Euphoria Read online

  The group waited while Gantha quickly took his seat.

  “It has been many seasons since we last convened. Harvests have been good, and peace is in the air. But unsettling news has just come to me from the Spoken One, which must be passed on.”

  Gantha glanced about, taking in the reaction of the others. He was the newest to the council and was not sure what to think. The Spoken One foretold the future happenings for elves. For most of a prophet’s life, they would not receive a vision that merited a meeting of the council. In five hundred years, there had not been one mention of the Spoken One to the best of Gantha’s knowledge.

  A bell rang, and a side door opened. A young elf boy entered, preceded by two elf guards. The boy bore various symbols and pictures tattooed into his shaven head and skin. An intricate, black rune pattern covered most of the left side. One banding blue-to-black line crossed his right eye and swirled to a stop on his cheek. He wore a simple short-sleeve tunic, revealing his arms. A jaguar cat flexed with his right biceps, while the image of an elfin woman danced on his left.

  The Spoken One looked to be about ten, but Gantha knew the boy’s age to be at least a hundred. Many prophets retained the physical form of their youth as they aged. The prophet stood with confidence, hands at his side, eyes staring off into the distance.

  Outhsola bowed, followed by the rest of the council. “Please, if you would, reveal the vision that came to you days ago.”

  All eyes turned to the boy, who closed his eyes and placed his fingertips upon his head. An air of power surged about him. Minutes of silence passed, but no one took their eyes from the Spoken One.

  In the mist I see fire, flames never foretold.

  They spread as quickly as sickness and devour all.

  At the center, a human princess, a queen become.

  Two but one, meshed in crystal and core.

  Devastation, war floats on the horizon, led by a darker evil, than purest gold.

  Warlock of races, and sister of dawn.

  Salvation but a human girl.

  The voice echoed in the small council room. It rang with a sinister and ominous tone. Gantha caught only bits and pieces. Prophecies were like orcish poetry, terrifying and confusing. Human girl? The elves had nothing to do with the human clan in millennia. What would occur to break the balance?

  Outhsola bowed to the boy, who appeared weakened from the foretelling. His personal guard assisted him out of the room. Once the prophet was gone, the room became nervous with silence. No one looked like they wanted to talk.

  Gantha decided to be brave and speak first. “Humans?”

  “Didn’t we seal peace with them long ago?” Lachad, a council member of the Wuiltrea Tribe, directed at the leader.

  “Fire and war? What is this nonsense?” Barth erupted. With the silence broken, all council members began to talk at once. This continued but a brief time before suddenly the whole room vibrated with an ommmm sound. Outhsola called the meeting to order with a harmony chant.

  “Brothers and sister, I know the prophecy is upsetting, but we need to maintain order. How can harmony come out of this chaos?” His eyes penetrated into each and every member as they composed themselves.

  “Master Outhsola, what is our first course of action?” Da’Lynn asked.

  The master bowed his head. “After reviewing the words, ‘warlock of races’ kept coming forward. Near Aladedas there is rumored a wizard, a human wizard, but nonetheless a magical warlock. He plies his trade to all of the races that visit the market. Could this be the warlock of races?”

  “Ha, a simple pirate of conjuring is the key to this prophecy? Balderdash.” Barth’s scorn and sarcasm came through thickly. Lachad nodded in agreement, while Da’Lynn watched the master for a reaction, which never came.

  “Feelings and emotions are a hindrance at this point, Barth. I know you dislike the human race, especially after what happened. But I did not bring this foretelling to you lightly. I think this human wizard may play a role in the events to come,” Outhsola said gently, yet firmly.

  Barth’s nose crinkled, and his lip rose in a sneer. Gantha looked on, wondering about the dislike of humans. He really had no prejudice against them; actually really never met one. They were a short-lived race who kept themselves apart from the rest.

  “Gantha, you are charged to make contact with this wizard, to find out what he knows. His information may shed light upon more of the puzzle before us.”

