude from them. Perhaps it was a trick of the light.
Now. First we shall dine. Ivlisar repeated and clapped his hands. Glistening
plates were brought in by odd cloud-looking servants. They lay the cutlery on the
table and then came back with the hot steaming food. There was a bowl soup in
front of her and bread on either side of her plate. In other times she would have
been surprised at how little she had been served but she was hungry; hungrier
than she had ever been. She reached for the spoon and then began to eat. Ivlisar
however, spoke, his appetite clearly lesser than that of Nemeriels.
To understand what you are to be taught, you must understand its counterattack:
in this case Necromancy. He looked up and then continued, Lithuism began
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when Draugw, the first Necromancer created Necromancy. Of course you know
this, but a quick History lesson wont hurt you will it?
Nemeriel gulped, the soup scalding her throat, I- she said breathing heavily, I,
well, actually, I never learnt that.
Ivlisar frowned, I see. Well I do hope you know who Draugw is at least.
Nemeriel nodded.
And who is he then?
He was a Northern elf from Neteliar and decided to go and visit Ibeldrn becauseGive me facts on Ibeldrn, child.
Nemeriel coughed, Well, Ibeldrn used to belong to the dwarves but when the
klorns moved in from Northern Atva, they were pushed into Indildris. She
remembered what Kimso had said, The elves made room for them at the heart of
our country where it was the most mountainous. However, as much as the
dwarves are grateful, they are also full of revenge and longing. They wish to
return to Ibeldrn.There are still many ranges that have not been mined and the
Axe Mountains have long been used by the dwarves great grandfathers. The
Khebeldr klan wishes to go back someday and finish their ancestors work.
Ivlisar nodded, Very good, carry on.
Nemeriel was confused by the quizzing but she went along with it. She knew
these things and wasnt too worried. Legends say Draugw moved away from
Neteliar and into Ibeldrn because he felt like he didnt belong in Indildris;
amongst the elves. He left and never returned. As he began to learn more about
the klorns he realized that Ibeldrn was far larger than Indildris in population and
in geographic size. If Draugw brought in his army of klorns to Indildris the elves
wouldnt stand a chance. Nemeriel looked up to see Ivlisar smiling satisfactorily,
He then hid himself amongst the klorns for nineteen years and during that time
adopted their secrets and created Necromancy, the art of using the powers of the
dead and the dying.
Nemeriel paused to check if she had made any mistakes.
You are right, Ivlisar said after a while, But that is not all Necromancy can do.
Well I didnt learnCarry on.
Nemeriel gulped and began speaking once more, On the twentieth year Draugw
was already an old elf of one thousand and forty. He had not strung a bow in
years, he had not seen light in centuries and nor had he stretched his limbs so
that he was no longer capable of leading any sort of army. That is all I know, as I
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said, not much of my teachings have revolved around Necromancy. It would be a

