"My name is Slate, I'm going to be leading you through the forest to the Council of Reason where we will hear your plea," Slate said, motioning for his troops to lower their weapons. The High Elves only showed their strength when they felt threatened, why they put on this display of power was lost on me at the time. "I am sorry to treat friends like this, but we have reasons to be cautious."
"We understand," Prince Heifel said as he stepped forward to shake Slate's hand. "We have been very cautious with our allies too."
"We must hurry, events already demand our attention," Slate turned and hurried into the forest. Just beyond the initial tree line was a well hidden stable that housed the High Elves steeds. Large gazelles, that almost matched our horses in size, shifted nervously in the stables. Something was happening in the forest that Slate had yet to mention. Only Slate mounted a gazelle, the rest of his troops positioned themselves around the wooden fort and blended back into the surroundings. I wondered if Slate had been watching us from the moment we first arrived and we just didn't see him.
Slate motioned for us to follow as his gazelle shot off through the forest. Our horses could match its speed, but the gazelle was a much better jumper. This kept creating distance as our horses had to take more time with fallen branches and little ravines with streams. I noticed Jounas had a worried face. He loved the forest and had studied with the High Elves when he was trying to become a mage. It was rare for the High Elves to ever share their knowledge of magic with anyone. The last time they did the Storm Mages were formed, and they are no longer allowed to live outside of their island, the Keepers of the Storm. His fear came from knowing that we would face the Council of Reason.
The High Elves were ruled by the Council of Reason, a group of eight High Elves chosen during the Moon Festival once every four years. The eight varied in sex, age, intelligence, skill, and every other attribute. The High Elves had long ago realized that the best way for a being that lives over 3000 years to be ruled is by a rotating communal leadership. Before each High Elf dies, they will have served on the council at least a few times. This also makes it hard to have a continuous relationship with the High Elf leadership. In fact right now there is an eight year old elf on the council. They had reasoned that a child may have insight that others may not see, but someone so young may not have the voice to be heard. You are also not able to address any friends you may have on the council by their names. The council acts as one, speaks as one, and is known by one name and one name alone.
The ride through the forest is relatively uneventful. Occasionally we saw some elf dwellings, homes that were built high above ground on their massive trees. Creatures that lurked in the forests stayed clear of us for the most part, forcing us to strain our eyes to only catch a glimpse of a small part of some beast that would rend us limb from limb if we were without our escort. The forest respects the High Elves because they respect it. We were lucky enough to see a Spike Tree, a rarity even in these woods but only because they chose not to be seen.
The Spike Trees really aren't trees at all, except they are as tall as our smaller ones and as wide as a few large trees. They are more like a house in size, massive and powerful and dangerous if provoke. Covered in hair they look woolly with a greenish brown hue and fun to touch if you're brave enough. They eat only leaves, occasionally climbing the trees to get the rich leaves at the top. The High Elves have befriended a few and I remember my father telling me of them in battle. They charge, putting all their massive weight behind them. As they get closer to their enemies they force their hair to harden, leaving it covered in spikes. Then they curl into a ball and crash into their enemies, counting on their very thick hides and spikes to protect them. Any enemies left standing are torn apart by their massive paws. Prince Heifel both touched one of the ancients the last time we were here. As it turned to face us we both ran as Slate laughed. I looked back as we ran and I swear it smiled at us.
We made good time on our way to the High Elf Capitol, taking only a few hours. The city itself is grand in every sense of the word. They carved out a few of the massive trees for their universities and built huge elaborate mansions that blended in with the trees and surroundings. Blacksmith's had a special area free of any trees so they could master their craft without worrying about the possibility of fire. Mages dueled at another clearing, practicing their art and summoning massive beasts and casting powerful spells. No one dies but the training they get from dueling makes the High Elves the most feared spell casters outside of the Storm Mages. Every elf learns every trade, and must practice it at least once every ten years. They can still have their favorites, but every year they are working on something different. Having an elf with you on long journeys can save your life in many different ways.
Slate dismounted outside a particularly ornate mansion and we followed suit. Our escorts waited outside while Prince Heifel, Dittroth, Jounas, Faye, and myself followed Slate through a winding maze that eventually led to a large chamber. The room was lit with candles and sunlight that poured in the blue tinted glass. The lighting made you calm, reflective and at peace with the world. A few benches were scattered along the outskirts of the round room telling us we were intended to stand. Once we were all in the center of the room the eight elves that comprised the Council of Reason walked into the room in unison. They all wore white translucent robes and silver medallions with a large blue sapphire.
"Slathenelas, are these the emissaries from Nah and Granic?" The Council of Reason spoke as one. Slathenelas went by the name of Slate as it was easier to remember. All High Elves had two names, their given name and a shorter name to be used among all foreigners. Slate nodded and the Council lowered it's head to meditate and possibly to communicate amongst each other. "We wish to know why you seek an alliance with the High Elves. To what purpose would you use our armies?"