  What! Gantha almost fell out of his seat. I’m being sent as an emissary? He waited for an objection, but no one raised one. He was about to object himself, but Da’Lynn spoke up.

  “I would like to send one of my tribe along to accompany Gantha. One that has some experience in Aladedas.” Da’Lynn represented the Opa’Chi Tribe, also known as the Night Ones—the dark elves.

  Outhsola nodded and concluded the meeting with parting words. Gantha didn’t hear any of them as he realized he would be meeting a human for the first time.

  ***

  Hazel made some soup as Taylon sat with Euphoria. The queen sat woozily and apologized profusely for inconveniencing the medicine woman. Hazel waved away the words.

  “We all need a little tending to now and then.”

  As she busied herself over the pot, the captain and queen discussed what he learned about the box. Hazel noted the fear that crept into her eyes.

  “This should warm you up and bring some color back to your cheeks.” Hazel presented a bowl to Euphoria. The queen nodded, taking the dish.

  One spoonful soon became more, and the soup disappeared. Hazel smiled, her yellowed, crooked teeth peeking out from her wrinkled lips. She found herself a seat before joining in on the conversation.

  “I know there is more to all of this than you are telling me.” She studied their reaction for the confirmation she needed. “No use denying it. I can read people very well. I can tell what they are hiding from me.”

  Taylon and Euphoria glanced at each other before the captain stood. “It is time we went. I thank you for your hospitality….”

  “You ain’t understanding what I am meaning.” She placed a hand on his arm to stop him from retreating. “I know magic, understand it at least. And I know you two have a problem, or an issue. I could help you with your concerns.”

  “You have done enough, ma’am. We truly must be going.” Taylon took Euphoria by the hand and escorted her to the door. Hazel followed quickly.

  “But I can be of help. Please, this is as exciting as times get here in Smead.” She pleaded now, her one chance for escape slipping through her fingers.

  “Thank you for your help,” Euphoria said, shaking her hand. Hazel eventually returned the handshake; she knew the queen wouldn’t spill her secrets.

  Taylon pushed through the door and headed for the horses. He stuttered midstep, before racing over to the mounts. The captain retrieved something from the ground, and then frantically began searching his saddle bags.

  Euphoria made it to the animals. She met his panicked gaze. “It’s gone!”

  Hazel came forward, catching the phrase. “What happened?”

  His hands quickly went behind his back.

  Taylon hesitated. “Something is missing from my….”

  “Fret!” The angry cry burst out of Hazel as if someone branded her on the spot.

  Euphoria looked startled, and Taylon came around to the medicine woman. “Who?”

  “Fret, the town’s menace. If anyone stole in this place, Fret would be the most likely candidate. He has been a thorn in my side for a long time.” Hazel scowled now, her brow folding into even more wrinkles.

  “Where can we find him? We need to get that bag back.” Euphoria began to panic as well.

  “If it’s money, consider it forever lost.”

  “No, not money. Something…else,” Taylon answered.

  “Jewels?” Hazel watched the two, curious what would upset the queen this much.

  “It doesn’t matter. Where can we find thi
s Fret?” Taylon’s stern, commanding voice halted her inquiring mind. Hazel knew not to question anymore.

  “I can take you to his house. Maybe his father—”

  “Just tell us, and we can—”

  “No. I will take you. Come, follow me.” It was Hazel’s turn to be stern. The captain tried to stare her down but eventually relented.

  “Okay.” And he quickly tucked whatever he had been hiding away in his satchel.

  Hazel grabbed a gnarled walking stick from the doorframe and started off. Taylon and Euphoria watched, and then quickly followed behind.

  Chapter Five

  I’m going to kill this weakling! Katrena did her best to reel in her anger and frustration, but as the journey wore on, she wondered if keeping the human alive was such a good idea.

  “Can’t we stop?”

  “No!” Her answer came out sharp. She gave a tug on the rope that leashed her slave. Even after the entire vicious-elf display, the woman wouldn’t stop whining.