dangerous topic to learn.
Ivlisar nodded, Well, not bad. However, no history lesson could have taught you
what you just mentioned, and yet without any background information it would be
impossible to relay such a vivid story. Who taught you this?
Nemeriel hesitated as she thought of several verses that spoke of the
Necromancer and his tale. Songs. She answered finally.
Ah, Ivlisar said, I have long forgotten the way of the elves. He chuckled, But it
is true their songs are far more effective than any other lesson.
Nemeriel smiled and yet felt sorrow circling in the chamber, You miss the real
world, dont you?
Of course. Ivlisar said without thinking and then hastily returned to the topic at
hand. But anyway, let me fill you in where you are slightly rusty where was I?
Draugw was waiting for Fate to change itself and heal his tired eyes and old
legs. Nemeriel injected eagerly.
Yes...now. Finally, ten years later, a wandering elf song awoke him from his sleep.
Draugw seized his chance and took the elf into his cave. Morosauv was his name.
Draugw convinced him to be his apprentice and for years they worked together
when at last Morosauv was stronger than any god. He said this slowly, his tongue
lingering, and his tone full of bitterness.
I did not know gods were truly real, Nemeriel said more like a question.
Curiousity burning inside of her.
Ivlisar smiled, Yes well, there are many things you do not know.
Nemeriel did not answer to that.
So, the elves got word of a magic so dark that only light could beat it, He
continued fluidly, Hence the southern elves got to work and began to create
Lithuism. The western elves busied themselves by gathering troops and the
dwarves were occupied with weapon making. The Northern elves already had
enough work to do by protecting the borders and the eastern elves conducted as
they always do.
Nemeriel smiled as she listened.
War was coming and all could sense it. There was word that Helwen had been
sighted in Ibeldrn but none were sure. Dark days passed during which time
nobody knew whom they could trust when at last the sound of war deafened the
ears of the elves and they all left their cocoons and joined each other in battle.
The war of Morosauv was tough but at last the seven Lithuists caught him and
deprived him of his power. Proud and angry Morosauv was determined not to go
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down without a fight. With his last breaths he killed the seven Lithuists, bringing
his death like a hammer upon all of them. But he had fallen as well. His final
strength spent on killing the Saertiel elves. Finally the war was done and the
klorns, with no leader left in fear and cowardice. The next ten years were quiet
and vigilant but soon Indildris old greatness gradually returned and our people
havent heard of Draugw since.
But Nemeriel said expecatantly.
But, I say that he is still lurking. His grey dirty beard still quivering in anger and
in thought. Draugw is not finished, and I say that he is the one who brought
Mersuithiel into his apprenticeship.
Nemeriel took in a breath, He is not dead then.
Ivlisar shook his head and then stood, Certainly not.
So-
It is late and tomorrow will be tiresome. You must rest.
Nemeriel glanced down at her bowl of soup which had gone cold and stood slowly
from the table.
Her spoon chinked against the ceramic plates. She smiled behind her before
leaving, only to find the room empty. She then walked away from the table and up
the stairs to her room.
***
The morning was bright and orange. Nemeriels eyes hurt from the glare of the
sun through her window and as she stood to pull a rag over the glass she noticed
how unfair it was that beautiful things could only be looked at for seconds until
they hurt you, one way or another.
Power, the sun, love...all so beautiful, or at least some people thought. Her mind
jumped to Mersuithiel and she wondered what the Necromancer was doing now.
She wondered if the dwarves were still holding out or if Erelis was under attack
yet.She thought back at what Helwen had said. The dwarves have been at war
for months now, and there are rumors that say Thiralas is dead.
Poor Baldor, and Kithwen and Tan and Debuli. Poor Hasthril, poor Bronwyn. One
death and so many peoples lives ruined.
When would life stop being a hypocrite? When would Nemeriel be able to stop
looking at all this suffering? When would the beautiful things be less bright, less
alluring and more pure, more incredible? Why was it that only the terrible things
lasted?
I dont know. It all seems awfully unfair though, doesnt it? Ivlisar said.
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Nemeriel jumped wondering how on earth he had known what she was thinking.
Yes. She said finally.
Hmm, He looked around, Its dark in here. Ah, he glanced at the window, I
had forgotten, your eyes are not yet accustomed to the sun. No matter, soon,
once you are a practised Lithuist, bright lights wont bother you anymore.
Whys that? Nemeriel asked.
Well, Ivlisar suddenly laughed, Im actually not quite sure, but what I think, he
continued in a lower voice, is that there is more to Lithuism than power. There is
understanding. One day, youll be able to look at that sun, realize how beautiful
and how powerful it is and not want it. That is why, at least I think so. He smiled
and looked away. I shall see you in the dining room then. Shall I cover the
windows?
Nemeriel thought about this. She didnt know why she had to give the question so
much thought but for some reason she did. At last she said, No. No thank you
Master, Id like them open this morning.
Very well. Ivlisars eyes twinkled and he walked out.
Nemeriel smiled to herself and dressed into her training robes. Standing up to
leave she took one last look at her room and then running forward she pulled
away the cloth covering the glass and then ran out again, down the stairs and into
the dining room.
The hallways stone floor gleamed blue that morning and various statues of white
marble glistened amongst the black doors. Nemeriel swivelled and took the door
on her right. As she opened it, a bright yellow light caught her eye and she
squinted.
Ivlisar was already seated at the head of the table just like he was last-night.
Nemeriel took the chair on his left and smiled.
Ivlisar nodded and spoke, Today we begin with the Initiation and then
Channeling. You probably wont succeed the first few days, and you will learn little
during that time. However, once you have mastered the channel of light, then we
can commence the teachings of the many branches of Lithuism. We will begin
with Light of course, then the forming of light, then light-stealing, or extracting
light from your surroundings and then finally the absence of light. In other words,
performing Lithuism when you have no light source around you and must find
light within others or, if you are the last resort then, indeed, yourself.
But wont taking light from others hurt them? Tire them out? she asked.
Not necessarily, Ivlisar answered, The light is simply there and not exactly
needed. If you take it from them, the only thing that will change drastically is their
mood.
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Nemeriel nodded and then glanced at the plates that appeared in front of her. Her
stomach was churning and the excitement of the morning had gone. The light of
the sun behind her and bathing her back began to give her a headache.
Master I dont mean to be doubtfulBut you are very doubtful Nemeriel. I shall accept that the first ten days, but by
then you should be accustomed to the work I shall exert you with and the main
basics of Lithuism. After those ten days, your complaints or doubts will be in vain.
Nemeriel rubbed her hands together and frowned, Yes Master.
Very good, now eat, or you wont have any energy to practise at all. Ivlisar
pointed at her place-mat and she found a steaming cup of herbs and water before
her. She looked up again and saw Ivlisar emptying a bowl of liquid gold with a
small silver spoon. He then pushed his chair back and scraped the stone floor.
Deducting finality in his manner Nemeriel hastily took a long sip from her herb tea
and grimaced.
That will be your morning meal every day, Nemeriel, he said chastisingly,
having noticed her expression, You better start appreciating it. Now if you are
ready...
The princess glared at Ivlisars elegant back and then followed him into a separate
room. As they walked out into the many-doored hallway again Nemeriel observed
how the color of the stones had changed. They were pale green and the statues
were now made of silver.
Does the- room always change like this? he finished her question, No, only when I feel
like a little variety in my scenery. It gets quite plain up here.
Nemeriel thought of the slums in Prospero and the shared stables. Plain clearly
was not the word for this castle.
Where are we going? Nemeriel asked finally as they took another turn through
another door.
We will start in the Lone Chamber and then after lunch we shall descend into the
grounds. Ivlisar said briskly, Keep up.
Nemeriel trotted behind him, his long strides counting for three of hers.
Finally the King of Kings halted before a large white door encrusted with silver
swirls and a princely latch. Ivlisar picked out a bar of metal from his robes and
then muttered, the metal transformed into an intricate key. He fitted the key into
the keyhole and smiled, Come in.
Nemeriel pushed open the door as Ivlisar stepped back to let her get a good look.
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The room was huge; at least as big as Helwens garden. The walls were lined with
burning candles. Along one side was a row of purple, black and electric blue
flames and on the other a long stretch of orange yellow and red candles. The
smell of scented wax filled the room just as a certain coldness brushed over
Nemeriel.
We wont be needing those today. Ivlisar said as he waved his hand. The black
candles disappeared. The warmth of the room dropped again. Nor these.
Nemeriel watched helplessly as the merry yellow fires went out. Once Ivlisar was
done, only one light remained. At the center of the room was the whitest fire
Nemeriel had ever seen. It glowed silver and the flames that licked at each other
writhed like living creatures. The light seemed pure and yet its odd movement so
dangerous.
Aldrm, the first light. Ivlisar said quietly. When the sun was born its first rays
were caught in stone. Years after the dwarves mined and in the heart of one
mountain they found Aldrm. A gift of peace they said as they handed the magic
to us elves, but we knew not its true power then. Only when the time came did we
find use for Aldrm, and when we did, he was the greatest light of all. Seven men
of Saertiel asked me to release it from my keeping. I gave them Aldrm and with it
they created Lithuism. They gave it back in good time and my curiosity led me to
learning Lithuism myself. Today I shall teach you the first lesson of all.
Nemeriels fingers moved nervously, Yes Master.
You must pick up that light. You must pick up Aldrm.
Nemeriel did not step forward. But Master doesnt it burn?
You shall see. He pushed her forward and she stumbled to the center of the
room. Reaching out into the chamber she touched the very edge of the flame. At
first she felt cold then scalding hot and then pain beyond anything. She screamed
and then fell back behind the fire and held her fingers; Ivlisars distant voice was
saying something but the darkness enveloped her and sweet slumber took her
suffering away.
Nemeriel, her head was throbbing and her fingers began to burn again,
Nemeriel. Stop, she wanted to say but her mouth wouldnt move. Get up, try
again.
A hand pulled her from beneath her arms and she was suddenly on her feet. A
fuzzy view of the Lone Chamber loomed in front of her.
She turned and there was Ivlisar staring down at her in worry.
Nemeriel looked down at her fingers and realized that a hard, tinged gold callous
had grown over them, however, the pain was completely gone.
Again, he said softly.
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Nemeriel spun around and glared at him in disbelief, Again? Iv-Master I cant? I...I
just need time, maybe after lunch...more timeWill six months not be enough for you? He shook his head, You must try again.
Ivlisar raised his voice slightly and the light in his eyes flickered.
Nemeriel shook her head, MasterTut, tut, he waggled a finger, I must admit I am truly disappointed in you. It is
your first day of training and alreadyNemeriel pushed passed him a shadow over her face. She bit her lip and closed
her eyes and then reached forward with two dark hands and placed them upon
the Aldrm. She clenched her teeth and her wrists tensed. She curled her toes
inside of her elf-made boots. She felt sweat pour from every inch of her and felt it
drench her and make her shiver. But she still held on. The pain was lesser but she
finally felt an odd wind catch her breath and throw her to the ground.
She was not unconscious so much as heavily dazed. Ivlisar stepped forward but
she stood up before he could touch her. Looking up at his face she saw
amazement and admiration. Her glower softened and she stumbled back in front
of the Aldrm. Scowling at it she muttered to herself, Again, and placed her
shaky limbs along the curve of the fire ball. At first the cold, then the hot and then
pain, she prepared herself, listing the things it would do in her mind so as to be
ready; ready to clench her teeth.
Then the cold, then the hot, she said to herself and then as Nemeriel awaited a
sharp rod of iron to pierce every piece of her it did not come. Instead, she opened
her eyes and saw a flash of an unearthly image before her. For only the fraction of
second there appeared a lady in white whose features were none and whose body
was none and yet there she was; hovering and then disappearing as quickly as
she came. Running her fingers over her arms Nemeriel found little goosebumps,
What wasNemeriel blinked and then felt hot inspiration bubble inside of her; the Aldrm
soared from her fingers and catapulted itself into the furthermost wall of the Lone
Chamber.
Nemeriel stared, stunned with awe. She listened intently to the footsteps of Ivlisar
with every pace he made to reach her shoulder.Though Nemeriel did not turn she
heard the smile in his voice, Pick it up, put it back on the stand and I will see you
at lunch when all of the candles on the left side of the room are relighted. Without
elf magic. Without flint.
Nemeriel opened her mouth and then closed it again.
Hmm, Ivlisar said approvingly, You have managed to successfully been given
the permission to become a Lithuist. The Aldrm allowed you to channel any
emotion or power through it, thus, you are ready to begin without its guidance.
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The Aldrm shook upon the floor at his words, as if disagreeing with him, As am
I. Ivlisar finished quietly. Nemeriel walked a few steps and then stopped, Wait,
watch, she said and she stood still, stretching out her arms. The ball bobbed and
then shot at her, landing just in her hands. Grinning, she replaced the ball on the
stand and watched Ivlisar as he stared intently at her.
Dont forget the candles. He said sharply.
Nemeriel frowned; waiting for him to help her, to give her a hint. But he said
nothing.
Sighing, for the first time she looked up at the candle brackets and wondered how
she was going to light them. No elf magic. No flint. Then what was she to use?
There seemed to be no other alternatives. Shrugging she tried the first thing that
came to her mind.
Closing her eyes and concentrating she imagined the light of the Aldrm seeping
from her fingers. She imagined it sparking upon the candle and rendering it to
flame. As she opened her eyes her face fell. She tried again and again and then
finally she sat down with her head in her hands and groaned, We havent learned
this yet Ivlisar.
Master, he corrected and then walked towards her, Now, now, try and be
creative. Think of another way if the one youre trying is not working.
Like what? You havent told me anything of whats been going on. The only thing
youve given me is that white ball and I dont even know how you think the
Aldrm helpedThe Aldrm is the only existing remnant of Fate. Ivlisar said, It determined
whether you would be to learn Lithuism or not. Of course it also gave you the
starting power to trigger the flowing system inside of youWhat? Stop referring to fate like its a person. Its very confusing. Nemeriel
closed her eyes, Fate is nothing. Fate is what people depend on; it is not real.
Ivlisars eye twinkled, In that you are very wrong Nemeriel. Fate is in fact the
white lady. She is the ultimate creature that lives inside of everything. Like in the
sun for example.
Nemeriel thought of the apparition of the white lady as she was holding the
Aldrm, Ivlisar, she squinted pensively, When I channeled the Aldrm, well just
before that; I saw a lady just like you describe. Was that Fate?
I believe it was.
Nemeriel frowned, But how did Fate help create Lithuism?
By changing fate Draugw invented Necromancy, a magical power that
completely opposes the rights of sorcery. So Saertiel did the same. They changed
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fate back, if you see what I mean. They created something that would put Fate
right again; something that would successfully fight off Necromancy. They created
Necromancys equal.
Nemeriel let her neck fall back as she looked up at the ceiling of the room. I still
dontWhat about lighting those candles, hmm? He said edgily.
For a second Nemeriel stared at him quizzically and then she said, Yes Master.
Channeling involves self-belief and you have very little of that right now. To
channel correctly you must use the power you just sucked from the Aldrm and
re-channel it into the form of light-fire. Direct your power at the brackets and
surely you will manage to light at least one candle.
How do I turn it into fire? How do I direct it anywhere? How do you think I can
control this? I honestly doubtNemeriel, as long as it is not in yourself that you doubt then all should work as
planned. The magic will not fail you.
I dont doubt myself, I doubt Lithuism. she retorted.
Excellent, Ivlisar answered, Now, let us begin. Feel the Aldrm in your veins.
Feel it. Now in a quick breath get rid of it.
Ivlisar stepped forward and held out his hands as if he were praying, palms facing
the sky. He breathed in and then as he exhaled a faint glowing light played around
his fingers. Nemeriel watched and then breathed in and out again. As she glanced
at her hands she saw the daintiest wisp of pale smoke and then nothing.
Again, Ivlisar said, Again!
She closed her eyes, breathed in, out and then...another wisp of smoke.
It was bigger this time, with all due respect. Ivlisar whispered bleakly as he
looked over her shoulder.
You do it then. Nemeriel demanded haughtily.
Ivlisar smiled and suddenly sparks of red flame caught on his hands. He blew the
fire off of his fingers as if he were blowing a feather. The sparks scattered and lit
three candles all at once.
Your turn, he grinned, the wrinkles at his eyes shining.
Nemeriel nodded.
Yes Master. Ivlisar insisted.
Nemeriel ignored him and concentrated on the candles.
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As she thought of the Aldrm she felt an odd heat touch her fingers and on
opening her eyes she saw little waves of pure white light cascading off the palm of
her hand and the tips of her fingers.
You did it! Ivlisar exclaimed. He took her hands in his and extinguished the light.
Well done! He shook her by the shoulders, his face glowing, Again. But this
time fire.
Nemeriel breathed in and then out, but this time imagined the redness Ivlisar had
produced last time. Her fingers felt the heat again and as she opened her eyes
she saw the debris of a weak little red light.
Again. And Nemeriel could feel the faith in his voice.
She kept her eyes open this time. With a sudden urge her fingers caught fire and
in her surprise she blew out the first three lighted candles that Ivlisar had made
before.
Youre right Nemeriel, I did say you had to light every candle, his eyes gleamed
and he slowly walked away and out of the room, closing the Lone Chambers
heavy door behind him.
Grinning to herself, Nemeriel lit the candles one by one, running around the room
and dancing around the Aldrms eerie light.
Finally when all were done she left the room but before closing the door she
thought of something. Her thoughts lingered on the White Lady she had seen as
she wondered. Didnt Fate know everything, didnt she know the future? Nemeriel
pulled off a boot before she could change her mind and lose her nerve. She then
placed the shoe in the crack of the door and stood up slowly.
There, she said quietly, Ill be back. Her eyes lingered curiously on the Aldrm
and then she left.

Chapter 14: Fate

Ivlisar was already sitting at the dining table, his eyes searching the room, deep in
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thought, as if something was bothering him.

