“What happened?” snapped the king in worried tones.
“It looks as though the dark elves had happened across our magical communication relay and Xuzien, the ever cautious, severed the linked before a trace could be started” Khalida said thoughtfully. She momentarily appeared lost in thought.
“I know where to go…are the elven warriors and mages ready? How about the travel supplies? Where do I meet them?” asked Aiden in rapid fire succession. He understood better now how difficult this venture had become with the involvement of those cursed elves.
“They are waiting for you at the north gate for immediate departure. All things are ready, all that is needed is for you to join them” the king stated directly. He really appreciated Aiden’s direct approach…so refreshing and different from the elven way.
“I think it is best you depart now…the king and I have other matters to discuss that you do not need to be bothered with. Good luck to you and the team. I know that having you and Xuzien managing this most serious matter that we have given ourselves the best chance of keeping the orb away from Kana.” She nodded to Aiden to leave and he departed without another word.
“What do we need to do about the dark elves? Are they coming here?” asked the elven king. He had been preoccupied with the news of the dark elves and their immediate proximity.
“I wish I had better answers for you. I know that Adair is doing what he can to discover their next move. We are relatively sure that they will not rush into another conflict after their campaign against the giants. One thing that you should know is that the dark elves’ curse has been removed by Kana. This makes them so deadly that taking them head on with fewer numbers is not advisable. We are still working on a strategy…” Khalida said with a hint of unease. It was clear that the dark elves were not originally part of this conflict and that Kana had recruited them. The question was the cost of their involvement. What were they promised?
“This is something that we need to figure out and we need to do it soon” King Ciel replied meaningfully. He had still not regained all of his confidence back after the events over the past year.
“The guardian will be joining us later today to discuss this situation. You and your people are directly in the path of this formidable army and we need to be sure we can defend against them, delay them, and do whatever else we can to keep them at bay long enough so a sufficient force can be garnered to deal with them.”
“Until then I would appreciate your insights and recommendations on our defenses. I have done everything that I could think of; however, I know that my analytical mind is sometimes creatively limited and that you can surely see some options that I have over looked.” The king knew how to win over a person, even someone as powerful as an elder guardian. He was being completely forthright with her…he knew that he needed her creativity. Elves were not the most creative people and it was more important to admit that than to arrogantly think that they were something they were not at the cost of lives. Too many have died already…I must make Kishi and Kira proud to call me their father. I want my reunion with them in Ehlidel to be joyous.
Rage
King Edric sat in his chambers turned prison brooding over his current predicament. He could not believe that his own general had unseated him. He knew he was right…why did no one else see it. This was merely the affairs of people outside the realm of his concern. He was doing what was best for his kingdom which was his first priority and responsibility as their monarch. Once he was able to win over the guards he would take back his throne from that treacherous villain Chad. He would hang the traitor outside his balcony for all to see. Then everyone would know what happens to those who question his authority and leadership. He had to make an example.
“I doubt very much that you will succeed” interrupted a voice that was clearly full of rage. The king looked around for the source of voice and the person who had so rudely interrupted his thoughts.
“Who is there? Show yourself!” demanded King Edric loudly. He expected the guards to come in or to say something…they did not. Silence met his outburst.
The room darkened even though it was bright outside. The room began to fill with a mist that had a silver hue to it. The king’s hearing strained and everything started to sound muffled. He immediately clutched his heart as though his heart was failing him. He thought that he was being killed by some unseen force. Maybe this was the doing of that traitor Chad…he had sold the kingdom to those cursed elementals.
“Enough!” boomed a dark voice from somewhere in the mist. The voice was muffled, however it was still clear enough to be heard and it was most certainly felt.
“Who the hell is there? I say…” the king stuttered quietly and then was unable to finish speaking. Something had truly silenced him. His mouth hung opening uselessly as he struggled to speak.
“Your right to speak in my presence is forfeit. You do not command me and you no longer command the dwarves of Ennis. You are not worthy enough for me to reveal myself. You will remain silent from this time forward until you recognize your error in judgment. The question of your right to the throne is up to the people and I will not intercede” said the guardian in his magically altered voice. Each word caused Edric physical pain.
The king tried to retort and found that his voice had truly been silenced. He started to panic and tried to rise from his desk. He was unable to move or to do anything…he was truly trapped. Why me? What did I do?
“You put yourself first before all else. You were afraid and you let that fear guide your decisions. Death surrounds you and is now heading your way and you would have sat by and done nothing! In all my years I have never known a more inept and useless leader. You have truly fallen and shown that you were only tolerable as a maintenance monarch at best. You have no real leadership and I think that you need to realize what you have done!” blasted Adair loudly. The floor shook and an unseen force started to squeeze the dwarven monarch.
The king recoiled as though he was just punched and then sat upon. He was thrown on the bed and he lay looking up at the ceiling. It was as though he was now bound by invisible chains. You have no right to torture me like this! I am the rightful ruler of Ennis! You have no authority here! I demand that you release me at once! Edric remained defiant in the face of forces well outside his control or comprehension. He glared at the ceiling since he could not actually look anywhere else.
“Your rights to the throne were suspended by your own people and in keeping with your own laws and traditions. I do not care one bit what you think I can or cannot do…I will not let you harm your own people. I also will not allow you to interfere until this conflict has past. You can either stay here for the duration or I can move you elsewhere…your choice!” The chill in the guardian’s voice was deadly. It was clear he did not intend to tolerate much from the deposed monarch.
It is clear that I have no choice here. You will not even let me help you see the error…Silence. Now the king was unable to communicate telepathically.
“I am done here…I am moving you to the east where you will remain until these difficult times have passed. You are clearly not able to think outside yourself, so away with you!” With a loud crack the king disappeared.