  Better to have three hands than one, Katrena reminded herself. Yes, but the hands aren’t driving me insane. It’s her voice. She wiped at her brow, hoping the wall would be in sight soon. A dull ache throbbed through her stump. The dark elf hated the fact that her ability was limited.

  Along their trail they blazed; several other homesteads appeared in the distance, but Katrena shied away from them, already having the burden of a human and physical impairment. She hoped she could make a clean break from the human land back into the Territories. The wall would be her only obstacle left. Hopefully, it was unguarded today.

  “Can we stop? My feet hurt.” The piercing whine came again. Katrena whipped around. The human flinched back, arms coming up to protect her face. At least she is a skittish slave.

  “What is your name?”

  It took a moment but the miserable human stuttered it out. “Chele.”

  Stupid name. “Well, Chele, do you realize the predicament you are in right now?”

  Chele stared blankly.

  “I am your master. I make the decisions around here. Not you.” Katrena looked ahead and pointed. “We need to get over that rise there.”

  “But isn’t that the wall?”

  Katrena stared at Chele and pressed her lips into a thin line. “Yes, and your question is?”

  Panic slowly crept across the poor girl’s face like a shadow past a lantern as she put the pieces together. “You’re taking me to the…the Territories?”

  “That obvious, was it?”

  “But humans can’t…aren’t allowed…” The woman couldn’t complete her thought as words sputtered out of her.

  “Stupid human.” Katrena sighed and started walking again. She yanked Chele along like a frightened puppy.

  As she crested the hill, the wall stood before her. The long barrier of stone stretched between the two lands, keeping the humans safe from all the undesirable races. The secret door, Katrena’s access, lay to the east—maybe another mile.

  Chele stopped, staring at the wall.

  The door would be Katrena’s easiest route through the wall, but there were times she took the guard stairs and rappelled down the other side. With a human slave and missing a hand, climbing would be dangerous and complicated.

  Night would be coming in about three hours. They needed to get on the move. Lire wolves prowled the Territories at night, especially around the Gulch. With a quick step, Katrena figured she would be home with an hour to spare before the pack started to hunt. That was, if Chele would pick up the pace.

  “Halt!”

  The guards were on duty today. Great.

  ***

  It had taken Gantha most of the day to get started, and he would not make it to Aladedas tonight. Night began to fall around him and his steed. The woods twitched, and he jerked at every sound. There had to be a tavern or an inn soon. Too much went on at night for the skillset of a simple councilman. Gantha nervously sighed as he pushed his horse onward.

  Why? He never got a chance to ask Master Outhsola. Da’Lynn had been the only one to consult with him after the meeting, yet that was only to tell of her contact near the market.

  “I’ll send word to her that you are coming.”

  “Her?”

  “Do you have a problem with a female?” Her tone was light but edgy. Many in the elf race had prejudices against women. But prejudices against the Opi’Chi were even more rampant. Which, of course, were unfounded biases. The dark elves proved invaluable in previous conflicts, and many possessed other talents. Like all races, the Opi’Chi had their own batch of riffraff that spawned such rumors.

  “No, I was…I don’t know what I was expecting. It is all too new. A little frightening.”

  Da’Lynn laughed. “Oh, Gantha. It will be okay. This is a simple mission—important, but simple. May the spirits guide you on your journey.” She gave him the typical elfin blessing for those who would be traveling.

  He smiled as he remembered her laugh, how her hand lightly brushed his shoulder. Gantha did admit to having a crush on Da’Lynn, but that was all it was. She joined with another and had several children. Plus she was almost twice his age.

  Farther ahead, through the gloomy mists starting to rise in the ever-fading light, he saw the warm glow of lanterns. An inn? Gantha kicked his mount forward, his long day hopefully almost over.

  Out of nowhere, another rider cut in front of him. Gantha’s horse reared back, letting loose a fierce yet frightened whinny. Behind him, another came across the path, making retreat not an option. By the time the third rider had shown up, the elf’s heart was racing.

  Bandits!

