SciFi and Fantasy Stories: Night of the Elves - Chapter 14

The rest of the day was spent preparing for the trip to Feralen. Razeel was surprised at how well Colgen had taken the news about returning to his home city. He was not only willing to go but volunteered to lead them there by the fastest routes. According to what he told her, it would only take them three days to reach the city.

Ametak and Darkent were working on reading through scrolls Razeel had assigned them while Razeel packed their bags. She had sent Colgen to the meadow market with a list of supplies they would need.

That night they all parted to their own rooms in the trees. Razeel awoke Ametak and Darkent the next morning, knowing Colgen always rose at dawn anyways. They met him an hour later at the western side of the Dark Elf forest. He sat next to four horses which were grazing free of tethers. Mercury and Hawk were the leaders while the other two horses followed lazily behind.

"Are we ready to go?" Colgen asked as they began saddling the horses.

"Yes," Razeel replied. "Where's your saddle?"

Colgen smiled and Razeel remembered. He didn't like saddles, only a simply blanket. He shouldered his bag and jumped up onto Hawk's back. Razeel mounted Mercury and Ametak and Darkent did the same. Soon they were all riding side by side, away from the forest and towards the road.

"Where did you say we're going?" Ametak asked.

"Feralen," Razeel replied.

"Colgen," Darkent interrupted. "Didn't you say you're from Feralen?"

"Yes, it's my home city," Colgen said. "I haven't returned in over twenty years though."

"Why not?"

"I've had other things to do and the winds have taken me to many other places. As of yet, I have not had a chance to return."

"You haven't seen your parents for twenty years?"

"Why do you think my parents live there?" Colgen frowned.

"You said it was your home city," Darkent said. "Wouldn't your parents live in your home city? That's how it is in Sashen."

"That's how it is here, too. I haven't seen my mother or father in thirty-eight years."

"Why not?"

Colgen shook his head and looked away. Razeel saw the sudden pain in his face and took over the conversation. Obviously Colgen wasn't as willing to go on this journey as she had thought. She should have known he wouldn't show what he was feeling, he never did unless they were alone.

"Things happen," Razeel told the apprentice. "Families may become separated from each other but they don't forget about each other."

Darkent looked as though he was going to ask another question but Ametak rode up beside him.

"In other words, shut up," she teased.

That was the end of their conversation for awhile. In the early afternoon they stopped near a grove of beach trees and let their horses rest and drink at a nearby creek. Colgen wandered off on his own and Razeel lost sight of him after awhile. Darkent sat on a low tree branch, Ametak leaned against the trunk underneath him.

"What do you think Feralen looks like?" Darkent asked Ametak.

"I think it's a huge city with lots of marble buildings and carved statues," Ametak said. "I bet there's lots of rich people there and that the lords and ladies live in big palaces and castles."

Darkent dropped a twig onto her head.

"Don't you think that's a bit exaggerated?"

"No," Ametak pulled the twig out of her hair and threw it back at him.

Colgen appeared next to Razeel. He sat down in the grass and crossed his legs. He seemed calm and content but Razeel could feel his anxiety.

"Feralen is by no means a place where only the rich dwell," Colgen said. "It is, perhaps, one of the most diverse places is the Coranian realm."

A smile played on his lips as he told the apprentices about his old home.

"The people there range from peasants to nobility but most live in close quarters. The buildings are mostly made of brick and stone to keep most of the wind and rain from damaging the inside of the structures. Wood could never hold up to Feralen storms. There are always people on the street too. Most of the nobility mix with the peasants and are usually friendly to anyone. They live quite differently although it's hard to tell from the outside of their homes. The buildings are larger and the insides are more furnished. Rugs, vases, furs, and all other sorts of riches decorate the places. A friend of mine used to live in such a place. But Feralen nobility make their riches more obscure and ordinary than most other people do."

"Sounds amazing," Ametak smiled with a look of longing on her face. "What about the storms? You mentioned them."

"Feralen is known throughout the realm for its storms. They come from the North Cantela Sea. The winds come first. They always bring the smells of rain and the sea. Then the clouds arrive on the horizon. They're always thunderstorms. The clouds are always dark grey or black and there's always thunder and lightning when they arrive. Hail and rain are common. Once the storms reach the Dark Elf forest and the Rezule Mountains they generally die down."

