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Several days later Steven sat atop his horse and glanced over at Jeremy noisily crunching an apple. Shaking his head with a slight smile he gazed down the hill at Hoggsten. A small town with one row of wooden buildings surrounded by a few worn out huts, it was the cornerstone of good and evil, so to speak. To the northwest, over the mountains the resistance still held the Elven nation of Sventólii and the surrounding areas. Hoggsten still had a few of the resistance, to guide those seeking to join or fleeing for their lives. It was also where the marauders grabbed and, using some sort of magic, forced young men into service for their master, Zynox. Not much was known about where this evil man, nor his wizard, Zorath, had originally come from.
Twenty years ago a young knight, known only as Zynox, suddenly arrived in the capital city of Renyyngard. Always reserved about his past, the young man had set about making friends with Prince Payton, taking him hunting and visiting the local bawdy houses, much to the King’s displeasure. Over time, the young Prince became reluctant to help with the royal duties of his father. Then Zynox had turned to the King, slowly he whispered in the King’s ear, souring him toward his son and heir. Father against son, the royal house began to fall apart. Payton began to sense something twisted in his new friend, as his loyal friends began to warn him of betrayal. Trusting his old friends, Payton went to his father and begged his forgiveness, asked him to have Zynox thrown out of court. But, something else had taken over the old King by then, something evil, blinding him to the truth and slowly killing him.
Fearing for the prince’s life, the royal ministers carried him away to safety. In is misguided youthfulness and in pain over his father’s rejection, Payton didn’t realize how quickly his kingdom was being overtaken. Within days of his fathers death the city was teeming with the marauding monsters that Zynox controlled, their evil washing over the once loyal soldiers and twisting their minds. Now Payton and his remaining trustworthy followers were preparing to fight back. Steven and Jeremy planned to join this cause.
“Are you finished?” Steven asked, turning on his horse to look at Jeremy.
Jeremy flashed a grin, “Annoyed you have I?” he asked, pulling his horse along side Steven and throwing the apple core away.
“Always.” Steven again looked down on the town. Fingering the medallion that Rhainydd had given him before he’d left home, he asked, ”What do you think Rhainydd was saying? About the dragons?”
Jeremy pulled his medallion from his doublet and studied the green dragon carved on it. “I’m not sure, but,” he looked at his brother, “I believe they will return and help us.”
Steven nodded, “I agree.” He looked again at the white and blue dragon, Magenexon, he thought, dragon of magic and ice. “I believe that Rhainydd knew a lot more about the dragons than he let on,” he said, as he tucked the medallion away.
“I‘m sure he did,” Jeremy said with a smile and began to ride down the hill toward town. “He was always avoiding my questions. Said I was too nosey and to concentrate on my studies.”
“He was a bit odd at times” Steven said, instructing his horse to follow.
“Remember how Dane used to rattle the old guy?”
Steven chuckled, “Yeah, he called Dane, Tornaxon, then became even more irate when Dane took it as a compliment.”
“Dane hardly ever gets offended. Rhainydd once told me that Dane was so much like Tornaxon, he wouldn’t be surprised to find out he was the dragon in disguise.”
“I wonder sometimes about the dragons. Are they like us? I mean, do they have personalities, desires, and such? Or are they more like animals, reacting out of instinct? I know Rhainydd spoke of them as individuals, but he never really explained too much about them personally.”
“I think they are like us, perhaps even more complex. There are four males; Heirdexron, the oldest; Magenexon, second; Errynoxal and then Tornaxon. They each have their own power or powers and, I believe, their own personalities as well. Why else would Rhainydd refer to Dane as Tornaxon?”
“That’s true. Wasn’t there a female? A youngling?“
“Serinaxya,” Jeremy said, then lowered his voice as they approached the edge of Hoggsten, “she will be all powerful once she reaches majority. Combining all the powers of her brothers in order to give each of her children a different power. Her brothers will find a suitable mate for her once she reaches one hundred years old. Can you imagine living so long? I find it fascinating,”
“Rhainydd obviously spoke to you more about them than I. But, let’s wait to speak more of it. I am uncomfortable in this crowd.” He glanced around at the mixture of people who openly stared at them as they passed. “Let’s get to the inn and make our contact as quickly as possible.”
Jeremy nodded his assent, darting wary eyes at the people, and rode quietly the rest of the way.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Over a hundred miles away lay the Elven Nation of Sventólii and the city of Silvertyyn, the only one left that still completely held off the marauders. Beneath this great city another city was hidden, built hundreds of years ago by the Dwarves, before they had left (land name). Now forgotten by all but the Elves, the underground city hid the humans that had fled from the new regime. Many tunnels twisted and turned, some leading to the forests and far away caves, others to some of the royal houses and government buildings of the Elves. Several caves scattered throughout these tunnels, creating living areas for the hundreds of refugees now forced to live in them.
Within one of the caves stood the hope of the resistance, Payton (something), the rightful king of (land name). Cast from his throne twenty years ago, Payton had hope that he would regain it and bring his people to freedom. The old wizard, Rhainydd, had assured him that it would happen, even that the great dragons themselves would awaken from their slumber and come to his aid. Although all of his trusted ministers kept telling him that the man was lost and his ramblings useless, Payton believed. He knew the part he was to play to correct the mistakes he’d made so long ago, and was trying patently to wait for the first sign, a woman.
