“Voreen seems manageable for the time being, but once we are in the Northern forest home of the elves…” Orian did not finish his thoughts.
Shuran just nodded having discussed this situation with Orian earlier in the day. “We shall just deal with things when and if they transpire. For now let us get some rest and in the morning we will visit the market square before preparing for our journey.” Shuran finished the wineskin that Mallick had with him and they all headed back to Orian’s home.
“Shuran Shin’Ar, why did you offer a place among the Zidu’Si to Orian? You barely know the pointy eared cobbler,” Avrank asked.
“You do not trust him?” Shuran asked.
“We dwarves have little trust for the elves. They are a shifty lot and use deception and persuasion in every dealing with outsiders,” Avrank answered.
“I spent a great deal of time with Orian this morning, he seems different then the other elves, more dedicated and trustworthy,” Shuran said.
“Deception and persuasion Shin’Ar, be careful,” Avrank said.
“I appreciate your concern, but since our first encounter in the woods, I have bested their abilities to deceive,” Shuran said.
“Yes, but how will you hold against the bulk of the elfin population in their Northern home?” Avrank winked and walked off to get some sleep.
“How indeed?” Shuran muttered to himself with a tinge of worry on his brow.
The next morning saw Shuran up early and Mallick setting the fire in the hearth. “Stayed up drinking again last night did you?” Shuran asked Mallick.
“Had too, the two tongued bane challenged me to a test of tolerance.” Mallick shrugged.
“And?” Shuran inquired.
“I do not know how those two could shut up long enough to drink me under the table!”
Shuran just laughed at Mallick. “Dwarves have very strong livers my friend. They can process liquids and filter the spirits much better than you,” Shuran said.
“You read a few books on ‘anatomsy’ and suddenly you are a healer and internals expert!” Mallick mocked.
“It is ‘anatomy’ and I am no expert but I have learned a great deal more through probing with the aid of the Essence and using the books as a reference,” Shuran answered as he helped himself to some food to break his fast.
Orian and his family were awake earlier than the rest of them and prepared a bounteous spread.
“Since we are leaving for Entensiama soon I thought it best we have a hearty meal to start the day. There is a great deal to do in preparation, especially if the elders are to accompany us,” Orian started. “Shuran Shin’Ar may we speak privately when it suits?” He asked.
“Yes, and please just call me Shuran, we are among friends.” Shuran said as he finished his biscuit and followed Orian out to his study.
“I am honored by your offer, but I am not certain I could accept,” Orian admitted.
“You have no direct ties, no mate or young to look after. Your brother and his lady wife can do without you, no offense.”
Orian acknowledged there was no insult taken.
“What reason could hold you back, unless it is that you do not wish to accept?” Shuran asked.
“It is no small matter to accept such an honor. The elves have long memories and you recall how they treated Voreen’s great grand sire when he was returned from service. It may be that the Queen Mother would refuse me the offer in place of another. She may be displeased with any elf accepting without her approval.” Orian bowed his head in embarrassment.
“Orian, I will not be told who I shall accept into my Zidu’Si. It is not a service but a brotherhood of most trusted friends and comrades. Let me deal with the Queen if she disapproves.” Shuran grabbed Orian on the shoulder in friendship. Orian smiled but he was nervous and Shuran could sense it. He was suddenly not very keen on this visit to Entensiama.
After visiting the market, buying herbs for Moona and extra supplies they could not get near Durangug, Shuran was tiring of the elves. Shuran was in part to blame for the added attention. He insisted on sending every purchase directly back to the Vault. Every elf around, that was not busy with bartering, gathered to watch the spectacle of Shuran and his Essence working.
“Elves hear stories of adventure and the uses of Essence in the South, but we do not see asipu here in Tarangale or in the Northern settlements,” one of the merchants admitted.
“I suppose not, truth be told as I hear it, not much Essence working happens even in the South these days. Exception to that rule is the Essence academy or the few asipu seen worthy to be sanctioned by the Great Council,” Avrank said.
Shuran nodded and moved on quickly toward the stables where he was to meet Orian and Mallick. Avrank and the twin dwarfs trotted along behind trying to keep up with Shuran’s fast pace. Before he reached the stables, Orian met Shuran.
“We will not need the steeds,” Orian said with a smile.
“And how exactly are we to get there? Walk?” Mallick asked sarcastically.
“What the council can do will be more than you imagine. We will be in Entensiama moments after we depart Tarangale,” Orian smiled.
Shuran was intrigued.
“What are you prattling on about shoe maker?” Avrank spat.
Shuran placed a hand out in a motion to tell Avrank to settle down.
“Speak plainly friend, I have no humor for riddles this day,” Shuran said.
“Voreen knows an old method of travel, from his great grand sire’s time as Zidu’Si, many suspect. He has shared it with the other council members. Together they will travel us all by way of the energy lines of Ersetu, directly to the center of Entensiama.” Orian smiled at the light in Shuran’s eyes.
Shuran needed to reach Codger and Moona; they had some research to do in the Vault library. When the time to leave arrived, Shuran had already spoken extensively with Codger a number of times.
The Council gathered in the meetinghouse and prepared themselves for the traveling. It was not quite a spell or regular weaving according to what Codger was able to find so far. It was a union of the body and shi with the energy flow of the lines. Shuran was not entirely sure how that worked or how they could move with purpose and direction, but he was determined to find out. Shuran opened his senses and examined the Essence and kept the flow steady. He concentrated his attention on Voreen. He began to feel a shift of force in the ancient elf.
The council clasped hands and ordered all traveling to place a hand on one of them.
