Taylon Read online

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

  Warlock of races, and sister of dawn.

  Salvation but a ring, lost upon the shores.”

  “There comes a blackness of fetid rain led by two.

  One is of three and the other is one.

  Mighty is the ring that holds the spirit. Mighty in that it brings war and perhaps salvation. In three cycles of the moon, doom shall reign.

  On the first, birth. On the second, resurrection. On the third, death.”

  Ynob shook his head and glanced around the room. They all had a stunned expression. “I figured using my memory was quicker than watching elf boy fumble around for his piece of paper.”

  “Is the ring mentioned? That ring?” Fret asked, finally adding something to the conversation.

  The wizard looked like he would say no, but then stopped himself. He looked at the ring again. “Umm…I hadn’t thought about that.” His voice sounded unusually perplexed. “But that’s not my point. Crystal and core. That could be the link to the dark elf’s entire power.”

  “Just like when Kara took the necklace to shatter the mirror. So we need something crystal to shatter the midnight core piece,” Snow said excitedly.

  Ynob let her have the moment before he squashed it. “Not entirely correct. We also need a vessel to contain the wraith spirit. To suck it up while its magic is broken. We may need to go see this human queen since she has the necklace. It may be the key to stopping this wraith.”

  Silence pervaded as they all looked at the wizard. Gantha was in thought, taking all of it in. Fret wasn’t sure how to feel: ashamed, guilty, or happy to be free. Snow, on the other hand, was taking a long look at the wizard. He caught her eyes and asked, “What?”

  “One minute you are ready to run, flee, and leave everything behind, and the next you are gathering a plan to save possibly the whole realm. It’s just funny.” She smirked and winked.

  Ynob fought down a smile and regained his snobbish attitude. “We wizards are fickle beings. Never underestimate us.”

  Chapter Seven

  Reggie led them true, straight to Hambone. Kara followed anxiously, but lost all sense of apprehension when she realized they had been lead to the hidden bungalow. Quickly she knocked upon the door. Frantic sounds were heard from inside as someone stumbled over things. Kara listened, not sure if she should just burst in. It sounded as if she had caught someone by surprise…maybe a robber.

  Eventually the door opened. Hambone appeared, shocked and wide-eyed. He blinked a moment and his eyes widened in surprise all over again. The Dwarc’s big arms encased Kara and lifted her off her feet.

  “Kara!”

  “Hamb--” But the last was squeezed out of her as he twirled on the spot. Jesset watched from a far.

  Once the reunion hug released and Kara was on her feet again, Jesset waved to Hambone.

  “How did you find me?” The Dwarc asked. Reggie cawed from a tree.

  “We found this crow, and Jesset helped negotiate a trade with it,” Kara said, looking up at the bird.

  Hambone squinted at the crow. “And what does this guy want?”

  How you hurt an ol’ friend like that…assuming I want something? I’d never wrong you like that. Reggie squawked outraged.

  “He wanted a pie. One made by Ra’na,” Jesset stated, matter of fact.

  Suddenly somebody appeared behind Hambone. A dark elf… Kara took a step back startled. No! What is she doing here?

  “Everyone seems to want a piece of the pie. Don’t worry, Reggie, I’ll make you some pie.” Ra’na came from behind Hambone and made a sign to the crow. It gave a loud cry and flew off. It wasn’t until Ra’na looked down that she noticed Kara looked scared stiff.

  Hambone came forward. “No, no! This isn’t Katrena. This is Ra’na.” The Dwarc grasped her shoulder and tried to comfort her. Kara drew her hand away from her dagger.

  “I-I know. She startled me. That’s all,” Kara said shaking her head. Ra’na stood still, looking the human over. It looked as if the elf didn’t believe Kara was fully convinced that she was not her sister.

  “Kara, I don’t know what my sister did to you, but we are complete opposites. I only call her sister because we are of the same birth.”

  The girl nodded and then turned to Hambone. “I think there’s trouble with Euphoria.”