"Granic and Nah have long been allies with the High Elves. We have always fought alongside each other, always worked together to solve problems. We wish to continue that friendship." Prince Heifel spoke clearly and confidently. He was also on his way to become a king.
"Your armies would be used the same as ours. We seek only to bring about peace, not to gain additional lands or sack cities. Our people are too important to us as yours are to you. Every battle will be weighed carefully, every decision made will have the future in mind." I said, stepping forward. The Council looked over us and then lowered their heads again to confer amongst itself.
"We already have armies at our doorstep. From the south the Vikings have laid siege to our port city of Tola. Our forces are holding off the invaders but our scouts have seen small war bands of river men moving north towards us. Will Nah and Granic support us as well?" The Council spoke as one as they read our faces for our thoughts. We didn't know they were being threatened from the south. And if the minotaurs of Trethel changed their minds and decided to attack the High Elves would have two fronts to defend. Their magic lore and smith techniques have long been sought by other nations and their land is majestic. They needed our help as much as we needed theirs.
"We will commit troops to your cause, which is now our cause. Combining the different strengths from our people will strengthen our armies and make them able to defend against any attack." I spoke, gaining a confidence of my own that would help in the times ahead for things were not well in Rybia, a fact I would soon learn. "Join us and then our generals can devise a plan of attack that will bring a swift end to this war!"
The Council of Reason lowered their head to confer. I looked at Prince Heifel and Jounas, both of whom nodded in approval. The Council took their time to confer, which was understandable. Fighting a war on numerous fronts was not something any king wants, however I may be at that very same position unless I can convince the Kingdom of Elstat and the Rangers otherwise. A loud noise shook everyone from their concentration. The Council shook their heads in unison, a look of annoyance on their faces.
"I'm here!" A beautiful elf with long red hair bounded into the chamber. She was as tall as Faye, slightly curvy and wore a white robe similar to the Council's, but with a large brown belt around her waist. Where the Council of reason wore undergarments as the robes were slightly see through this young female elf did not, occasionally flashing everyone in the room. She wore a very peculiar hat. It was purple and hugged her head almost as if a helmet yet made of a soft twine. You would expect one to wear it in winter and not during summer. Blue eyes and a perpetual smile she approached the council.
"Leslie, you are interrupting the Council!" The Council was not happy and pointed to a corner for her to stand in before the lowering their heads again to confer. As we watched they nodded in agreement and then let out a small laugh. I was confused by this, but I guess it was pretty odd the way Leslie had come into the room. "We have decided to join the Kingdoms of Nah and Granic. We will convene a war council in the Angel's Grove three days from today. Take Slathenelas with you, and also Leslie. She is a powerful mage and summoner. These two will be proof that the High Elves have joined your alliance. Go now, we have much work to do."
With that the Council of Reason turned and left the room the same way it had entered. Slate approached Prince Heifel and myself and saluted, I know he looked forward to fighting alongside his former wards. I will ask him to take some archers if he can spare them, High Elf archers must be skilled as they need to position themselves at very different heights and locations in a dangerous forest to be effective. The female elf, Leslie, bounded up to salute us as well. I saw Slate shaking his head and I began to think this might not be the best thing for us but it would dishonor the Council not to take her.
"So we're going on an adventure? I love traveling!" Leslie bounced around us in bare feet, I hope the Council was being sincere about her being a powerful sorcerer and summoner at the very least. "I just have to go get my pack and then we can leave!"
We watched as she left and found ourselves staring as she moved. For all her silliness she was strikingly beautiful and moved rather gracefully. She could enchant us all if we let her. Faye noticed Jounas staring particularly hard a gave him a light slap before turning to walk away in a playful huff. I had seen her staring at him more and more lately, and he seemed to smile as she walked out of the room. As soon as she left an elf hurried into the room and whispered something into Slate's ear. His eyes shot open and her approached me.
"Nah is under siege from the north. A massive army comprised of the Kingdom of Elstat, the Rangers, and now the Plains Elves has attacked Nah from the north and northwest. I'm sure the Watcher's Keep has fallen as well. We need to return to Nah immediately." Slate said what he already knew I was thinking. I turned to walk out of the room and he stayed by my side.
"Slate, I need any archers and gazelles you can spare as we need to move quickly if we hope to reach Nah in three days time." Slate nodded and sent off the soldier who had first approached him. I then turned my attention to Prince Heifel. "Prince Heifel, you must return to Granic. I'm sure your father knows of the attack by now, but he needs to know what has happened here. I also want you to persuade him to attack the Rangers from the East and after we break the siege against Nah we'll make the Rangers our first target."
"I'll speak with him, but you will probably need our help defending Nah. Either way we'll make sure we are at your side before long." Prince Heifel looked me over and saw that I was composed. He patted me on my back as we left the room and headed out of the mansion.
