Ancient Prophecy (7 page)

“You offer good advice, Borundi,” the Sultan offered. “I shall immediately change my title to Emperor and dismiss my harem.”

The Sultan rang a bell and called for his Advisors. He issued his orders and declared that runners go out to inform the nation that Emperor Ali Kasim now ruled Sordoa and that the nation would henceforth be called the Empire of Sordoa.

“Thank you for your advice, Borundi,” stated the Emperor. “Perhaps now Stafa Rakech will think more highly of me seeing his daughter.”

“I do hope so, Your Highness,” said Borundi. “I beg leave of my Mistress for this evening, though. I think it would be wise for her to have a day to recover from her father’s visit. May I tell her that you wish her company tomorrow at lunch?”

Ali Kasim was disappointed, but he saw the wisdom of Borundi’s advice. “Very well,” he conceded, “tomorrow for lunch, then. Let her know that my decisions were for her benefit.”

Borundi nodded and returned to the mansion. Borundi informed Miriam of the conversation and events that occurred at the Royal Palace.

Miriam laughed and said,” I think the time is now right, Borundi. We do work well together. Arrange for an especially large crowd of well-wishers tomorrow. I will arrange for a stroll through the marketplace.”

The next afternoon the Emperor and Miriam strolled through the marketplace. The people welcomed them like conquering heroes. Flowers were thrown before their feet and people bowed as they passed. Ali Kasim’s spirits had never been higher. When they returned to the Royal Palace, the Emperor ordered a lavish luncheon and entertainers for the afternoon. Ali Kasim felt like everything was going his way until he noticed the glum look on Miriam’s face.

“What is the problem, Miriam?” he inquired. “This is a day of great celebration and you appear as if you had just lost a dear friend.”

Miriam leaned over and kissed Ali Kasim. “I have, in fact, just lost a dear friend.”

The Emperor looked over and saw Borundi standing next to Miriam, a sad look upon his face. Borundi obviously had just delivered some disheartening news. “What news disturbs you?” the Emperor quizzed.

Miriam started to sob. After a few moments, she wiped her tears and embraced Ali Kasim. “My father sends word that I am to be wed to the next President of Cordonia, right after the elections.”

Ali Kasim hurled his goblet at the performers and the room fell silent. With a wave of his hand he dismissed the entertainers from the room. He took a moment to compose himself before he spoke. “Why has he done this? How could he have even arranged it on such short notice? Surely, he hasn’t even had time to reach Cordonia since he left here.”

Miriam broke down in tears and Borundi stepped up to the Emperor. “Your Highness, I fear that my advice to you may have been too late. I think her father was debating this move when he was here in Trekum and just made his mind up on the way to Cordonia. He fears that Miriam’s appearances with you will spoil her chance for her marriage to the President of Cordonia. I believe the potential groom has been pressuring for this wedding for some time. It would, of course, ensure him vast sums of wealth as Stafa Rakech is in extremely poor health and it is feared that he will not live much longer.”

Ali Kasim’s mind whirled with the plusses and minuses of losing Miriam or keeping her despite her father’s wishes. Finally, he realized that he could marry Miriam now and wait for her father to die. If he changed his mind later, he would get rid of her and keep the money.

“Miriam, darling,” he cooed, “let us get married immediately. We will say that we got married before your father’s message was received. That way, he cannot blame you for ignoring his desires. Say ‘yes' and I will immediately hold the ceremony on the Royal Palace grounds for all of Sordoa to see and celebrate.”

“Oh, Ali,” she sighed, “you are so intelligent and quick witted. Father could not complain if we had not received his message yet and once we are married, I know he will accept you as a son.”

The marriage was hastily arranged and runners were sent out to inform and welcome the populace. Borundi also sent out messengers of his own to make sure that the Emperor would have no second thoughts.

Thousands arrived to view the ceremony and all of Trekum was enveloped in a party atmosphere. Certain segments of the population were even more thrilled than the rest. Word spread quickly that the Empress had arrived in Trekum.