  “Things have been odd around here. The elf council had two prophecies made. We think Ynob was mentioned and maybe your queen.” Hambone’s tone was uncharacteristic of him, very glum and dower.

  “But Ynob’s sick or sleeping….”

  “No, one of his own magic spells triggered him out of it. He’s back to his old rotten self again.” The Dwarc winked, making Kara smile. “They went off to address the council,” Hambone continued.

  A disturbance farther off in the forest caused them all to look, but it was nothing they could see.

  “Why are we all standing around? Come in,” Ra’na said after a moment. Jesset and Kara gladly came inside.

  After Ra’na fixed them some wonderful dryad tea, they all sat in Hambone’s main room. Kara asked about Snow, and made other simple conversation, but talk drifted back to Euphoria.

  “You say the queen is acting strange.” It seemed like Ra’na didn’t know much regarding Euphoria’s background. Hambone evidently hadn’t told her anything about the incident almost a year ago. Kara really didn’t feel like getting into the whole story, but gave a short rundown on the necklace and Euphoria.

  “And her army blew a section of the wall away just a couple days ago,” Jesset added.

  “But why? Humans never liked anything to do with the other races. Dante and I would sometimes go up and taunt the guards on duty. Kara was the first human I really came into contact with,” Hambone stated.

  CAW!

  Reggie appeared at one of Hambone’s secret windows. His cry startled everyone.

  Soldiers near!

  Jesset translated, Kara instantly stood. Reggie flew off, but they heard voices shortly afterward. The crow cried out once more.

  Hambone stood, brought a finger to his lips. Everyone else in the house froze, ears alert. The voices came closer. They were very human sounding.

  ***

  Taylon’s scouting party came back empty-handed from Willow Haven. They reported the Mordock’s house was empty, but were able to track their quarry. The trail ended at the wall, which on further investigation revealed a secret door. A few in the party went through to the Territory side to see if they could track the humans. The rest reported back to him.

  This news helped brighten his mood a bit, but other parties had returned with varied stories. One raiding troop had demolished several houses and killed any creature they had come across. Blood lust was evident in this group of men, as one wore the fresh skull of what looked to be a gnoll on his head.

  Another party came back with three men. It originally consisted of ten. The story goes that they took a mass of ogres by surprise. Monsters ripped off arms and used them to club soldiers, while others simply grabbed the warriors and ripped them in half. Taylon knew most of the tales were embellished lies, but they still had lost seven good soldiers.

  He told his men to be back before nightfall. The wolves that plagued them the night before might return, and he didn’t want to risk his men to foolish behavior.

  Euphoria stayed in her carriage, safely behind the army buffer. Taylon was at least thankful for that. Out of sight, out of my mind.

  “Sir!” A man ran up from behind. The captain turned and saw it was another from a returning party.

  “Yes, lieutenant, what is it?”

  “We captured one of them.”

  This took him by surprise. “Um…good work. Where is…the prisoner?” But as he spoke, two other soldiers led a little figure in chains. It was a gnome, if he remembered his Territory research correctly. The creature resembled that of an old human man, yet very much shorter. His white bushy b
rows and long white beard gave this creature a cheery look. He also was dressed fairly nice, as if he were late for a ball.

  “We didn’t see the use in slaughtering this one. I thought it might be useful in guiding us to the major points of interest.” The soldier seemed very pleased with himself.

  Taylon looked down at the poor creature. The chains were almost too big to contain it.

  “Again, well done. I will take the creature from you for questioning.” The captain quickly dismissed the soldiers, who left with a whoop of delight. Taylon bent on his knee. The gnome did not try to escape. After a moment, it looked Taylon in the eye.

  “So ya got me. What now?”

  Taken aback for a moment, he pondered the loud voice that came from that small body.

  “Name.”

  “Well aye haven’t had yours yet, so why should aye give mine?” The gnome crossed its small arms and cocked its head.

  “Captain Taylon.” Negotiating with prisoners wasn’t something he regularly had to do, but he needed information quick.

  “Mighty nice to give me your name. Vulpin Ganginderslight, but my friends call me Van. You can call me Mr. Ganginderslight.”