"A moment of your time, King Tritus," a booming voice caused me to pause and turn around as I left the elf mansion. Before me stood a minotaur seemingly formed entirely out of muscle. He stood well over eight feet tall and wore light plate armor as was the custom of the minotaurs of Trethel. I have seen them before, even in combat,but this one was particularly large and imposing. He had a large sword and an axe strapped to his back.
"My name is O'Har, I am the Captain of a small war band whose duty it is to patrol the borders of Trethel. We know of the war raging, but our Kingdom has decided to stay out as we are at peace with all of our neighbors. We wanted to fight, for the glory but were told we could not fight under the Trethel banner. Eventually my troops went home, unable to sell our services but I knew an opportunity would present itself in the High Elf Capitol. I have been in battles before, but never a war and in our society you must prove yourself to achieve a higher rank. I only ask for 2000 gold pieces and I will fight by your side and no other until the end of the war."
The minotaurs were a warrior people who prided themselves on battle and honor. Warriors selling their services in groups were common across Rybia as it was seen as an honorable profession, being a mercenary. They are bound by honor to fulfill their orders as a mercenary and could not betray their lord even if war was waged against Trethel itself. It was odd that Trethel decided to stay out of the war, perhaps they also felt it was not a true war of cause, but one of fabrication for other purposes. Having a minotaur fight alongside us could get me more insight into the reasons why Trethel abstained from the war and perhaps an ally later on.
"It is agreed O'Har, we leave immediately for Nah." O'Har smiled and pulled out a dagger. He sliced the palm of his hand, leaving it bleeding. He shook my hand and the pact was sealed and we mounted up. Dittorth looked over our new companion, he had fought a minotaur in a contest of honor and had won soundly, but that minotaur looked like a child compared to O'Har. He nodded in approval of my decision and we mounted our steeds. O'Har whistled and waited. We saw something large and black crashing through the forest. It was a Black Wolf, a common sight on the rock plains of Trethel but something I have never heard of. It was larger than my horse but not quite as fast. Only a minotaur who has proven himself in battle against a superior force is allowed to ride a Black Wolf. O'Har mounted his steed and I was even happier with my decision. A voice paused our charge, we had forgotten all about her in our haste.
"Hey, don't leave without me!" Leslie ran up alongside to my horse. I was about to help her up as she didn't have a steed by she refused. She removed her hat and her face seemed to change ever so slightly. She pulled out a mouse from her pack and smiled and bit her lower lip as she set it on the ground. Leslie closed her eyes and began chanting and the mouse began to glow. I expected her to turn it into something amazing, however the mouse simple grew to the size of a horse. She smiled and spoke with a different tone. "Let's go!"
Jounas and I exchanged a glance and laughed a little. I needed that as I thought about what was happening to my people. Leslie was leading the way and all followed in close pursuit. She let me catch up to her as we stormed ahead. He white robe blew in the wind and she looked rather ridiculous sitting on top of a speeding mouse. She pulled the back of her robe up to let it flow freely. The wind and movement from her steed occasionally blew her robe up, exposing her bare bottom. I couldn't help but smile and she turned back to nod. Maybe she knew I needed to be distracted a little as we rode since I could do nothing about Nah until I arrived. She also seemed to enjoy the freedom.
We made our way through the forest faster than we had originally hoped yet it still took us almost to sundown. High Elf scouts informed us that numerous war bands were coming from the south and we may have to divert our route as they may be between us and Nah before we could pass them. We pressed forward after hearing the news, however Prince Heifel took his escort north along the so he would be in Granic before the end of the night. As we headed west we decided to rest just on the other side of the river that flows from the Land Sea.
Slate, Dittroth, Jounas, O'Har and myself discussed strategy. If there were war bands coming from the south, we had a few options. If did manage to beat them to Granic Forest we could skirt the edge until we were past them. If they were truly small groups we could fight our way through them, although I'm not sure we can afford to lose any men. The other option is to go through the Granic Forest, a risk in itself for all the beasts that reside there, yet we may be without options as we cannot stray too far north. We agreed to fight through small war bands and then use the forest as cover if needed. We then retired to our bedrolls and I to my small tent.
A small luxury on this trip I just needed some time to allow myself to be worried in private about my Kingdom. As I was about to fall asleep, a figure clothed in white entered the tent. Leslie sat down next to me and looked at me with soft eyes.
"Are you alright King Tritus," she said as she stroked my cheek.
"I'm fine Leslie, thank you." I sat up and smiled. She was gentle and kind and really a comfort at the time.
"Silly Tritus, I'm Siobhan. Leslie's my friend and she's sleeping now so it's just the two of us." I now know why she looked and spoke differently when she wore the cap, it held two personalities. She leaned in to kiss me as she worked to remove her belt and robe. I wondered only for a moment how this may lead to trouble down the line, but only for a moment.
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