Alex watched the elves with interest. This camp appeared to be some type of an outpost, like a forward scouting camp. The inhabitants were all warriors and most spent a good deal of time checking their weapons and practicing. The campfires were on the other side of the camp and Alex could not hear any of the conversations. During the first few hours of captivity, he knew they were the topic of conversation as the elves were constantly looking over at them while they were talking. After a while, no one bothered looking at them anymore and Alex figured that they had moved on to other conversations.

Eventually, all the elves retired except the six guards. Two guards stood outside the leader’s tent and the other four marched a pattern around the campsite. Jenneva had been correct in her thoughts about catching eye contact with the guards. They marched right past the prisoners without so much as a glance, as if they had already been disposed of. As the night wore on, the guards’ attentiveness was even more diminished. Alex figured that if he could get his hands untied now, they would stand a decent chance of getting out of the camp, although he knew that their odds of evading the patrols sent after them would be slim.

Alex detected a noise behind him and stiffened.

Spread your hands as far apart as you can. I don’t want to cut them.

Kaz! Am I glad to hear you.

I thought your group would run into problems. These woods have been dangerous for many years. This is where the dark elves spy on the fair elves. I brought friends with me. I hope each of your group knows how to ride.

If they don’t, they will have to learn swiftly.

Kaz cut through the ropes binding Alex and went to work on the others. Alex kept his hands behind him as he watched the guards. The other members of the party were awake and aware of what was happening except Egam and as soon as Kaz touched Egam’s bonds with his horn Egam awoke.

When Kaz was done with the last of the ropes, Alex instructed him.

Kaz, we have to wait until the next guard passes to retrieve our weapons. You should back up until you are out of sight.

Very well, Alex. After he passes all five of us will move back up so your party can mount quickly.

Right after the sentry passed, Alex and Prince Rigal stole out to their pile of goods and started passing out the weapons and packs to the rest of the party. Each member of the group hurried to the unicorns and mounted one. Egam had trouble getting up and Alex grabbed him and tossed him onto the back of the unicorn. Egam grunted and one of the sentries noticed the group escaping. Alex threw himself on Kaz’s back and the five unicorns and their riders took off.

Alex looked back and saw the camp coming alive with activity and then the forest closed in around him. Kaz ran down the winding forest path with amazing speed, certainly much faster than Alex had ever ridden before. Within fifteen minutes they reached the east-west trail where Alex and his group had been captured and Kaz swerved to head eastward on the trail. Another party of elves was hidden at the intersection of the two trails and arrows chased the fleeing prisoners, but none came close to the group. In another half hour the speeding group exited the woods and Kaz slowed the party down to a walk.

That was, indeed, the fastest ride I have ever had, Kaz. We have much to thank you for.

It was our pleasure, Alex. I thought my life was over when you stopped to help me. Where are you heading?

We seek the main village of Elderal. It is located at the mouth of the Boulder River. Of course, that name will mean nothing to you. There is a great river that flows out of the mountains to the south and east. Where it meets the sea we hope to find the leader of Elderal.

Kaz brought the party to a stop and the riders dismounted.
Your people should rest for a few hours until the sun rises. The way south can be dangerous and you will need to be attentive. My people will take you as far as you wish, but you should be warned that the fair elves do not ride and if you travel with us you will be seen as an enemy to them.

Kaz, your people have more than returned my small favor. I cannot suffer you to be shot at because of our destination. Besides, I thought your people don’t like to be ridden.

Kaz snorted and Alex was amazed at how much like a laugh the snort sounded.
Actually, it is pleasurable to have a good rider. My people do not like being forced to carry riders, nor do they like the mistreatment they receive from those that treat us like property. Sleep for a while. We will keep watch and we can talk more in the morning.

The unicorns kept watch while the riders slept. Alex awoke with the sun and saw Jenneva off to one side of the camp with a magnificent white unicorn. He strolled over to the couple and Jenneva introduced the unicorn as Yorra.

Good morning, Yorra.

Good morning, Alex. Jenneva and I were just discussing your adventures and plans. I am very excited because I have never been south of the Sithiarimer.

“The Sithiarimer is their name for the Boulder Mountains,” explained Jenneva.