What is it, Master? Nemeriel sat down quietly.
Ah, Nemeriel! I presume all the candles are lit.
Yes.
Master, he reminded habitually, Let us have lunch. He clapped his hands as
Nemeriel looked down sullenly at her bowl of soup.
She coughed and glanced up at Ivlisars far away look. The King of Kings jolted
and once having grabbed his attention she spoke, Does Fate...can Fate tell the
future? She wanted to be sure before she asked.
She very well could. But no, Fate never speaks of the future. To tell the future is
the oracles job. To know it, is Fates.
Nemeriel bit her lip, But you say that Fate knows everything.
Ivlisar squinted in thought, Listen, Fate is the past the present and the future.
She has lived all times and all moments. She knows all and sees all and has
watched life several times. She is the one who gives the words that form
prophecies. She is the one that lives in Helwen. She is merely the balance, there
when all else fails, or for example, when Necromancy, something that should
never have existed, comes along. Fate will be there to shed light and to help make
Lithuism. Fate knows, oh yes, but she will never tell. Do you understand?
Yes, Nemeriel smiled, I understand Master. She bent over her soup to hide her
disappointment and began to drink from the bowl. The broth was sweet and at the
perfect temperature. Whats the rest of the plan for today.
Practise. Ivlisar leaned back on his chair and placed his hands on his stomach,
You didnt think you were done did you? There is still much to do and much to redo. Channeling is a hard concept, it will take you more than one morning to
perfect. However, you have surprised me in doing exceptionally well on your first
day. Despite the fact that the words of the comment were quite kind, the tone
the compliment was delivered in was slightly surprised instead of admiring.
Nemeriel stared at her fingers. Was it so hard for him to make her feel good about
herself? She blushed and suddenly stood from the table. Do I have to be
anywhere this afternoon?
Yes. There is more work to be done. He smiled.
Can I have a brYou hardly did anything this morning, come now, Nemeriel, I thought you had
more back bone than this. Did the disciplined elves teach you nothing?
I am not an elf.
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That was a rhetorical question, Ivlisar shot back, and then after a second, I
believe you lived in Lirhatael for the fourteen years of your life, that much time
spent with the elfish customs would leave anyone a mark. That is what I meant, at
least.
She didnt say anything.
Sit down.
Nemeriel ignored him; glared at him, Where shall I meet you next?
Ivlisar sighed, In the Grounds would be nice, but I think it would be easier on the
both of us if I came to get you at the front door. The ways of this castle are
countless and only I know all of the paths. To be safe, I will see you in the mainhall. He said slowly, and then, Nemeriel sit.
What? she asked haughtily.
Sit first. She sat. Is there something wrong?
No. She answered, her face burning.
If you thought this would come easily then you were wrong. He was quiet for a
long time until he stood and left her scowling at the dining room floor and thinking
over and over what on earth he meant.
When she finally left the table herself she pushed back her chair and the
remainder of soup sloshed over the edges of her bowl, staining the brims and
setting the rectangular place-mat askew.
*
Simple building blocks, Ivlisars voice was drowned out by the droning of the
afternoon wind, Are what I am going to teach you. Simple but effective. By his
feet was a collection of the black fires from the Lone Chamber. The grounds were
vast and windy but it seemed the flames could hold. Here, he handed Nemeriel
a candle and said, Scoop it up and throw it at me.
What is it?
Necromancy.
Did you make these? Nemeriel asked suddenly stiff.
Slowly, Ivlisar nodded.
Nemeriel blinked and then looked down. She grinned toothily, her suspicion
replaced by curiosity. She placed her hand beneath the glow and watched,
fascinated, as the black-blue fire crackled in her palm. The light felt dangerously
attractive and she almost heard whispers, whispers of agony coming from the
ball. Her glazed look disappeared and she took her eyes off the ball in fear and
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disgust.
Looking up she saw Ivlisar gingerly place a blindfold upon his forehead. When he
was done tying the edges Nemeriel threw the flame in her time.
Though her toss was quite gentle, the fire whizzed from her fingers with surprising
speed, as if of its own accord. As it neared Ivlisars head a loud bang emitted from
his figure and before him shimmered a glowing pale yellowish-white shield made
of what seemed like solid light. Nemeriel hadnt even seen him raise an arm; he
was quick, quicker than she had expected.
Ivlisar pulled his hands apart and the shield disappeared.
Channel it. He roared over the howls of the breeze, Channel your power and
the magic will come naturally. Use your instinct and your reflexes. I am faintly
aware that you are fairly good at following and using both. Ivlisar said this as he
untied the blindfold. Your turn. He said. First we start without the eye-piece.
Nemeriel stopped reaching for the cloth, nettled, even though she could never
have handled the task blindly. Yes Master.
Ivlisar showed her the breaking movement with his hands and as she copied him a
faint yellow light flickered in between them, like a glass panel that was badly
made.
Very good, but stronger next time.
Nemeriel nodded, I think Im ready for those. She pointed at the box of
Necromancy fire. It raged within the cage but did not burn the wood nor dissipate
into the wind.
Ivlisar raised an eyebrow at her.
No more doubting Ivlisar. Im ready. Nemeriel smiled hesitantly.
The King of Kings looked her up and down and then laughed, Very well. Now
stand back, he leaned down to grab a handful of flame and whizz! The fire
looked faster now it was coming at her. Its menacing spin through the air froze her
body and it was too late to scream when the fire hit her chest. Her cries were
muffled and as Ivlisar bent to pick her up from the grass she saw a faint smile on
his lips.
What? She groaned as she sat up, rubbing her ribcage.
There is a slight difference in between precaution and doubt, dear Nemeriel.
The princess growled and then stood up, wincing.
Itll be gone soon. The pain I mean, Ivlisar examined her carefully, It shouldnt
last long.
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He was right, in a few minutes Nemeriel was up and willing to try again. The
Necromancy was weaker and less strong than it would be in battle. If she wanted
to survive, then she needed to learn.
Are you sure. Ivlisar said warningly.
I wasnt ready last time, now I know how fast it comes, this time Ill have the time
I spent on being surprised spare for thinking.
Good then, Ivlisar readied himself with another handful and scooped the fire.
Quickly it soared again but Nemeriel stretched her hands and a thin shield loomed
before her. The flame was deflected but at its touch the shield shattered instead
of withstanding like Ivlisars.
Well enough. Ivlisar said contemplatingly, But you can do better.
He threw another and another, each time the shield shattering at its wake.
However, on the last remainder of spark Nemeriel closed her eyes and timed her
bated breaths. Each one counted
Though she didnt see the flame fly she felt its heat approach her shaking fingers
and as she drew the shield in the air the same bang that had emitted from
Ivlisars shield came from hers. The sound was loud and shook Nemeriels eyes
open. Slowly she stopped squinting and realized her shield was still intact. Looking
up and grinning Nemeriel began to speak,
Ivlisar, look! IBut Ivlisar was gone, only a wisp of his cloak and an odd white light was left, until
that too disappeared as the two tall figures turned the corner back into the
building.
WhereNemeriel asked, her voice faltering. As her heart dropped so did her defenses. The
shield disappeared with a pop and the burning flames around her were all that
was left from that afternoons practise.
As she trudged back to the castle Nemeriel passed the Lone Chamber. At first her
breaths stopped, from the angle at which she was standing the door looked
locked. But as she approached it she realized it was still propped open by her
boot. She sighed in relief, then smiled slyly, and walked on; however as she began
to slip away she couldnt help notice that the white light of the Aldrm was shining
through; as if it had been turned on.
Shrugging, she climbed the spiral stairs and for the first time since that morning
Nemeriel dropped onto her bed and sighed. She curled up on the sheets and
before she could remind herself dinner and a hot soup would be waiting for her in
an hour, she dropped off and didnt awake until late that night.
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Her white face flashed again and the low whistle of a pipe blasted into a scream.
The white ladys image faded in synchronization with the crack of thunder and
lightning from outside. Nemeriel sat up in cold sweat. Her eyes were dizzy and her
head heavy. Climbing onto the windowsill next to her bed she wrapped her hands
around her knees and let the tears seep from her face. It was so cold and so dark.
The loud sound of the drips of rain stampeded Nemeriels splitting head.
A sudden memory reached her, its pang catching her breath. It was a long time
ago, when Nemeriel was only nine. She had had a bad dream and Rindis had
heard her screams in the night. Seeking warmth and reassurance Nemeriel had
stumbled to her parents room in fright. The dark endless maze to the Kings
chamber was long and wearisome but at last Rindis heard the knocks of her
daughter. The Queen had stepped into the hallway and had taken Nemeriel into
her arms. The heat of her breast cradled Nemeriels little head and soon she was
asleep again.
But this time, no hands would hold her. No arms but her own would cradle her
sore body. Youre on your own now. Nemeriel thought resignedly, wondering why it
had taken her so long to realize she missed them. All of them. Prayer, her Father
her Mother, the warmth of Lirhatael. Everything was gone now.
The tears cascaded faster and faster on her cheeks until finally she remembered.
The boot was still lodged between the door and the Lone Chamber. Her plans had
been to leave after dark but it seemed her slumber had brought the excursion to a
later hour.
Jumping numbly down from the windowsill, Nemeriel put her one boot upon her
coldest foot to keep it warm. The marble floor was freezing and even Ivlisars
cloak could do little to fight the harsh winds that tended to pass through the open
windows. Nemeriels mind flashed to Kimso and the cloak she had given her. She
thought of how it had kept her warm upon the plains. Sighing, she wondered
where Ivlisar had put it.
Climbing soundlessly down the stairs Nemeriel recalled what Ivlisar had said, Did
the elves teach you nothing?
Yes, Nemeriel thought to herself, they did. They taught me stealth and how to
view things with the mind of a predator.
And as she creeped through the hallway she snaked around the castle until finally
finding the Lone Chambers signature threshold.
Sneering, she leaped forwards and gasped. Her shoe had been kicked to one side
and coincidentally another boot blocked the doorway. Or perhaps not so
coincidentally. A white, silver boot; Ivlisar. Peering into the room she saw the eerie
shine and figure of the white lady. The Aldrm had been turned on.
The lady that had so inconsiderately ventured Nemeriels dreams that night
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bobbed slowly.
In front of Fate, there stood sure enough the King of Kings, his stout body slightly
lopsided due to the fact that he only wore one shoe.
Nemeriel cursed under her breath and then reached forward to retrieve her boot.
Replacing it onto her foot she felt the warmth partially return to her body.
Then she sat still, her back against the door and her brow furrowed in anger.
Finally Ivlisar spoke.
It is common knowledge Fate, you cannot blame me for explainingCommon knowledge! I think not. You yourself admit that she said she didnt know
Fate is living until we met. A silky voice rose shrilly through the air, Listen Ivlisar,
you have lived your life. You have pledged yourself to the sky and to me, that is
the only reason you live...so well. So now you keep your promises. You have
already spent your time in Indildris, your age is over. Now you must live just to
live because otherwise you must face deathYou shall not threaten me in my home. Something like thunder resonated in his
voice that night, and nothing had ever heard him yell that way.
Your home? Fate shrieked, If it werent for me you wouldnt be alive. You
wouldnt have a home, or garden nor fountain! If it werent for me there wouldnt
be Indildris, nor Atva nor anything. Nothing would exist, nothing would have
existed and certainly nothing will be! Without me the only thing that would live on
would be time, and if that ever happens, you of all things that will be left behind
by my merciless hand, will feel the strike!
I do not live because of you. Ivlisar said suddenly, You cannot pretend you own
me.
Ah, yes I had forgotten. Fate tried to sound haughty but she only sounded
scared now, I only wish I had killed the previous Fate earlier. What a fool he was.
Ivlisar fell quiet for a moment, I only meant well.
You always mean well, Fate sneered, You have been warned several times
Ivlisar not to mess with Fate. You never learn your lesson do you? I allowed you to
teach the girl Lithuism, that is my final straw! You dont understand, each
inbalance in life is a painful wrench at my scale. Each inbalance shoots searing
pains into my back. It is always I who must run in and pull good down again. she
took a heavy breath, Any other attempts to meddle with things and I shall be
here, at the stroke of midnight to face you.
A loud crashing noise filled the castle walls and the light of the white lady was
gone. No shaft shone through the door and Nemeriel found herself in total
darkness.
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Ivlisars tired footsteps, uneven by the loss of his shoe, marked how much closer
he came to Nemeriels hidden body. Though she had slinked to hide behind
another wall she knew that to run would be risky but that her disguise wouldnt
suffice. She was stuck.
Closer, closer. Thump, clunk, thump, clunk.
The noises became a pattern in her head, anything to divulge her mind from the
fear of being caught that plagued it.
Thump, clunk, thump, then there was a pause and then, clunk, clunk, clunk.
Ivlisar stepped into the moonlight and his haggard expression lodged itself in
Nemeriels throat; never had she seen his respectable face seem so defeated nor
bitter.
Nemeriel, he said quietly, Nemeriel its alright.
The princess eyes widened. Rindis voice echoed in her voice, Nemeriel, she had
said, Nemeriel its alright.
Nemeriel stood up and crawled out from her hiding place. She was about to open
her mouth to explain when Ivlisar cut her short, What are you really down here
for?
Nemeriel looked down at the floor, I dont know.
You know. His temper was short that night and his tone sharp.
I-I...I thought Fate could tell me...tell me something about my family. About my
father. Her mind jumped wincingly to Thiralas. Its just...Ive heard about the
dwarf King and I- the future its just-
Ivlisar turned around and pointed at the door, You cannot come here again
without my permission. As you may have heard, Fate is not to be meddled with.
His eyes burned as he said this and with great difficulty, he smiled. Good night.
Nemeriel nodded gently and walked away. She could feel his icy stare dig into her
neck but she did not turn around. She didnt the whole way back to her room, her
fingers clenching and unclenching unceasingly. Finally as she opened her door she
peered down the hallway from her chamber and closed her eyes. She knew if she
looked too long shed begin to imagine shadows. Blinking suddenly she snapped
the door shut and coughed and sobbed on the corner of her bed longing and
injustice clawing at her heart.