Shuran sidled up to Voreen and rested his hand on the elf’s shoulder. Shuran could sense the elf knew he was present even though his eyes remained shut. In an instant there was nothing but light and energy flowing over him, through him.
When the flow stopped suddenly, Shuran felt dazed and confused.
“The feeling will pass Shuran, son of Dalgon,” Voreen said with a smirk and turned to leave them in Orian’s care.
“Come we will rest and make ready to great the Queen Mother, the message will have reached her of our arrival by now.”
Shuran and company followed the elf to a staircase that seemed to emerge from the side of a mountainous tree. Now that his senses were coming to, he was able to take in the scenery. Looking back where they had arrived, Shuran saw a center courtyard surrounded by flowerbeds and small ponds.
He could feel a chill in the air but the flora and fauna betrayed how north they had traveled. From what he was told of Entensiama’s location, they should be far enough north for snow, yet everywhere he looked was green and lush.
“It is amazing!” was all he could manage.
They climbed the stairs that wrapped around the large tree winding up into the canopy. It was a long climb. Once in the canopy, the true beauty and artistry of the elfin home came into full view.
The great limbs and branches of the massive trees served as a foundation for huts that seemed woven out of the branches. Leaves appeared to gather upon the top of each hut to form a roof.
Mallick let out a whistle of appraisal.
“This is beyond beautiful!” Shuran said.
“Seems you pointy ear snobs are good at making more than shoes,” Avrank admitted.
“I am glad you approve.” Orian said smiling to Avrank. “Perhaps you would like some food and drink while you rest. I can also help find some suitable clothing for Mallick and yourself, Shuran Shin’Ar. I am afraid we have nothing to fit children.” Orian threw back the jibe at Avrank personally for the shoemaker cracks.
“We have proper attire. Lead us to where we can settle please.”
Orian looked at Shuran wondering where they were packing clothing and what condition they would be in. He had to trust that Shuran Shin’Ar knew what he was doing.
Shuran retrieved the clothing required from the Vault. After refreshing and changing into proper attire, Shuran, his yet incomplete Zidu’Si, and the twin dwarfs Dvargan and Grafdrik all made their way back down the tree to the central gardens.
“These tree houses are fine but they could do with a lift system. The stairs are murder on little legs!” the twins said.
“We have lifts, but prefer to use the stairs unless time is against us. Walking the stairs provides time to reflect and take in the splendor of our surroundings,” Orian said walking up to great them. He gave the group a once over and nodded his approval of their appearance. “I do not understand how you do it Shin’Ar.”
“Secrets of the Zidu’Si that you may yet discover my friend,” Shuran answered back to Orian.
“Let us not keep the Queen Mother waiting.” Orian said and turned to lead them to the Royal Bitmu, tree house.
As they walked the paths toward the great tree where the Queen Mother received visitors, Shuran noticed the elves here, unlike those in Tarangale, seemed far less enthused with his presence. Shuran wondered if that had anything to do with Voreen.
The tree they approached was bigger, by far, than any other they had seen. Rather than stairs leading up the massive trunk, intricately carved doors were set in the base of the majestic tree. The doors opened inward where they found an audience chamber containing rows of benches along each side leading to a throne and dais at the far end.
The Queen Mother sat upon the throne expressionless as they made their approach.
Shuran reached the proper distance from the dais when he bowed in respect, and his companions, save Avrank, did the same.
Avrank merely lowered his head briefly; after all he was royalty in his own right.
“Stand and be recognized by the reverent Queen Mother, Sovereign of all elfin kind, keeper of the great garden,” the herald announced.
Shuran and the others stood before the Queen waiting for her to address him.
“You have come a long way young asipu and presumed Shin’Ar reborn,” Queen Mother said. Her voice was soft yet commanding. She sat upon her throne, draped in layers of fine ivory silk, decoratively embroidered with threads of gold and emerald in patterns of leaf and vine. Her entire body radiated a powerful glow to Shuran’s Essence assisted vision.
“It is as you say Queen Mother, a long journey that is barley begun,” Shuran responded.
“Then let us not keep you needlessly. You have come to present your claim on the title Shin’Ar, do so,” she said.
Again her tone and posture gave away nothing of her feelings.
“I present to the elfin people, the Agal Kastu, mighty bow of the elfin Zidu’Si,” Shuran said as he held out his hands and within, appeared the Agal Kastu in a flash of light and energy.
The Queen Mother now stood and approached Shuran. As she stepped forward Shuran bowed his head and something on the bow caught his eye, a symbol, the symbol that represented his name as Shin’Ar. Before he could think on this new detail, the Queen Mother took hold of the bow and lifted it from his hands.
Her expression now changed. She could feel its power. She new it was the true bow. “So you have returned to us what was once lost in betrayal.” She said as she returned to her throne.
Shuran looked up to see her challenging look. She was testing him, daring him to speak out in defiance to her statement. He did not have the opportunity to respond.
“You are Shuran, son of Dalgon. He was here you know, some many winters ago. He spoke of a son yet to be birthed, who would reunite the races in a final bid to save Ersetu from destruction,” she said. “Before me stands a young man, human in form, who appears to have seen far more harvests than would fit Dalgon’s prediction,” the Queen finished.
“My growth belies the true passing of my days. I grow differently than most, I am truly younger by half or more, of what I seem,” Shuran answered.
“Yes, Voreen has told me of what he gleaned from your mind, and what he could not.” again the Queen was testing him.
“Should answers be required, I would gladly answer in truth that which I am able. I will not however, suffer the raping of my mind without challenge,” he stated.