Well, I can see that you have the heart of an explorer, Yorra. I am not sure that I can impose on you and your people to accompany us, though. We accepted the danger of our trip before we left our homes and we will have to suffer whatever the fates have in store for us. Kaz and you do not share our need to go to Elderal.

Perhaps what you say is true, Alex, but Kaz feels that he has a mission similar to yours. For too many years we have been hunted and captured by the elves of Dielderal for use in their war against the elves of Elderal. Those of Elderal have never ridden upon our backs and Kaz thinks that he may be able to make an alliance with them against the dark elves. If the Shamta says that we go with you, we will gladly follow.

What is a Shamta?

Shamta is a leader, son of the Shamora. It is the same as the elves’ Prince who is son of the King.

Do you mean Kaz is the Shamta of your people?

Yes, did you not know? You saved the life of the Shamora’s son. You shall always have a special place with our people.

Then I cannot further risk his life with our journey.

Are not the elf and dwarf with you sons of their people’s King? Kaz would be disappointed to have to make the trip without you.

Alex turned and walked back to the center of the camp. Another Prince for the group, he thought. Life was full of strange occurrences. Still, if the unicorns could gain an alliance with the Elderal, perhaps the fair elves could gain peace with the Dielderal. If Kaz was indeed willing, the trip would progress much quicker. Alex walked over to where Kaz was standing.

Good morning, Kaz.

Good morning, Alex. I trust your short sleep has refreshed you. I see you have been speaking with Yorra. Undoubtedly, you now know of my reasons for joining you on your journey.

Yes, Shamta, I do.

Kaz snorted his musical laughter snort again.
I think we can leave it as Kaz, Alex. Our journey together will be very swift, but sooner or later we will have to confront the fair elves and make peace or do battle.

Yes, but traveling with you and your people will not be any worse than entering their lands with a dwarf and a dark elf. Come, let us get the rest of the party together and be on our way.

Alex had a bit of trouble convincing Prince Tergota to remount his unicorn. The dwarf had not objected when they were fleeing the dark elves’ camp, but now he didn’t want to resume the journey on the back of a unicorn. Everyone’s arguments fell on deaf ears until Alex pointed out that Prince Rigal was riding despite his fear of unicorns. Alex felt slightly guilty about furthering the competition between the two Princes, but the dwarf was up on his unicorn in a flash and the party got underway.

As they passed by an area of the mountains where Alex trained his Rangers, he began to notice slight differences in the terrain and decided to point this out to Jenneva. Evidently, the Universes did have differences in geography, even if they were slight.

The group followed the mountains eastward until they came to the pass that was called Tor Pass in their own Universe. They had passed no one on their journey to this point and Alex felt that once they went through the pass, camping would become dangerous. He called a halt to the party and they set up camp for the night. Alex was astounded at the progress they had made in one day. He could never have covered the same amount of territory on horseback as he had with the unicorns.

Alex decided that the unicorns would not stand watch at night as they bore the brunt of the physical exercise during the day. Alex and the two Princes took turns at watch. Egam had been decidedly quiet during the trip and during Alex’s watch, he noticed Egam shaking and rolling about as if having a nightmare. Alex woke Egam up and the old magician’s face was drained of color and he was sweating profusely. Egam refused to talk about it and instead of returning to sleep, he wandered over to the edge of the camp and sat quietly.

In the morning Alex woke Jenneva and took her aside.

“I’m really worried about Egam,” he stated. “He has been much too quiet and last night he must have been having a terrible nightmare. Something is bothering him. See if you can find out what the problem is.”

“I know what you mean,” replied Jenneva. “My attempts at conversation with him are strained. He has been acting strangely ever since we entered this Universe. There is nothing I can do short of a Mind Probe and I will not do that unless Egam is in great danger.”

“But his decisions may be affected,” Alex pleaded. “There are other lives at stake here and he cannot keep his problems to himself.”

“Leave it be, Alex,” declared Jenneva. “You have been acting as the group’s leader and doing fine. You were supposed to take over if anything happened to Egam. Something has happened to Egam and you have taken over. When Egam finds out what is bothering him, he will let us know. I think the problem is that Egam does not know what is bothering him.”