  The captain looked at the gnome. A lot of attitude coming from a small man. Most prisoners he interrogated never talked this way. Well, they hadn’t talked that way for long.

  “I see. So, Mr. Ganginderslight, what brings you out into the forest?” Taylon thought it would be fun to play coy with the little man.

  The gnome gave a little half chuckle before speaking. “Aye was just out walking when yer goons picked me up. Plucked me like aye was some sort of flower.”

  He could sense it was a lie, but he really didn’t have any proof the little man was anything other than just another of his race.

  “Give me more than that. I doubt you were just walking along and my loud soldiers stumbled upon you. Maybe I should bring them back to help interrogate you?” Taylon feigned rising from his crouched position.

  “Wait!” The urgency in the gnome’s voice cried out guiltily.

  “I think you had your time to speak. I’ll tell them that you can’t be much help to me.” Taylon stood, seeing the panic in the little guy’s face. “They can probably use you in a game of Krawl. You’re about the size of the standard ball used.”

  “Stop! Aye can be of help! Aye can tell you where the human is!”

  Taylon couldn’t repress the look of surprise on his face, but recovered quickly. “Go on.”

  “We didn’t mean any harm to the boy….”

  “Boy?”

  “Umm, yes?” Van didn’t know what to say.

  Silence passed as Taylon stood impassively, arms crossed, thinking. A human boy? How many other humans were in the Territories?

  Someone brushed by Taylon quickly and stooped to seize the little man. Euphoria turned on her charm and sucked the magic and life out of him.

  “No!” Taylon cried out, but dared not bat her away. She was done in a matter of minutes. Chains fell to the ground, dragging the clothing behind.

  Euphoria stood, and then slowly turned to face the captain, her face unreadable. Not much of a snack, but magic nonetheless. A smile broke on her face—a sinister leer that made the captain’s heart ice over.

  “He was…going to give valuable information. Maybe even map out the Territories.” He had to take a moment to shake off the cold feeling.

  The queen leaned toward him. He wanted to step back, even run, but he steeled himself. Her lips came close to his ear. “I know who you are looking for. Good luck.” Her whisper was sharp in his ear, yet was not the terrible wraith voice.

  Euphoria stepped back, took one look at Taylon, and turned gracefully to stroll away. Taylon watched her go, sickened and a little afraid.

  Chapter Eight

  The elfin army was beginning to gather in Shalaydis. While the force was small so far, word flew by crow to the other tribes, and slowly warriors arrived. News about the human incursion had been varied and sparse. Rumors soared, and the stories grew about the attacks. They only incensed the elves even more.

  Da’Lynn busily worked on her battle plans, with Katrena by her side. Kerlick sent word he was rallying his own band of rebels. Da’Lynn amazed at how easily the elves fell in behind their new leader.

  Katrena, who still wasn’t herself since the overthrow of the council, barely said much of anything. She showed no emotion, yet her eyes told a different story. Da’Lynn did not have the time to investigate further. She was an acceptable slave at the moment. No need to waste any more control power.

  “Mistress Da’Lynn?” A young elf scout entered the hall out of breath.

  Her smile was deliciously seductive, yet powerfully cruel. “Yes.” The word made the young elf forget his message for a moment.

  “Um…there is a band of rebels at the gate. They are requesting permission.”

  “Sound the alarm! Take a few soldiers…” Jaloik, her battle commander, quickly sputtered out. Da’Lynn waved her hand at him.

  The scout paused, not sure what to do and waited for the councilwoman to speak.

  “I have called for the rebels to fight with us. Allow them into the city.” She waved again but the scout remained.

  Jaloik turned toward her, confusion and a bit of anger on his face. “Mistress, these are rebels! Outcasts! They will destroy the city if left unchecked.” Other officers stopped to watch the confrontation.

  Slowly, Da’Lynn turned to fully face the commander. Her smile disappeared, but the cruelness remained. She closed her eyes, and then opened them again.