Razeel stood up and brushed her fingers against the back of his neck as she did.

This isn't as easy for you as you make it seem.

"Not in the least."

Colgen stood up too and went to retrieve Hawk.

"We should be going," he said. "We could get pretty far if we pick up the pace a bit."

Razeel agreed and they all went to get their horses. Soon they were off again, riding closer and closer to the place Razeel knew would be the source of great pain for her friend. She wished they could avoid it if only to keep Colgen away from the thing he wished to forget.

Colgen slid off of Hawk's back and handed the reins to Razeel.

"Wait here," he said.

He left them and began trekking across the green field. It was a cold evening and they had finally made it to the hills outside of Feralen. There was only a icy breeze now and he felt that it would snow soon. He pulled his heavy cloak around him and continued on.

After only another minute he came to the ruins of two buildings. One of the buildings, the bigger one, had been a barn, the other a house. His house. It had been burned down twenty-two years ago by the man who was now Corania's ambassador. Colgen found tears stinging his eyes and he wiped them away as he gazed at the old destruction.

The charred beams of wood were covered in moss and grass and it was difficult to tell where the wood ended and the ground began. But Colgen knew exactly where everything had been. He stepped into the center of his house and knelt down.

A small white flower stood in front of him. Its delicate petals drooped although it tried to stand tall against the icy wind. It was perfect.

He pulled a thread of his magic away from himself and let it sparkled and swirl around his fingers. He pulled off his gloves and touched the flower, letting his magic flow into the flower. The plant became strong and, if a plant could be so, immortal. The petals no longer drooped and the green stem and leaves almost glowed with green life. Carefully he added a protection spell to the flower so that it could never be moved or destroyed.

"You will hold this spot until the end of time," he whispered as tears blurred his vision. "My memories remain here and always will."

The pain of his childhood flooded back to him as he stood up and let his tears fall. No one was there to see him cry and he was glad. He pulled his gloves back on and gazed out over the western horizon. The wind blasted him in the face and flung back his hood. He took a deep breath, smelled the rain, and cleared his mind. He would return again one day, alone. But now he had other things to do. He turned back to his fellow travelers. They would want to be going soon.

Razeel smiled as they passed beneath the gates of Feralen. They dismounted and led their horses through the streets. Not many people ventured out as the night grew colder. The clouds had rolled in as the city gates had come into view. She gazed at the sky and guided Mercury to Hawk and Colgen's side.

"Do you think the High Lord will accept visitors this late at night? I hate to think of sleeping on the streets tonight, especially when it's this cold."

"No, we'll stay with a friend of mine tonight," Colgen said. "And you wouldn't want to sleep outside tonight, it will snow soon. The streets could be covered in white by morning."

Razeel dropped back behind him and made sure Ametak and Darkent were still following. They didn't go very deep into the city. Colgen brought Hawk to a halt in front of a large stone house. They tethered the horses to a fence near the door and followed Colgen. He knocked on the heavy wood and stepped back.

A woman with curly grey hair opened the door. Her hand flew to her gaping mouth.

"By the gods!" she exclaimed. "Colgen Regahn is that you?"

Colgen nodded and wrapped his arms around the woman as if she was his mother. The woman pushed him away and looked him over.

"I thought you hadn't lived through the years," she said as she looked over his companions. "An' who might you all be?"

Razeel stepped forward and motioned to their apprentices.

"This is Darkent and Ametak," she said. "My name is Razeel."

"I'm Canna Jarden," the woman said. "Come in, come in. You all must be freezing out here."

They all hurried inside and closed the door. The room was warm and cozy. A couch sat against the wall to their right and a stuffed arm chair sat next to it. A low table made of cherry wood stood solid in front of the couch, a single candle burning in the middle of it. To their left was a smoldering fireplace that lit up the room. A fur rug was spread on the floor and paintings hung on the walls.

Canna led them all into a kitchen filled with a wonderful, mouthwatering, aroma. The woman set three bowls and spoons on another dark wooden table and gave a ladle to Razeel.

"Here, dear," she said. "There is a very nice beef stew on the stove. Dish some for each of you, be sure to feed your apprentices well. Colgen, come help me prepare the guest beds."