He well remembered Rhainydd's words the last time they’d spoken, “A woman you know will arrive and her once radiant auburn hair will be dull, her fulsome figure, slight. She struggles to avoid the sleep of death and will need the help of the chosen ones. Keep her safe, keep her still; for she will try to rise and sacrifice herself for all. Listen to her words, then find the chosen ones and send them to me.“ Once this woman arrived at Silvertyyn, he would begin his search. Until then he could only wait. With a deep sigh he turned from the unique picture he’d been staring at.
The Hidden City, as the refugees had begun calling it, was so deep under ground that it would drive one insane from the dark and gloom. The walls of the caves were constantly damp and a chill was ever present. In an attempt to help with the gloom, several of the Elven artists had created magical landscape pictures to hang on the walls. Some of these, reaching twenty feet high and twice as wide, filled the walls of the common area, an unusual type of marketplace. Others were placed within the smaller living areas as “windows” to the outside. These pictures magically changed with the weather and seasons from the outside world and lightened and darkened with the sun’s setting, displaying beautiful celestial views as well. Even nature could be seen and heard from within the pictures, birds singing, butterflies in the fields and insect sounds. They were truly great works of art and magic. Like most of the refugees, Payton had come to rely on these pictures to keep him from deep depression.
With their connection to nature and abilities to grow beautiful plant life, the Wood Elves, who lived in the Sventólii forest surrounding Silvertyyn, had managed to find trees, flowers, and other vegetation that would thrive for a period of time within the dark, damp confines. These were replaced frequently to keep any plant from dying, however; their everyday presence did much to help the people survive the dark.
There were advantages to hiding here, and Payton was forever thankful for his father making peace with the Elves before his birth nearly two and forty years ago. The Elves had been very resourceful where feeding the people was concerned. Each human family, or small group of the unmarried, were assigned to an Elven family. The Elven family provided food and other necessities for their group, bringing what was needed to them during allotted times at the marketplace. Orphaned children had even been adopted by some of the Elven couples.
The humans were not idle, waiting for their meals and supplies. In return for the care, the humans willingly accepted any work that was easily brought to them. From mending and creating clothing, to actually having a blacksmith shop set up in one of the farther caves, making weapons and armor for the armies. The Elves and the humans helped each other.
It was a benefit as well that the marauders had never been able to breach the borders of Sventólii. Nestled between River Ardwald and Little River, and bordered to the north and south by thick forests, the Elves had kept the evil soldiers at bay by setting up a perimeter of Archers and watchmen. Protected by the rivers, small hills, and thick tree lines, the watchmen were able to see for miles in every direction. The tallest trees hid rope bridges and sentry towers within their thick leaves. Thousands of Elves patrolled the borders day and night, with human troops filling ranks occasionally in more secure areas. Even though the Elves and humans lived at peace and helped each other, Elves were able to blend in with nature better than, and fire upon troops from farther away than any human.
“Your Majesty,” Payton’s first minister, Garryk, entered the room bowing, interrupting Payton’s thoughts about the Elven nation, “Your meal is ready.” Garryk had been one of Payton’s childhood friends and had been trained as his minister by his father, who had served the late king before him.
“Thank you, Garryk. Any news from above?” He asked as he walk to the small area allotted for eating. The royal house, or cave, was actually several smaller caves surrounding a larger central cave. The only way in or out of the area was a long hallway connected to the center cave. This hallway was kept heavily guarded, not because any attempts on Payton‘s life had ever happened within the Hidden City, but; to keep his royal guards well practiced in protecting their king.
“No, Your Majesty.” Garryk reported as he followed his liege, “The new arrivals were questioned, and none fit the description of the one you seek.”
“How many this day?”
“Forty-seven, last count. More and more arrive each day and at all hours.”
“Yes, I know. Soon our people will return to their former life. Were there any willing and fit for soldiering?”
“Twelve, Your Majesty, they were sent along to the camp.”
“The camp has seen no forces.”
“None yet. You will visit soon, Your Majesty? The men could use your attendance.”
“Yes, we will ride out tomorrow, for a few days. I need to see what General Byrron has set forth and make any changes or advisements.” Payton sat and motioned for Garryk to do the same. They served themselves meager helpings of roast meat and vegetables, Payton would not take from his people by demanding feasts or stand on protocol under these circumstances. “I know the General has planned an attack on the small town of River’s Bend just outside of Sventólii’s borders. The marauders are too close there.”
“Your Majesty, if I may?” Garryk questioned.
“Speak your mind, Garryk. You are my most trusted.”
“Your counsel is concerned, Majesty. We have more than enough men to take all of the Eastern towns. Why wait.”
“I have already explained this to you and the counsel, Garryk. I will not explain it again. Rhainydd...”
“Is gone,” Garryk interrupted heatedly, then sighed rubbing his hand across his face, “I am sorry, Your Majesty, Payton. We have been more than just King and minister through the years. I feel it vital to express how important it is to strike while our forces are fresh and prepared.”
“I understand, Garryk, we have been friends for a long time. Which is why I know I can ask you to just trust me.” He reached across the table to clasp the man’s hand. “Can you do that?”
“Yes, Your Majesty, I can and will.”
 I am DePrincess · Mon Jul 21, 2008 @ 04:58am · 0 Comments |
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