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Chapter 15: The forces of magic

The next morning was silent and cold. Nemeriel had decided she would not grieve
anymore, but with that vow to herself there had to come strength, and she had
none. She did not speak the entire time that she sat in front of her bowl of herbs;
glaring at it.
Ivlisar remained quiet also, but his eyes were pitying and deep. When he
eventually stood from the table, he watched Nemeriel intently.
Were at the Lone Chamber this morning, princess. He said curtly and then
turned away.
As his footsteps fell amidst the noises of the wind, Nemeriel finally left the table.
She did not want to work that day but as she thought of her family she also
thought of Indildris. They depended on her, even if they didnt know it yet. She
needed to learn the counterattack or no one would.
Trudging on through the hallway, which was incidentally yellow and bright that
day, she turned the corner through another door and finally came face-to-face
with Ivlisar.
Good, we can begin. He pulled her into the room and sat her on a chair. Near
the back of the chamber there still glinted the Aldrm, the only living piece of Fate
the world has.
There is something I must explain.He said softly.
Nemeriel glanced at the white ladys light again and frowned, Are you allowed to
tell me this? She paused and added tentatively, leering, Youve got to be
careful you know.
Ivlisar raised an eyebrow, Do not interrupt me. Now, listen closely.
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Nemeriel glowered at him, Yes Master.

He sat back in his own chair and looked up at the ceiling, Because you are a
human, you do not have the magical core of an elf. If you would have had that
light inside of you from the start then Lithuism would have surely come quite
easily to you. However, I had to find a way of inserting a place from which you
could channel your power. You did not have any magical properties, you were not
practised in any more that basic magic and so I decided I had to brand your soul
with something. The Aldrm ball gave a sort of permanent light inside of you. It
made up for the magic that was never there... It also was another test. Fate needs
to give you permission to learn. It is her branch of magic as she likes to call it,
she doesnt want to share it so freely. She invented an initiation. The pain of the
ball, the determination of the apprentice.
What about you? She needed to give you permission to teach, didnt she?
Nemeriel shot back.
Ivlisar stared at her coolly, As well. He admitted, Nonetheless, now you know
why this will be difficult. Now you know why nothing will be fair to you for the next
six weeks. Now you know that to carry out the process of learning Lithuism you
will have to be something more than Nemeriel. You will have to become Nemeriel
the Lithuist.
The frown disappeared from the princess brow and the retort she had ready
melted on her tongue as she nodded, I know. She said quietly, biting down on
her lip. But maybe if I had more timeThere is no time. Besides, I know you can do this. You are intelligent for a human,
you have the advantage of having lived with the elves. Your reflexes are quicker
your senses more practised. You have been chosen in a prophecy Nemeriel, that
can only mean that your destiny lies in Lithuism. Im not saying that the power of
the prophecy will ever be able to propel you through life alone but encourage,
yes, and strengthen you beyond the extent of others, certainly.
Look Ivlisar, I know you think that youre helping but youre not. Explaining things
hurts. It just reminds me that everything I do could have a negative consequence
if not done the proper way.
This time it was Ivlisars turn to be surprised and curious, What do you mean?
Nemeriel took a deep breath, My father told me that there are two ways this
prophecy can goBut thats impossible, prophecies have one meaning, only one. Perhaps Erethor
meant that there are a lot of ways of interpreting it or maybe thatI know what he said, Nemeriel spoke confidently but something in the elfling
tone in her voice had changed. Her words shook and her eyes began to harden. If
I dont learn Lithuism in time and if I dont bring the humans through the dawn
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river before Mersuithiel finds out theres another race...Atva will be in the clutches
of the Necromancy Queen.
Ivlisar sat dumbstruck on the chair that he had placed in the Lone Chamber
before. He was wringing his hands and continuously frowning at the floor.
***
The rest of the morning was a blur. Ivlisars determination seemed to have spread
like fire within him. He was harsher, expecting quicker reactions and quicker
success. His eyes didnt stop contemplating Nemeriels every wrong move. He
didnt praise he only pointed out what could be done better.
Light after light, Necromancy after Necromancy, her hands were shaKing by the
time lunch time arrived.
You must feel, Nemeriel! You are always angry at my criticism but instead you
must feel this anger and regenerate it into power. Channel! You know this
Nemeriel! Ivlisar walked around her glaring. We have gone over this countless
times and yetNemeriel felt her hands light up, of their own accord and a smile creeped up her
face, Ivlisar, she said hoarsely, I- I Im maKing white light! Its white Ivlisar!
The King of Kings turned, his hawk-eyes glinting with curiosity. What? he said
suddenly.
Nemeriels hands were shining with the most brilliant white light she had ever
seen. It shimmered in between her fingers. Grinning she looked up at her master.
Throw it at me. He said softly.
Nemeriel frowned, PardonQuickly before it goes out!
Nemeriel glanced at her forearms and then sent the white ball of light in Ivlisars
direction with a relieving force.
Ivlisar with a surprising speed caught the ball of light in his hands and slowly,
whilst muttering under his breath, turned the sphere into a black one, radiating
dark magic.
Necromancy, he said softly, and threw the ball at Nemeriel.
Bringing her hands out in the form of a shield Nemeriel replicated the spell she
had learnt the day before. The two magics struck and the white barrier turned half
of the ball to its original luminescent color. It then spun to the ground and rocked,
its black and white sides fighting as if the sorcerers were still at war.
Ivlisar held his breath, squinting and scrutinizing the ball with his utmost
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attention. Although unsure to what he was looKing at Nemeriel nonetheless

followed his lead.
Then, just as her eyes clapped with the small sphere she saw the white overcome
the black and the ball turned ivory colored again.
Amazing Ivlisar whispered, Impossible almost, unless
The princess would have complained; saying Ivlisar never believed in her to do it
and that it was nothing amazing and that it was just practise, but the smile on her
face was growing and she simply let her success fly.
Just like magic. Nemeriel grinned and put a knee to floor. She scooped the ball
into her hands and waited for Ivlisar to say again or relax, but he just frowned
and made to walk away; however the princess called out to him before he could
leave.
Come back here, she said hotly, her smile gone; vanished into thin air, Come
back, she stomped, You always go. But I have questions and I need you to
understandYouve got a gift. Ivlisar stated simply.
Nemeriel sat quietly, her jaw twitching.
You want to know how you are channeling so successfully. Well, I think that Fate
may have been generous in giving you her power. Ivlisar said this more to
himself than anyone. You think Fate is a neutral creature, fair and full of balance,
but shes got her interests the King of Kings grumbled spitefully.
The princess looked up, only one thing caught her ear, What power? Fate can do
magic? I thought she was magic?
Yes but Ivlisar shook his head disbelievingly, Youve just made the Dothrul, a
ball of light that scalds. It took me months to complete that exercise.
Nemeriel blushed, I asked you a question. Answer me! she bashfully changed
the subject.
Ivlisar looked up.
Nemeriel, glad she had regained her audience from his stupefied mumbling state,
continued, What is magic? For me to carry out Lithuism I need to understand its
each and every aspect, dont I? I mean, Ive been worKing and worKing at
something that I dont even know a single thing about. I dont know what works
and how it does so, I dont even know why Fate could help me channel or why I
can do the things I can.
After a while the King of Kings replied. Its all magic. Ivlisar smiled toothily.
I know, Nemeriel said testily. But if you could117