Colgen and Canna disappeared down one of the dark halls. Razeel did as she was told and filled each bowl with wonderful smelling stew. Ametak and Darkent sat down at the table and talked as the trip as they ate. Razeel finished her own food quickly and went to help prepare the beds. Yet when she reached the room Colgen and Canna was in, she stopped short. Voices heavy with emotion were coming from inside.

"Once I got your letter I was sure you'd be killed too," Canna was saying. "I was so worried."

"I should have come and told you myself," Colgen's voice was full of anger. "I took the cowards way out."

"No, no," Canna sobbed. "I knew it was dangerous when I let him go."

"No, Canna," Colgen growled. "I should have come and told you as soon as I had the chance. It's my fault Ash died in the first place."

Razeel felt the blood drain from her face. She stepped back from the door and leaned against the wall.

Ash had been Colgen's best friend throughout his childhood, even on the streets of Sembelanora. Colgen had sent her and Ash on a mission together while she was still Alana's spy. She had killed Ash in cold blood and now she was in Ash's mother's house. Anger at what Colgen hadn't told her began to rise and she crossed her arms and waited for Colgen to come out of the room.

Colgen left the bedroom to find Razeel leaning against the wall. She looked like a ghost, a very angry ghost. She grabbed his arm and forced him down the hallway and into another empty bedroom. Her grip was by no means gentle and her features were as hard as stone. He was become mad at himself, knowing exactly why she was upset.

"I can't believe you brought me here," Razeel whispered furiously.

"You weren't supposed to find out who Canna was," Colgen growled.

"I killed her son! I can't believe you'd take me here and not tell me!"

"You killed Ash because I let you," Colgen snarled. His anger at his mistake vented through his words. "I made a mistake when I let you go with Ash, you did your job. Now I've made another mistake by bringing you here. The only reason we came was because I needed to settle some things with Canna and tell her what exactly had happened to Ash. I haven't told her who killed him and I never will if you wish it to be so. I'm sorry I took such a chance tonight but I can no longer do anything about it."

"You didn't even consider what this would mean for me, did you?" Razeel drew back slightly.

"No, I didn't," Colgen sighed and stepped towards her. "Razeel, please, forgive me. I didn't mean to hurt you or make you mad. You just don't see it."

"See what?"

Colgen accepted her harsh gaze and wished he didn't have to explain such a thing.

"This was the only time I could come back here. Feralen was my childhood and that is something I wish to forget. By being forced to come here I've been forced to take care of matters I wouldn't have the...the courage to do otherwise. I had to tell Canna everything now, before we left the city. If I didn't I wouldn't have come back again."

"How many other secrets have you kept from me?" Razeel hissed.

She slapped him hard across the face. His immediate response was to retaliate but he didn't move. Razeel spun on her heel and left the room.

Colgen waited until he felt he could speak to people civilly again before he left the room. He looked into the kitchen from the shadows and watched Canna bustle around the kitchen. The apprentices would be safe in Canna's care. Without a word he turned and left the house. Once outside he wandered down the dark streets. The air was cold and still and the streets were slick from a recent rain. He could see his breath in the dim light and wondered when the snow would start to fall. Predicting Feralen's weather came second nature to him even when he hadn't been in or near the city for so many years.

He heard the footsteps before the voice.

"What brings you out on such a night?" A man appeared next to him.

"Restlessness, I suppose," Colgen answered. He glanced at the man and frowned. "High Lord Mornan?"

The man smiled. His white hair was cut short and his sharp features were accented by his pointed ears that marked him as an Elf. He was the same height as Colgen and was dressed like a normal citizen.

"Colgen Regahn, I thought Alana had you killed," he murmured. "I wasn't expecting to see you in my city again."

"But you were expecting me," Colgen pointed out. "You knew exactly where I was."

"I wasn't sure it was you at first. Especially when you arrived with Razeel Artega."

"I made a grave mistake taking Razeel to Canna's house," Colgen sighed.

"The woman who lost her son all those years ago? I would have thought she'd be quite pleased to have visitors."

"She is and will continue to be until she realizes that Razeel was the one who killed her son."

Mornan peered at him out of the corner of his eye. His lips twitched as he held back a smile.

"No, I don't believe that was the smartest move to make," he commented. "I have an idea of why you're here but we can discuss that tomorrow. Why don't you let me treat you to a drink? We can talk and I'm sure you'd enjoy a chance to relax."