  The third rider lit a torch, igniting the night. Faces came into focus, dark elven faces. Gantha recognized the one with the torch.

  “Kerlick!”

  “Look, boys, we have caught ourselves a council member.” Throaty laughter erupted from all around him. Gantha cowered, frightened. His training in the physical arts of combat was somewhat lacking.

  Kerlick came alongside. With cold, piercing eyes freezing a half-tattooed face in a menacing grimace, and his hair in tight, long braids, the man was the definition of evil. Gantha could feel the heat from the torch; it warmed his outer shell, while his insides quaked.

  “All alone, with no friends? Such a pity.” The words were deep and powerful. Each sent a ripple of fear through Gantha.

  Suddenly, the front horse let out a pained whinny. It toppled, throwing its rider to the ground. All eyes went forward until the back horseman let out a partial cry. A crossbow bolt protruded from the bandit’s neck. He slumped forward, and his horse ran off into the night.

  Gantha watched as Kerlick drew forth a short blade, readying himself for an attack. None came. Into the torchlight came a dwarven face.

  “I suggest ye move along, Kerlick!”

  Kerlick laughed upon seeing his assailant.

  “Oh, little man. Such mighty words for a small fellow.”

  The dwarf stood his ground. Kerlick nudged his horse closer.

  “This is my bounty here. So run off to your little cave before you get hurt.” Again, he spoke with a hint of laughter. Gantha trembled, not sure what to do. Kerlick’s sword arm tensed for an attack.

  “Mr. Dwarf, I thank you for your help but—”

  “Shut up, Elf Boy. Now you.” The dwarf pointed to Kerlick. “Go ride off on yer little pony before I have to hurt ye.”

  “Ah, I just love dwarves. Mainly because they catch fire easily.” Kerlick threw the blazing torch down upon the dwarf. The little man screamed.

  Gantha watched as Kerlick drew back his weapon. The small figure rolled frantically on the ground, trying to douse the flames. Up went the sword, poised over the flaming dwarf.

  And then an arrow caught the upper part of Kerlick’s arm.

  “Ahh!” The sword dropped to the ground. He pulled his wounded arm in. Glancing around, he rapidly spurred his horse and vanished into the night.

  A horse pulled up next to Gantha. “Qu
ickly, he could have friends close by. The tavern is only a few minutes away,” a female voice commanded. The mysterious rider slung a bow over her back. She looked down to the dwarf who was getting to his feet again. “Are you okay?”

  “Just me beard that caught.” The little man shook himself off.

  The woman started to ride off.

  “Hey, lass, and where’s a ride for me?” the dwarf cried out.

  She slowed her horse. “If you hadn’t killed this horse”—she looked down at the fallen rider’s horse— “that would have been your ride.” And she started off.

  Gantha stared in shock, still surprised by everything. After checking over his body and finding himself unharmed, he nudged his horse forward, stopping by the dwarf. Both dwarf and elf stared at each other.

  “If it’s a ride ye offering, I don’t do a back flip and jump on the horse. Ye gonna have to help me up.” The dwarf spit at the ground after he spoke.

  It took a moment for the words to sink in. Gantha dismounted and lent a helping hand to the dwarf. Once both were astride the horse, they took off after the woman.

  Gantha hoped this was not an inkling of how the rest of his trip would be.

  ***

  Fret trembled with fright and the cold that swept through the night. The temperature had dropped to a slight chill, nothing to fear for those who were indoors. But Fret was not one of those so fortunate. He was on the run with a piece of glass. It sounded silly, as the thought ran through his mind now, but that was exactly the predicament he found himself in.

  After retreating from the old lady’s remains, he went home. His father was busy in his shed, and Fret did not want to disturb him. Carefully Fret crept inside, grabbed some provisions, and made off with his father’s horse, Heel.

  Then he rode out of Smead. He felt free, uplifted as the last of the town disappeared on the horizon, but that feeling quickly faded as night began to settle down. Little by little, the temperature dropped and it became darker. The feeling of power and independence slowly changed to a feeling of fear and loneliness.