Ivlisar nodded despite the fact Nemeriel was not expecting his agreement and
assent to clarification so quickly. She knew that knowledge hurt when not bent
and used and distributed properly but something nagged at her. Her curiosity led
her to the darkest of places sometimes but she needed to know, and this time she
had a good excuse to find out.
Fate is magic. Fate can do magic. Both your questions were properly guessed.
Nemeriel waited for Ivlisar to elaborate. Master? she said when he hadnt
spoken.
For a second Ivlisar frowned and then, whilst twiddling his thumbs he began to
talk.
Youre right, I have been too delicate in giving you information. Now I see it is
essential for you to know everything. It is all fine for Fate to aid you and give you
a particularly large amount of magic, but when I tweak chances the slightest I am
punished. he stood and began to pace the room. Power is a poison to anyone
who likes the first taste of it and Fate was unfortunately particularly drawn to it. If
she would have ruled any longer then life would have changed for the worse.
Years of being exiled has turned her into a cunning woman. Her thoughts have
turned from how to make the world balanced to how to make to the world hers.
She has in her hands years of knowledge. She knows she has enough power to
bring herself back into Atva again, she just doesnt know how, and if we give her
long enough to ponder it, she will discover means, believe me.
What would happen if she returned, wouldnt all her power be left behind to
Nemeriel faltered.
To whom? Nobody, because in order for Fates wielder to change, Fate would
have to be killed. She who kills Fate becomes Fate, it is an ancient law. But if
nobody kills Fate then I assume, as I believe she does too, that the power of her
position would travel with her to the Atvian world, giving her an alien amount of
strength and dominance. Fate could bring what was once balance into chaos.
Nemeriel shook, What does this mean then?
It means that you must learn Lithuism to your best ability, he answered curtly,
ending the conversation. Back to work.
But I want to know how Fate has power and what magic is.
Ivlisar sighed, Fate has always been...in spirit. I was the first live soul to live. I am
called the Eldest or the First, but let us first establish that Fate has always, always
been, even before me. Now, as for how Fate holds magic, that is because Fate has
a different magic from me and the sorceresses. Fate holds the magic of the future
and the magic of knowledge. Fate is magical of her own accord and that is why I
wanted Fate to give you her magic instead of you taKing magic from the world. An
Element wielder is only as powerful as his or her surroundings. I didnt want you to
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depend on anything, or at least not so much. Fates magic is the strongest

because it is hers and her own. She takes from the source of herself, she takes
from the source of her knowledge, which is endless, so she is evidently the most
powerful. Luckily, ancient rules have kept her strapped to the sky and in this
domain. She cannot rule unless...she finds a way to get to Atva.
Whereas you Nemeriel questioned.
I take my magic from six main sources. Fire, water, air, earth, light and dark.
Each source is an element, and elements began as runes. Runes are said to have
been the beginning of magic. Since I have lived through that time I can confirm
that indeed the runes were, the first time magic ever had reached reality. The
runes were said to be a way to connect the power of our universe and latch it to
Atva. All that empty space wasted, all that power lost. So, people named
runesmen began to draw pictures, pictures that had the power to call to the
outside magical worlds. For a long time the inhabitants of Atva remained familiar
with these runes but with time the alphabet was lost and a huge portion of our
worlds magic was gone in the blink of an eye. However, four drawings stayed
imprinted in our lives. The first runesmen must have crafted a very particular
order of letters so that the magic should remain eternal. Either way, now those
four elements carry infatigable power and magic. Before magic, earth, water, fire
and air used to be things - nothing more. Now they are sources.
Werent you alive during the time of the runes? Cant you justIve been sworn to secrecy, another boundary Fate has put against us, however,
this time I am on her side. Fate is right to ban the bringing back of the runes. They
were fascinating things but terrible when wielded by the wrong hands. Elements
are limited sources, which is why they are not as dangerous, but before, there
were other powers that were sucked straight from the atmosphere. As you can
imagine, those sources were infatigable.
Nemeriel nodded, What about the elements, how do you draw power from them.
As King of Kings I was given full power over the elements. The previous Fate
trusted me with that power, she knew I would distribute it well. I decided to cut
the burden in half to two sorceresses to flank the edges of Indildris. One sorceress
got the ability to control fire and the earth, the other to control the sky and the
sea. As you know Lithuism and Necromancy was only created recently so it is not
necessarily a decided trait for sorceresses, more a branch to study, only. Together,
the two sorceresses carry all of the magic that Indildris holds, their
representatives chosen by me every time a witch shall die. Ivlisar glanced at
Nemeriel, You know what happens of course.
Yes, the child must be of age, sixteen or above, and in times of death, she or he
will be chosen to be the next sorceress. She or he is granted immortality unless
killed in battle. She or he is chosen as a baby but does not know it until the time
has come. Nemeriel smiled tightly.
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Precisely.
But what about the elves, how come they have magic? Nemeriels thoughts
flitted to Prayers magical apprenticeship that year.
Elves are born with their own microscopic magical core. Of course their power is
tiny compared to elemental magic or Fates. But they can still improve their
magic, therefore, put to the right work, an elf can become exceedingly powerful.
The reason they are born with magic is because one of the ancient runesmen was
indeed an elf and he branded himself with the power of the runes. He was so
strong that the magic carried on down to his children and so on. It took me many
years to track him down. Many years to put a stop to his power.
How did you do it? Stop him, I mean.
I captured him in a rock. In a slate. I runed the boulder shut and with him, all the
power and knowledge of the runes was closed into a huge mountain. He was an
element wielder, but favored in fighting with air. Trapping him in earth was so as
to make sure he was preserved. He was very wise and held many keys on his
fingers. It would have been foolish to kill him. He could still come of use.
You let him live?
I did. He still is living; though as a half soul, as a dying soul, one that would
wither in the light. He still is stuck in the Slokah. Still waiting for someone to crack
the stone and release him.
What was his name? she asked quietly.
Requiem.
Nemeriel nodded, changing the subject, What about dwarves, do they have
magical properties?
Yes, like me they are able to draw magic from the elements but they are not as
efficient in magic-wielding for it takes time and effort to find a source when it is
not in you, whereas an elf can concentrate wholly on the outcome and not the
income of the sorcery.
So thats why you chose to brand me with Fates light instead of teach me how to
draw from the elements.
Ivlisar cocked his head to one side, Yes and no. I knew Fates light would give you
more power but since you dont have the magical core the elves do then you
wouldnt be able to draw from the elements anyway. You have no magical tie with
them, no pure core that intertwines you with the rest of Atvas society. You can be
taught Lithuism because its source is the sun, and the sun is a component of both
my and your world. The sun is actually a reflection of Fate and the worlds wellbeings and happiness and that also is a component of both worlds. Ivlisar
twiddled his thumbs absentmindedly, The fact that you could carry out small flits
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of magic before being branded at all is because the elves are able to incorporate
magic into objects by giving a fraction of their core to support a bow or to make
an arrow fly lucky. You must have been touching and using objects like these for
years without knowing, thus picKing up dusts of magic throughout your life.
Nemeriels eyes widened, What about my bow?
Oh, Ill have to take a look at it before I can say its power but I am sure that yes,
your bow probably has some sort of trace in it...you know, it wouldnt be wise to
mention this to the elves Ivlisar smiled and his eyes crinkled, But for hundreds
of years they have been forging bows and are exceedingly good at it, dont get
me wrong, but to use such a meticulous weapon would require strength and
miraculous accuracy...and with a string so tight as braided Layar hair, well it would
be almost impossible to shoot far, straight, with good aim and with class he
chuckled, Without a tiny bit of magic...dont you think?
Nemeriel glared at him. Bows had been the elves specialty for years and just
because the make of them was so complicated doesnt mean they werent skilled
enough to use them. However, a tiny voice told Nemeriel in her head that this was
probably true and that for years the skill she had taken pride in (especially since
she was a human) had been forever maimed with magic.
What about Fate, how is there magic stored in her?she asked stiffly.
Ivlisar continued to grin but answered the question all the same, Fate is not the
ultimate power Nemeriel. She is merely a reflection of the years that have past
and the years to come. That is one mighty power you are correct but Fate herself
does not hold this power, her body and form does, thus she herself is only as
strong as her weakest era, and right now, Mersuithiels bad actions and spread of
evil and calamity is probably dimming Fates light. Between you and me I think
that Fates true reason of allowing her power to be channelled into you is not for
balance but for herself, so she can become stronger. Ivlisar sighed a little and
looked into the distant, Dont you see, her light is not the light of the sun, but the
light of the years! The light of our peoples good deeds. The sun is not the
element, Fates channel of goodness is. The sun takes energy from Indildris elves
and dwarves and perhaps even from the klorns. So it is not the sun our fifth
element, but generosity and happiness and love and care.
Nemeriel inclined her head slightly.
Now there is another thing you must know. the King of Kings continued,
Necromancy and Lithuism, the two factors of life and death have proved
themselves to have the equal power of an element. Fates channel is the source
for Lithuism, as you know and we have already established that Lithuism or the
power that channels it is another element. However as we discovered the fifth
rune we also discovered the sixth. Necromancy. So, when you use Lithuism, you
must know that you are using a part a life, so feel it. Whilst Necromancy feeds off
of death and hatred and vengeance, you must know that you are using the
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happiness of the people before you and turning it into a beacon. You must know
that every laugh, smile and helping hand is not to be wasted. Ivlisar nodded
encouragingly, Feel the magic. You need to understand that magic is not a bow. It
is not something you can physically work on, you must also exercise your mind
and this will prove to be a challenge.
I am not dumb, nor slow.
Did I say that? No, but you are lazy and too curious for your own good. Ivlisars
eyes gleamed, Now.again!
Nemeriel heaved herself from the ground and relaxed her shoulders. Feeling her
body buzz, she let the magic roll from her fingers and ignite her palms like
shivering stars.