"That's very kind of you," Colgen replied.

Yes, he thought. To be back in a tavern where I'm simply one of the crowd sounds very nice right now.

Razeel found Canna in the living room. She was showing Ametak a book while Darkent slept on the couch. Watching the woman brought a deep sadness to her heart. She had killed Ash and probably deserved being in the same room with his mother.

"Do you know where Colgen when?" she asked Canna.

"You'll find him at the Sail's Wind tavern I'm sure," Canna studied her. "He's a bit upset about some things that happened awhile ago. He always goes to the Sail's Wind when something is bothering him."

"Thank you," Razeel said. "Is it alright if I leave Ametak and Darkent with you?"

"Of course," Canna shooed her towards the door. "Hurry up, dear, the tavern's probably getting crowded by now. Go down the street and turned right. You'll find it not too far from here."

Razeel waved goodbye and hurried out the door. She wrapped her cloak tight around her. She wasn't used to Feralen's biting winds, especially when she had just stepped out of a warm house. Not wanting to be outside any longer than necessary, she followed Canna's directions and found the tavern easily.

She pulled the heavy wooden door open and smiled. The first impression she got was a friendly and cheerful atmosphere. Oil lamps hung on the walls and people danced and sang. Razeel skirted the wall, looking for Colgen with no luck, and decided to find a place to sit. She took a seat on a wooden bench at a table full of rowdy men. They held pints of ale in their hands, welcomed her with drunken smiles, and went back to singing a song she had never heard before. Razeel forgot why she had come and began singing along. Someone offered her a pint of ale and she drank it willingly.

After an hour of happy bliss, someone laid a hand on her shoulder. She turned and jumped when she found Colgen's face only inches away from hers.

"You won't be able to get yourself drunk," he said. "I've tried many times. Come."

Razeel stood up and waved to her new friends. Colgen pulled on her arm and she allowed him to lead her deeper into the mass of people. She knew she wasn't drunk but had never tried to get drunk in her life either. Colgen's small bit of information shocked her slightly. Many people drank to run from their problems. She could see how Colgen may have tried to escape his own problems but to know it wasn't possible that way must have shocked him.

Colgen sat down at a table with another man who was already there. Razeel took a seat next to Colgen.

"You've grown to be a fine young lady, Razeel Artega," the man said.

Razeel peered at the man's face and gasped.

"High Lord Mornan, what are you doing here?"

"Catching up with an old friend," the High Lord smiled. "Everyone must relax and enjoy themselves sometimes."

Colgen led the two apprentices up the stone steps to High Lord Mornan's house. Razeel had left earlier that morning to deliver the message they had brought and Colgen had agreed to meet her there at a later time.

It had snowed late that night and probably all through the early morning. He had awoken at dawn as usual but it wasn't snowing at the time.

"This is amazing," Darkent said. "In Sashen it only snows in the mountains."

"Well it's very common here in Feralen," Colgen replied.

He knocked on the door and waited. A moment later a young woman dressed as one of the household maids opened the door and greeted them.

"Welcome," she said. "My lord told us to expect visitors. Come in, come in. You must be freezing in this weather!"

"Thank you," Colgen said. He managed a grin but it was half-hearted. His mind was exhausted from the night before and wanted to be far away from everyone. The woman took his cloak along with Ametak and Darkent's heavy coats and hung them all on hooks near a fireplace.

"May I ask your names so that I can introduce you to my lord?"

"Colgen Regahn," he told her. "Ametak and Darkent are with me as well."

The woman looked him over, a frightened and confused expression on her face.

"The Regahns have been dead for years, sir," she squeaked.

"I'm more aware of that than you will ever know," Colgen sighed. "Please, just take us to Erin Mornan ."

"But --"

"Do not make me argue with you," Colgen said in a low and irritated voice. "I am in no mood to discuss such matters. Just take us to the room the High Lord is in and leave us to our business."

The woman turned bright red and bobbed a curtsey. Then she ushered them down a hall and into a spacious room.

"Why does she think you're dead?" Ametak whispered.

"Because in many peoples eyes I never existed," Colgen murmured.

The maid announced their arrival and left the room. Colgen couldn't help but frown as he walked towards the table where High Lord Mornan, High Lady Mornan, and Razeel sat. The tension in the air was stifling. To his surprise Both the High Lord and Lady rose to greet him.