  “You can easily be replaced Jaloik. And I do mean easily.” Da’Lynn took a moment to stare at the quivering elf. A haughty and proud man, reduced to jelly by a simple woman. Such power.

  Da’Lynn turned back to the scout. Fear registered on his face, as his eyes went back and forth between the mistress and the commander.

  “Go!” The harsh word sent the scout away.

  Jaloik crept out of the hall, still visibly shaken. Da’Lynn watched him leave and smiled. They would learn she had a method to her madness. The chaos she would spread once the Palace of Nine was open to her would be untold insanity.

  Katrena came from the wall and approached her mother. She stood by her side, not speaking. Her left hand cradled her right arm; the missing hand plainly visible.

  “Your mate comes.”

  “Why do you torment me so?” Katrena cried out.

  “Because that is what I do. It is all in jest.” Da’Lynn turned toward her daughter. She looked down at the missing appendage. “Have you gone to the blacksmith? He could fit that with a nice blade or other weapon.”

  Katrena met her mother’s eyes, showing no emotion. “With all that magic you have, surely you can regenerate it for me.” Her words dipped with sarcasm, but otherwise held no emotion. Katrena didn’t wait for a reply and began walking away.

  Da’Lynn clamped down on Katrena’s shoulder and spun her quickly. You dare mock me, elf? She appeared too numb to be frightened.

  Quickly the ugliness of anger vanished and Da’Lynn released Katrena. Both stood staring at each other. Katrena left without a word.

  Da’Lynn took a moment to compose herself. Soon she would have to decide what to do about Katrena. Something was different about her, but Da’Lynn could not deal with it now—no matter how irritating it was getting. She turned to meet the rebels.

  Outside, Shalaydis looked to be in ordered confusion. Soldiers trained in small groups as blacksmiths worked overtime, smoke rising from their pyres. Elf merchants sold their wares in makeshift stalls, set up wherever they found room.

  Farther down the road that led to the main gate, the sea of people parted as the rebels rode forward. Their presence calmed the activity, wide eyes staring at the criminals that strolled through town.

  Da’Lynn watched the ragtag group, questioning if this was a crucial part of the plan. It would indeed spread chaos, especially when the army turned against the
criminals but she did need some genuine order if she was going to obtain the magic from the Palace of Nine.

  Kerlick directed his men to the center of town, right in front of the hall. Some of his thugs cowered in their saddles, while others sneered at the surprised citizens. Soldiers came forward to watch. Many of them looked toward their mistress, waiting for the word to attack. It did not come.

  Eventually, all eyes came upon Da’Lynn. “We welcome our brothers back into the fold. I know some may not agree with this decision, but it is a time of war. We do not need to underestimate our opponent.” She stepped down off the steps.

  A few of the bandits scoffed. Kerlick dismounted.

  “They will fight alongside us as comrades. Previous wrongs or misdeeds should be put aside for now.”

  One rebel, not really caring about the speech, decided to nudge his horse over to a fruit cart. He reached out quickly and snagged an apple.

  Hardly anyone—including the man—saw the blade fly through the air, but all saw the effect. As the outlaw went to take a bite of the fruit, the dagger pierced the hand and apple.

  AAAHHH!

  The cry echoed through the forest. He flung his injured hand away and quickly lost his balance in the saddle.

  Da’Lynn composed herself after the throw. All eyes came back to her.

  “We accept you as brothers, but your old ways will not be tolerated. Let that be a lesson to those that think this will be a free ride.”

  Kerlick looked back at his fallen rider. Some of the other elves dismounted to help him. Before turning back to the mistress, he scanned the crowd, looking at the faces of the soldiers.

  He approached Da’Lynn and extended a hand. They shook, mainly for the crowd’s sake.

  “I have a job for you and your men,” she whispered and then escorted him into the hall. Unseen by both, Katrena led a mare away from the activity.

  ***

  All remained quiet in the house, as the noise of soldiers echoed from outside. Ra’na was ready to run or fight depending on the situation, but the human army never found Hambone’s cottage. It was nearly dusk when they all felt safe to move.