Chapter 16: Again

Lunch was cold by the time the two Luthuists had reached the table.
Soup. Nemeriel said sarcastically. What a surprise. You intend to please me
Ivlisar with your cuisine!
Master Ivlisar, The King of Kings chuckled as he corrected her.
Nemeriels grin faltered just the slightest as she began to feast on her concoction,
her hunger getting the best of her.
Now, we have already branded you with a light of your own, thus our source-snag
has been successfully unsnagged, but there is still the fact of channelling. When
you channel Nemeriel, you have this odd habit of seeKing outside sources when
you know you dont need to. The Aldrms light was put inside you so that you
could use it. Ivlisar watched Nemeriels frown intently, This afternoon I will look
over the method of self-seeping with you.
I know how to channel i just forget to find the source properly sometimes.
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Ivlisar grinned, Very few times has the white light of the Aldrm shone on your
fingers.
Its happened twice at least.
Twice is not enough. Most of the time the fire is of a yellow, realistic tint. You
must know, that it is not because the Aldrms light is far more powerful than a
candles that I press the manner of correct channeling upon you, but because
outside when you will be fighting Mersuithiel other people will be around most
likely, and if you treat them like candleswell they will most likely die..
Nemeriels stomach clenched as she stopped listening. She closed her eyes and
tried helplessly to push the thought out of her mind. Fight Mersuithiel? Is that
what it was all supposed to come down to. How could she had not thought of this?
Well, she had, just never out loud, never said as if it were final. Breathing in
sharply the princess looked up.
Do you understand? Ivlisars voice was fuzzy and out of place.
She nodded hastily, not caring if she needed lie. All she wanted was to leave the
room. She waited painfully for Ivlisar to dismiss her from the table. Slowly the King
of Kings glanced at Nemeriels empty bowl and nodded.
The princess fled from her chair and, surprising herself, instead of going out into
the ground, or to her chamber she sprinted all the way to the Lone Chamber.
Something in her wanted to fight and then something else told her that she was
but fourteen against a fully grown elf who excelled in dark magic and who had
certainly had more that six weeks to train. Sighing and coughing back the tears
Nemeriel stood in the eerie light of the Aldrm ball and closed her eyes. TaKing
deep breaths she heard Ivlisars voice in her head. Again, again!
Grasping her frustration and filtering it as light Nemeriel held out her hands and
finally breathed out again. The sound of a small puff echoed across the room and
then all the candles went out, leaving Nemeriel in a part-darkness. All was black
except for a ring of a raging fire in the palms of her hands. The flames licked her
skin with no effect, the callouses the Aldrm ball had made maKing her immune to
the heat. Cursing, she watched as the clearly yellow flames caught the shadows
on the walls around her. Then in surprise and partly curiosity, Nemeriel threw the
ball to the ground and watched as it skidded across the floor.
Smiling she beckoned to the flames that still shone bright and revolved just above
the ground. It seemed as if the light was a compact ball. As Nemeriel waved her
arm the ball flew to her shins again and bobbed.
ThinKing suddenly, an idea suddenly came to her. Nemeriel remembered the time
when she had converted the ball of Necromancy back to the white light she had at
first conjured. CocKing her head Nemeriel wondered if turning her own fireball into
an Aldrm replica would work.
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Breathing in shakily and then holding her breath Nemeriel thought of her source.
She imagined plucKing from a stream of silver rays and soon she felt the ground
beneath her shake. Laughing she saw her hands light up with a pure white light.
However, soon a pain began in her chest and black spots started to cloud her
eyesight. Frowning in confusion, Nemeriel felt her knees give way as she swayed
on the spot. Failing to stay standing, the princess fell to the floor and coughed out
a white substance. The liquid dripped from her mouth to the stone floor. Disgusted
Nemeriel screamed.
Prayer! Prayothl! Pray...er***
A bright light flooded Nemeriels vision. Squinting painfully, an image slowly
formed itself before her.
Five shimmering maids were tending to her almost robotically. Mumbling slightly
Nemeriel noticed a short jab in her chest when she moved. One of the maids
jumped back suddenly and then motioned for another to leave. For a while all was
quiet. The remaining four maids all seemed awestruck by Nemeriels existence.
LooKing around Nemeriel saw a room that very much resembled the infirmary
back at Lirhatael castle. The walls were lined with oxygen vines and the stained
glass windows causing cascading colors of light to lift the princesss spirits the
slightest. Slowly Nemeriels gaze returned to her bed and she found herself be
uncomfortably examined by the curious owl-like maids.
Do- you- live- here? Nemeriel asked, her voice gravelly and her words choppy.
She had noticed the cloud people before, but she had never thought they would
appear anywhere else than at the table.
One of them shuffled nervously, her eyes constantly bowing to the ground.
Finally Ivlisars voice was audible through the hallway. Nemeriel sighed knowing
that he would fix things for sure.
Master shes awake nowOut! OUT! Ivlisar burst through the door and sent a ringing noise through
Nemeriels ears. Wincing, she wished solely that hed stop shouting. Out! Out!
Out! he bellowed.
He clapped and the maids ran off, some of them disappearing like smoke.
Nemeriels eyes widened and then she turned to Ivlisar for answers. However, his
eyes thundered and his face was red.
You are an idiot! he said at last. You are an insolent tree-hugging, curious,
inexperienced, ELF! And you should darn well know it by now!
Nemeriel shrunk slightly beneath the covers of her sick-bed. The ringing had
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finally subsided so she was eager to keep his anger at bay.

You are so infuriatingly curious! he carried on, I wish you would justNemeriel said coldly, I dont know what Ive done but I assure you Im very sorry
for it. she rubbed her ears angrily. Everyones been shutting me out. Those
maids of yours...I-I didnt know anyone else lived in the castle in factOf course somebody else lives in the castle! Ivlisar snapped impatiently, Who
did you think cooked your dinner every meal? Anyway, theyre just cloud spirits,
quite dimwitted if you ask me but very good at house-work and certainly very
cheap. I make them myself. He added quietly.
Nodding, Nemeriel felt her back contract and she closed her eyes painfully.
Ah, Ivlisar said more softly, Ive tried my best but it seems youve earned
yourself three days off. he sighed, You are so...such a child. Ive forgotten what
it is like to have children, Nemeriel. I understand it was an accident but that
doesnt mean its not your fault. I suppose that is why I got so angry, because
something silly like that and you could get yourself killed.
What? Nemeriel asked.
Killed. Infact, you should be dead. He said this with an icy tone, one of a sour
old man, I dont know how you could have survived it if it hadnt been
for...something extremely powerful.
Nemeriels mind visited fleetingly her bow, her rings, her sisters pendant...none
of which seemed of anything special.
No matter, perhaps it was just a stroke of luck. Ivlisar blinked hesitantly,
Anyway, you ought to know what happenedYes. she said frostily.
First rule of any Magic. he grumbled, Never fight yourself. In other words, never
try to overcome your own magic. If you do this, your body will explode and your
mind wont be able to pick the stronger incantation if you are fighting equally hard
for both sides of you. Never. he sighed. Lesson learned, I hope.
Nemeriel nodded stiffly.
Good. In four days we begin to train. Ivlisars eyes softened, You are going to
be weak for the next few days Nemeriel, just relax and the pain will subside. Ill
give you as many medicine variations as I can but until then the healing will have
to happen on its own. He looked as if he was going to add something, but then
he left, leaving Nemeriel alone in the infirmary with a pounding head and a
throbbing back.
The next day was calm, slow and boring. Ivlisar tended to her determinedly but
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only for short periods of time. The hospital room was often empty save for
Nemeriel and she found the hours extensive and hot. The following morning was
just as bad. However, when the last day finally clocked in Nemeriels movements
hurt far less and she could walk without any pain or fatigue.
On the dawning of the fourth day Nemeriel awoke in her own bedroom and
dressed not in white sick-robes but in her usual black ones. Her skin seemed to
shine less than in the hospital which was the only change she found the most odd
from the transfer; not being able to make shadows on her arms. Perhaps it was
just the bright windows in the room that had made her luminescent, perhaps it
was just the magical consequences of the infirmary.
Standing to leave her room she now made it a habit to leave the window
uncovered so as to let the light stream in every morning. She smiled and then ran
through the door and down to the breakfast table.
Good morning! Ivlisar smiled, Glad you are well. Now, today I shall teach you
something slightly different. Slightly more difficult too.
Nemeriel sat down slowly, Yes Master.
We are going to practice overtaKing.
Nemeriels eyes widened, But isnt overtaKing like possessing and isnt
possessing a component and skill especially required for the use of dark-magic?
Ivlisar nodded hesitantly, But today we are not going to be possessing anything.
You know that overtaKing is something very different. It is the tool we Lithuists
use to counter attack possessing, a skill that will be essential and definitely
required if you wish to excel in Lithuism.
Nemeriel smiled, Where to first?
I thought the Lone Chamber but then I decided on the grounds for today we will
not only work on overtaKing but also on physical improvement. I believe you are
an advanced Lithuist enough to start worKing with your bow again.
Nemeriel grinned, Perfect.
After finishing, the two walked down to the grounds but instead of going down one
more flight to the lower land Ivlisar led Nemeriel up a winding staircase. Halfway
through the journey the King of Kings recuperate a box that wouldnt stop
shaKing but said nothing to hint what was inside.
Finally they arrived upon a glassy see-through floor than looked as if it was the
border of the sky.
Endibildr. Ivlisar said quietly, The highest point of the heavens that a mortal
or any being in fact has ever walked or visited before over the many courses of
history.
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Nemeriel watched her feet as they walked and were supported by nothing. Clouds
of mist and pearly reflections dotted the landscape here and there but the rest of
the atmosphere was a deep azure like a night sky despite the bright blue day that
was dawning in the real world.
Ivlisar had started to unbuckle the boxs restraints already and was yelling at
Nemeriel to step onto a cloud.
Step on a cloud? Nemeriel asked unconvinced, How?
Ivlisar glared at her, Quickly, he said as he struggled to keep the box shut.
Shrugging, Nemereil put her foot on to the cloud and felt the whole world swoop
beneath her. Everything was less clear and it was so hard to keep her
balance.Gradually, she centered herself and watched as the sky stopped spinning
and as Ivlisar became one image again.
You ready? he asked, and before Nemeriel could nod he let go of the box and a
flaming white ball of light exploded from the top of the container. It whirled
around in one spot energetically and then slowed to a halt. It began to bob and
then Nemeriel recognized it.
I made that? she said hoarsely.
Ivlisar nodded, Through maKing this you got rid of alot of your energy. Now what
I want you to do is take it back.
Nemeriel frowned, HowConcentrate on it and bring it to you.
Nemeriel closed her eyes and then beckoned. She felt a gust of wind catch her
and the ball was before her eyes when she opened them.
Startled, she stepped back and nearly fell of the cloud.
Focus. Ivlisar cried from below her.
I am. she said through gritted teeth, but she hadnt spoken loud enough for her
to hear him anyway.
Exhaling she put her hands around the ball and quickly breathed in. A cold
stabbing pain reached her chest as if a knife had been pulled out of it. When
Nemeriel had unstuck her clenched fist and opened her screwed up eyes she
noticed the ball was darker red and much less white. Smiling through her agony
Nemeriel stood again and inhaled suddenly.
The ball exploded into millions of pieces before her and it remains had turned
black, a color they had never been before.
As Nemeriel searched for Ivlisars face she noted a silent smile of his lips. Feeling
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slightly dizzy she jumped down from the cloud and waited for the King to say
something.
I...I, he muttered, Well done. he said finally.
Nemeriel felt his compliment surge through her veins and she stood up suddenly.
You dont need to practise that so much anymore. But you do need to know that
if you are to take power from other people when you are tired it would be sensible
to take from many in moderation than from one person. It is very dangerous to
overtake but sometimes necessary. You could kill your victim if you are too
greedy, but when practised and good at controlling the amount you take, it is a
very useful skill to have. Of course Mersuithiel will know how to do the same with
bad experiences. She in fact has the advantage that during war there is fear and
suffering, and those two components are what she feeds on. Ivlisar smiled, But
you did well, very well.
Nemeriel laughed, Thank you, but what about overtaKing? How do I know when it
is safe to stop? How do I know when I need to overtake and when it is best to
channel from my own source?
Ivlisar put a hand on her head, Well, when you are about to kill someone your
body reacts. Depending on how you feel upon the matter of the magic, your body
will either try to shut the process of the spell down or, try and carry on seeping
the life from your victim. The only way to successfully overtake is if you have no
interest in killing them in the first place. Now of course you will think this is easy
then. You wont believe that you would ever want to kill someone innocent but
amidst battle you will have the adrenaline and anger all warriors do and then you
will accidentally channel your anger and not the light and power of the Aldrm.
Ivlisar raised an eyebrow at her and she nodded for his continuation, You must
understand that overtaKing can be dangerous from all aspects. You must also
understand that you have shown an amazing performance just a second ago. the
average elf wouldnt have managed to ace that so soon. this time Ivlisar did not
say so with pride but more with disbelief, Which is why I believe that you can
overtake without extensive practise. However, you must know that every time you
overtake you are putting yourself in jeopardy because you are fighting against
your own will; to kill or not to kill. You can only avoid this if you do as I said before,
overtake merely for the interest of boosting your magical energy.
Nemeriel sighed, There are so many things I must know.
Ivlisar frowned, despite the fact how lightly Nemeriel had spoken, Dont be so
lazy, the worlds outcome is in your hands. You know this dont you?
Nemeriel felt a lump in her throat, Yes, I know. she snapped.
Good, then let us continue. he pointed at the cloud again, This time you will be
worKing with your bow. There will be moving targets and I want you to use your
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magic at times and incorporate your skill to bend the track of the arrow and
manoeuvre it after being strung.
Nemeriel didnt like the idea of cheating. Despite what Ivlisar had said about the
elves, she never remembered using magic during bow-practise herself in any
case, but she carried out his will reluctantly.
Yes Master. and stepping onto the cloud she strung an arrow and waited with
bated breaths. Her stanza was slightly shakier than usual due to the clouds jumpy
surface but Nemeriel managed to steady herself in time.
Ivlisar clapped his hands and countless dark figures the size of klorns began
running and Nemeriel from all sides. Stringing two more arrows into the already
loaded bow string she then, at the same time, flew three arrows at once.
Three klorns dead.
She then whipped around and used an arrow as a knife. She recuperated her used
ones as her eyes caught on the figures that had gotten shot. All the killed klornmirages were disappearing after having been wounded.
Ivlisar seemed nowhere to be seen but Nemeriel didnt have time to search for
him. One klorn after another. One dead after the other.
The time passed so quickly and as the last klorn fell Nemeriel didnt even have
flushed cheeks nor a pant in her regular calm breaths.
Your magic. Ivlisar said harshly, Where is your magic?
I- Nemeriel had forgotten about that.
Again.
The klorns re-appeared upon his call and the whole process re-winded, however,
the second time Nemeriel influenced five of her arrows and managed to kill ten
klorns with the same shot, her arrow whizzing from place to place. She used the
speed and energy of light to propel the arrow tip.
Better, was Ivlisars congratulations at the end of the course. To dinner I should
think.
What about lunch?
My dear princess, Ivlisar said silkily, You do not think it is still midday do you?
Nemeriel frowned, How longA long time. Now, take a bath and change into your second pair of black robes for
dinner, the King of Kings said, Quickly.
The two parted at the hallway and when Nemeriel had finished cleaning up and
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getting dressed it was already pitch black outside.