"It's been a long time," the High Lady said to him. "Who are these two children?"

"Ametak and Darkent, this is High Lady Jana Mornan and High Lord Erin Mornan," Colgen said.

"Will they be staying in here?" Erin Mornan frowned.

"I wish for them to stay," Razeel spoke from her seat at the table. "They are our apprentices."

"Very well," Jana sighed. "Let's get down to business."

Everyone sat down and the High Lord began to speak.

"You've brought a very interesting message to us," Erin said and glanced at Colgen. "I wouldn't have thought you would approve of such a thing."

Colgen looked at Razeel. She wouldn't meet his gaze. He knew she hadn't told him something.

"My lord," he replied. "I have not been informed of anything having to do with the message that has been delivered to you."

"Why would they not tell you such an important thing?"

"I don't know," Colgen growled. "I don't really care either. Just tell me now so we can get on --"

"The Dwarves are threatening war," Razeel spat. Her expression was one of disgust and she glared at him from across the table. "The last person to speak with them was your mother. Now that the Council fears war they think you could go talk to them, act as an ambassador."

"Razeel Artega," Jana roared. "You are a messenger, nothing more. Keep your mouth shut."

Colgen simply sat and listened to them bicker. The apprentices watched with interest and Colgen leaned over to them.

"Do not think this is how all nobility acts," he warned. "In many cities Razeel would be on the verge of execution right now."

Silence suddenly feel and Colgen found his friends staring at him. He decided to speak to both the High Lord and Razeel at the same time. As far as he knew, Jana had no part in any of this.

"I haven't the slightest idea of why you keep secrets from me nor do I care. I will go to the Dwarves and speak with them but I will not, under any circumstance, take the position of the realm's ambassador. That position has been tainted by cold blooded murder and as I see it, a murderer still sits upon the thrown in Sembelanora."

"Do not insult Queen Alana in my presence," Erin snapped. "She made an excellent choice in a new ambassador --"

"But there was no honor in the choice," Colgen hissed. He was still in his seat but knew he wouldn't be much longer if this conversation continued. The debate was too close to his own life and he had no intention of letting it go any further. "Nor was there any honor in the way the current ambassador came to the position. All of you should know that better than even Alana herself. You saw the destruction that was left behind when the supposed disaster struck and killed the last ambassador."

He was referring to the fire that had killed his parents and knew that everyone but the apprentices knew he was talking about the fire that had destroyed his home and nearly killed him as well.

"Do not turn a potential war into a personal matter, my lord," Colgen warned. "I will go but not with the title as ambassador."

"Very well," Jana said.

"We're going to see the Dwarves?" Darkent asked.

"No," the High Lord replied. "Only your mentor will be going. It's too dangerous for anyone else."

"The current ambassador killed the old ambassador?"

"Yes," Colgen sighed. He felt detached about everything at the moment but was impressed Darkent had figured out what had happened in the political circle. "He killed the ambassador and her husband. Burned them out of their home using magic and then stabbed them to death."

"That's horrible," Ametak whispered.

"Why did he do it?" Darkent asked.

"Politics," Razeel said. "When views clash people get killed."

"Who was the first ambassador?"

Colgen felt Razeel's gaze rest on him but didn't look away from the wall he stared at.

"Her name was Kehna," he said as he ran a hand through his hair. "Kehna Regahn."

"She was your mother?" Ametak gasped.

"Yes, she was."

High Lord Mornan gave him a folded piece of paper with his signature on it.

"You need permission from the entire Royal Court to go on this journey and represent the realm."

"By the time we get every signature the Dwarves will have already killed us all!" Razeel growled. "we'd have to go to every city in this realm!"

"She's right," Colgen said. "It's a twenty day journey just to reach the entrance to their city."

"Strange," Erin frowned and took out his reading spectacles. "They don't mention anything of the sort in their letter."

"That's because no one but Azir, my mother, and I have ever been there," Colgen sighed. "Perhaps luck will be on our side for this ridiculous journey."

"You mean you're going to try to get the signatures?" Razeel gaped at him.

"Well then," High Lord Mornan interrupted. "I've already given you my signature so you should be on your way."

"Yes, sir," Colgen stood up and collected the papers. He looked from Razeel to the apprentices. "Well, come on. We need to get moving."