Your soup. Ivlisar said, a small smile on his lips, Dig in.
Nemeriel picked up the silver spoon by her bowl and began to eat.
***
Each and every day, each and every week, for six weeks, was long and hard.
Nemeriel studied concept after concept that rendered her mind to be filled with
thoughts at night whilst her body yearned to sleep. They didnt practise the bowwork again but Nemeriel often sat up late in the evening enchanting her arrows to
swerve in the air. To describe the days as productive would be an understatement.
By the last week Ivlisar seemed finally satisfied, and he believed that all that
needed to be taught had been done so.

Chapter 17: Indirs di Andor

It was on the evening of the last day of the sixth week that Ivlisar called Nemeriel
to his study. Nemeriel never knew he had a room of his own and she had never
actually thought of it at all. However, in the letter she had received after returning
from the baths stated clearly that she was to meet the King of Kings in his study.
Sighing, Nemeriel dressed in her black robes and descended down the spiral
staircase. She glanced at the directions she was given and then followed them to
what seemed like a dark corridor. Keeping down the path she turned left into a
cool white marble door. The arch of the door was tall and strong and there was a
small lions head knocker upon it. Disregarding the knocker, Nemeriel reached
forward and pushed the stone, entering into a brightly lit room of thousands of
candles.
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Grinning, the princess stepped in and examined the chamber..

Golden walls and silver swirls upon them decorated the room. Ivlisar sat, gleaming
on a long red velvet chair that was positioned beneath an ebony desk, its
intricately carved legs laying upon a heightened carpet of many blues and greens.
Little fountains and stone sculptures of elves and dwarves darted across the far
end of the room and just beside Ivlisar there glowed an iridescent globe of white.
Just above his head, peppering the ceiling, there were stars and galaxies that
shone dimly in the bright light.
Ivlisar stood up slowly, Before you leave, there are things you must know. These
things I assume you have not been told yet...I must say it is extremely lucky that
the person who gave this cloak did not tell you what it truly was at first. Ivlisar
pulled Kimsos cloak out from behind his desk and laid it out on the table-top.
Nemeriel, out of confusion, said nothing.
Your knowledge would have thickened the klorns scent and they would have
gone straight for you upon that plain instead of waiting for a clearer signal. Their
eyesight is minimal as you should know, and they only saw you and your
companions shadow. I will say it again, you were very lucky that night.
I dont know what youre talKing about, Nemeriel said softly. She was sick and
tired of hearing from people that yet another surprise was to be thrown into her
abnormal life. She was so angry at everything that people called Fate that her
hands began to tremble.
Ivlisar nodded, I know, but I think for you to find out now would be wise. he
stood up and began to pace the room, Do you recall us talKing about the
beginning of Indildris and the creation of both Lithuism and Necromancy?
Nemeriel nodded.
Then do you also recall the name of Draugw, and that it was he who started it
all? Good, then I shall begin with the famous man Morosauv, Father of Death. He
was of the previous war, a few hundred years back.
The war my grandfather died in. Well not by blood but- Nemeriel corrected
herself.
Indeed. Now, Ivlisars silver beard shook, his facial hair the only thing that
distinguished him from the clean-shaven elves, As you know, it is Fate that
dictates prophecies. A part of her lives in my daughter Helwen, so you can guess
that I would know each time a prophecy is made. Thus, not a few decades ago,
Helwen recited your prophecy. Upon hearing of it I became very anxious; it
seemed my suspicions had been confirmed, and that Morosauvs disappearance
did not account for that of Draugws.

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Nemeriels glance sharpened, Do you mean to say that you knew the
Necromancer wasnt gone. Do you mean to say that the Council spent decades
without this knowledge. Without the warning that could have saved Willows Keep
from the destruction and war it has endured?

Ivlisar looked away from Nemeriels glaring eyes, Thats not what I said. You are
so driven by your emotions Nemeriel, perhaps you should just listen for once.

Nemeriel gave him another glowering look.

Very good. So, we were speaKing of Morosauv...to fully understand the future one
must have a thorough idea of the past. One must also know that to understand
somebody, one must also understand those around that person, for those we
spend time with often shape the most part of who we are and what motivates our
actions. The dear wife of Morosauv is a perfect example. Ivlisar nodded at
Nemeriels awestruck face, Indirs di Andor was a most beautiful creature. An elf
of the North, she was, strong and well practised in her trade. She was a weaver
from near the wilder borders of Neteliar and as she grew older she met a young
elf named, he inclined his head, Morosauv, the very same.

Nemeriel nodded, saying nothing as the King of Kings continued.

It was on an Autumn day, the time of year in which most of Indirs clothes were
sold. She had traveled through the Melltholl from her lonely cottage in Brodwin all
the way to Horonduin, the capital. She would accustomly stay there until the end
of September, selling cloth and cloaks and clothes and carpets to the busy elves
of Neteliar. However, that year, she met someone who would keep her in
Horonduin slightly longer than she had expected. Morosauv had been walKing
through the markets one evening when his eye caught upon a most fair elf.
Curious, he walked to the stand and thus Indris met the Father of Death barley
before his wake. The two elves, upon their meeting, formed the fate of Indildris
simply by catching glances, without knowing it.

Nemeriel seemed puzzled, How do you know this? It happened such a long time
ago.

You forget how old I am princess. You ask how I know these things, and Ill tell
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you that living amongst the stars guarantees a rather satisfactory view of the
world in Atva, I am proud to say with no lack of modesty intended, that I know all,
see all and hear all that happens through this realm. Do not forget that, it seems
that too lany already do. he said almost bitterly.
Nemeriel did not answer.
Continuing fluently his previous conversation as if he has said nothing in between,
Ivlisar spoke, Morosauv, later that evening, asked for her hand in marriage. The
weaver consented to his offer and over the years, moved permanently to
Horonduin, bringing her trade with her to the busy city and the constant sale. For
the most part, the couple were happy, they had even borne a baby girl whom they
named Annes, until Morosauv was sent as a spy to Ibeldurn one day. Sometimes
these excursions could take years instead of months and proved to be very
dangerous assignments. Indirs had begged Morosauv to stay and reject the
errand but he refused to let down his people. Proud and loyal as he was, the elf
left the following morning, leaving Indirs alone with her new-born and full of
sorrow.

As we have discussed earlier, Morosauv met Draugw in the mountains whilst

watching the klorns and was easily overpowered and manipulated to do the
Necromancers bidding. Now, since we already are informed on Morosauvs story
from then on, we shall return to Indilris for a moment and retell what Indirs had
been doing during that time.

It is so that the lovely maiden waited, indeed she waited until finally the year had
passed to five whole years. In despair and resignation, Indirs returned to Brodwin
with her elfling. She weaved there for another five years until the sale became
hopeless and her work less and less attractive; sucumbing to the depths of her
sadness. At last she moved to Prospero; the only place she thought would
welcome her.

Nemeriel sat rigid in her chair, her usual questioning demeanor gone, a sharp
sense of attention replacing it.

There Annes grew up, living her years of youth with the amazing freedom every
child wants. However, there came a time when Indirs became very ill. She had
heard the rumors that said her husband had been in league with Draugw though
she refused to believe those who said so for a long time, she finally accepted the
truth and was driven so mad by it that she stopped eating and drinKing in protest
and despair. Annes tended to her mother until she died one fateful evening, an
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evening that proved to be a moment of great importance in the future of Atva.

The moment in which Indirs gave her only daughter the cloak of Andor.
Nemeriel pointed at Kimsos cape and shook her head disbelievingly. Ivlisar
glanced at her pityingly and continued.
It seems she had started weaving it in secret ever since she had heard of
Morosauvs betrayal. The cloak apparently contained traces of ancient magic
which weavers have been accustomed to use for centuries in their lore. A magic
that enhanced beauty and the speed of the fabrics maKing.
What else, there had to be something else? Why would she make a cloak like
that? Why do I have it?
Ivlisars bright blue eyes shimmered as he spoke, She made the cloak out of the
hope of retrieving her husbands warped mind. Out of the hope that the kind,
vulnerable, gullible knight she had met one evening would return to his amiable
state. She hoped that through this cloak Annes would be able to reconquer her
father.
But how it just seemed so helpless of a wish.
By incorporating memories into the fabric. Indirs was a bright elf, her weavers
background only the surface of her knowledge. You see, at times traders tend to
have a broader, more wide range of education than those who are schooled. They
hear things, they learn from experience, which can be more effective than
learning in an offhands studious manner.
Through songs.
Exactly. I presume that many travellers had passed through Brodwin road
throughout her life and many of them sought hospitality in her home. Coming
from a kind good-natured family, the travellers would more than often be
welcomed, and through the bonfire and the midnight meals little Indirs learned of
tales and history that even I am confident in saying I probably have never heard
of.
What I am maKing a point of is that not all magic is given to the sorceresses. The
rune-wraiths are long gone and the knowledge of dragon-taming an old lore, but
the witches, once every few decades, were known to take an apprentice under
their wing. These were rare events, but when they took place, it was usually kept
a secret. You see, a witch may have an apprentice but it is against the laws of
magic for a learner to have an apprentice of their own. Think of what would
happen if you began teaching Indildris Lithuism. Magic would no longer be the
Common-secret but the Common-knowledge, and that could lead to far more
terrible things than Draugws death.
Are you saying Indirs went to Helwen
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No, Indirs came to me.

There was a moment of stone silence. Nemeriel sat in awe.
I remember vividly, Fate did not like it. he smiled grimly to himslf, She thought
I was trying to use the girl to return to life. Fate thought I would take her as a
hostage. How very hypocritical of hernow that I think of it. Ivlisar cocked his
head thoughtfully.
Nemeriel didnt know what he meant but chest suddenly began to churn and
sting.
Of course, you can guess, I taught her how to wield flame, how to work the soil,
how to manipulate the wind and how to drown with water. I taught her everything
I knew, even Necromancy and Lithuism-
How do you know Necromancy? Nemeriel said suddenly, her voice cold and
sharp.
Once a sorcerer always a sorcerer. You see, the thing with magic is one never
stops learning. I was indeed a Sorcerer of the East in my time and I am guessing
that my profession never left me in death. The true meaning of a Sorcerer is a
means of storing all magical achievements in one body and into the next. So,
when Necromancy was invented, I awoke one morning with another element in
my hands.
He reached out his arm and smiled, One for each finger, and his thumb began to
shoot tendrils, his pointing finger emitting gusts of wind, his middle finger raging
with fire, his ring finger like a spring, sending water across the room, and lastly his
pinky, dark and light at the same time.
The shortest finger for the youngest magic. he clenched his fist and the
elements were gone.
What happened next? Nemeriel asked, trembling.
Indirs returned to her daughter, taKing her back into her arms after a year of
training, and began immediately weaving, using her magic of old to weave the
magic she had learned from me into the fabric itself. From what I know, she was
and is the only elf to have ever been in the knowledge of all of the elements. At
the time she did not know the extent of her power, but when she weaved this
cloak, she weaved all of humanities secrets. She weaved a cloak that would be
strong enough to kill Mersuithiel, a cloak strong enough to kill Draugw and a
cloak she thought would be strong enough to kill Morosauv
But why? She loved him, did she not?
For a moment Ivlisar was quiet, until finally he said, You know, love can make
people do terrible and wonderful things; in a way Indirs thought she was giving
Morosauv a second chance. You must remember that death does not end where
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most people think it does. I believe that Indirs was planning on meeting
Morosauv in the after death. Peace and quiet was what she wanted and of
exhaustion and despair that is what she got in the end.

Nemeriels lip was shaKing and her hands too. Her eyes were red and angry, but
in the way she cried was so soundless that she did not seem in any rage at all.
Slowly and continuously, tears cascaded from her face and reached her neck.
Watching her, Ivlisar felt a wave of recognition and pride. This girl had reminded
him so much of what he had forgotten.
In the end Annes was given the cloak. Indirs died before she could explain and
for two generations, this cloak went from the most powerful object to a quiet
servant of those who wore it. Annes, had two daughters and raised them for a
time in Neteliar until she decided to move back to Prospero. The lady you were
traveling with, Kimso I believe, is the descendant of Morosauv. Ivlisar looked up
suddenly, You know there are rumors that say the cloak of Indirs di Andor once
was as colorful as the rainbow, the power stored in it containing all the hues of the
elements. But with time it turned black, however, if worn by one learned in one of
the powers of the elements it will regain its tint perhaps, upon your back it will
be white.
Pulling the cloak from the table he stood and placed it on Nemeriels shoulders. At
her touch the fabric slowly illuminated to a blinding ivory. The white that she
made when practising Lithuism. The white light of the sixth element. The princess
gasped.

I made you wear black so you would not notice the changes in your skin.
As Nemeriel looked down she saw that her arm was glowing.
I did not recognize the cloak at first when you arrived, but with time I realized it
for what it was. However, it was not until you rendered that light ball back to
white that I knew the cloak had already founded its allegiance in you. I thought
perhaps that it was still neutral, but it would be impossible for you to become so
powerful without it.
Nemeriel was still watching her cloak with awe as she listened to him speak. Then
suddenly a burning pain caught her arm and she yelped. Upon looKing down at
the underside of her forearm she saw a mark being scalded into her skin.
Ivlisar she said tremblingly, WhatAh yes, the sign of the Lithuists. He pulled away his sleeve to reveal the same
part of his body. On his skin a tattoo seemed to have been inscribed into his arm.
It was in the shape of an arrow piercing a circle.
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What does this mean. she said finally.

It means you are now a Lithuist. It means this cloak is the key to Indildris victory.
It means this cloak is your newA loud crash shook the castle. Nemeriel screamed and Ivlisar took her hand and
pulled her out of his study. His eyes were blazing but his face seemed calm and
composed. A sudden change leapt into his somber figure; a look of determination.
He no longer looked, old , frail and ancient, but wise, strong and powerful.
Another crash made the entire floor crack and with a bellowing voice Ivlisar
yelled, To the Grounds!
He let go of her hand and began to sprint, leading the way.
The stone around her was crumbling and the only thing she saw was the
blindingness of her cloak and the light that it shed on Ivlisar. She devoted all of
her concentration on following him but soon his quick strides were rending her to
fall behind.
Come back! she shrieked and then as she looked up a pillar fell just beside her.
The shards of the stone caught in her arm and she pulled the cloak over herself.
As the rest of the building crashed upon her she noticed fleetingly the way that
the cloak deflected the pieces of stone.

Run! Ivlisars shadow was franticly beckoning. Finally Nemeriel felt herself
stumble upon his waist and as he pulled her up she was so dazed she fell again.
Dragging her onto the grass Ivlisar stepped into the night. Keep the cloak on.
was all he said as he marched forward towards the light that was dancing,
tauntingly in front of him. Despite the light was white like Nemeriels cloak, it was
of a different shade, of a different aura; more sinister, mysterious and painful to
look at than that of the cape.

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Chapter 18: Fate

Ivlisar. a silky voice called.
Nemeriel looked up blinKingly to find herself one hundred meters away from the
most beautiful face she had ever seen. The features were perfect and the dress as
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long and as brilliant as moonlight. She made the sun look dim, the night look
sullen and all things but Ivlisar cower in fear.
Fate, he answered quietly, his voice echoing, I wouldnt lie in saying its good
to see you.
The woman clicked her tongue as if chastising, ignoring his acknowledgement,
What have I told you Ivlisar about little children that cheat? Thats right. I knew
what you would do, I knew that you would be foolish enough
The King of Kings drew himself higher as he spoke, You are not the only one in
on the game, Fate. She knows, and she will leave untouched.
We shall see. Fate said nastily.
Whilst she is on my grounds she is safe. She will leave untouched. Ivlisar
repeated.
Sometimes I hate that woman who let you live, sometimes I wish I would have
killed the other Fate earlier, she said bitterly, Fine, the girl leaves here
untouched, as for what happens to her later, that is up for fate to decide. the
lady laughed and then lashed out suddenly.
A thin wisp of gray smoke flew from her fingers; Ivlisar caught the magic and blew
it from his fingers, translating its power into one of the elements. A bright fire
danced through the air and caught upon the hem of Fates dress. Sneering, the
lady stepped forward, stamping out the flames.
Tut, tut, dont play with fire, Fate lifted an arm and a flash of black light
exploded in Ivlisars direction. Bending to the floor and ducKing away from the
spell, the King of Kings made the grass upturn. Soil began to engulf Fate, vines
started to tie her to the ground. Fates eyes grew a dangerous look as she
coughed a red liquid that looked awfully like blood. The vines snapped and
deteriorated at the liquids touch. Grinning through bloody lips, Fate stood and
advanced on Ivlisar. She kicked him in the chest and threw a blue bolt at his head.
Rolling aside Ivlisar caught a gust of wind in his hand and blew the lightning aside.
He tried to stand but Fate pushed him down again.

Take the cloak! Nemeriel said suddenly, but her voice was too hoarse to be
heard, Take the cloak! she said louder, she began pulling the fabric from her
shoulders but Ivlisar sent a gust of wind at her that threw her back to the floor and
rearranged the material so that it rested once more upon her back, as it had
before.
A blast of black came from Fates fingers again and this time snagged on Ivlisars
leg. Crying out in agony he threw a wave of water at her face which swallowed her
and made her splutter and cry out.
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He then pulled on her long, long hair, dragging her to her knees.
She screeched as he clapped twice. A small storm fell from the sky and tormented
her, its purple clouds shaKing with rain and lightning. Though Ivlisar finally had
the upper hand his knee was limp and his breaths ragged, like that of an old
mans.
Nemeriel watched in disgust as the lady coughed and gasped for air.
Stop it! something about this wasnt right, Its killing her!
Ivlisar looked back at her and in that moment of his inattention Fate escaped the
storm and threw a white gash across his chest. The King of Kings smiled sadly and
then dropped to the floor.
Grinning and panting Fate brushed herself off and swiveled into nothingness, the
black envelopes of the sky taKing her away.
Nemeriel felt the world stop spinning.
Master? she said softly, but she knew it was no good.
Crawling on all fours to his side she found him breathing raggedly.
She coughed in relief, Ivlisar, Im so sorry...IHe hushed her and reached out for her forehead.
Do not be sorry. It is I who should he wheezed, You know what this means
dont you?
Yes, yes, it means youre going to be alright, it means youre alive, I just have to
get you to-to Kimso orI cannot leave the sky unless invited Nemeriel, he rattled a sigh and then turned
his head, This means, he continued softly, That you-you must become more
than Nemeriel now...do you understand?
No. Nemeriel groaned through her sobs, No, I dont and I dont care. she
almost wasnt listening anymore.
You must become the last...the Last Lithuist. You must finisheverything I
started. Last LithuistQueen of Queens. Promise me he took a shuddering
breath and pressed his thumb to her forehead. The castle around her began to
melt before her eyes as she felt something pull at her stomach. Just as she felt the
world being swept from beneath her she saw the King of Kings die in mid-blink.
Still, quiet. He looked like he was sleeping.
Ivlisar! she screamed and in the blink of an eye she was back. Back in Helwens
Keep.
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