The Pool And The Pedestal (Book 2) (35 page)

Kael’s face contorted in confusion. He quickly scanned the group and only Ader and Teeg showed no reaction.

“You told me those were the parents of my ... Mother.” said Kael.

“And so they are.” said Ader.

“Izgra is an Elf.” interrupted Teeg.

“That is not wholly accurate.” said Ader. “He is an Elf and the son of a Seraph, my brother, Alel.”

“What?!” exclaimed Kael. “You never told me that!”

“We hadn’t reached that point yet.” protested Ader. “I told you we needed to move slowly.”

“But ... but that seems a little important to hold back!” shouted the boy.

“Does it change anything?” asked Ader.

“I don’t know what it means!” exclaimed Kael.

“What it means is he has power, great power. The kind of power we need to be wary of.” said Ader. “He has inherited his father’s abilities and is backed by the full power of Amird and Chaos. He has given himself up to Amird as a means for the Deceiver to reenter this world.”

“Why?” asked Kael.

“Because he foolishly believes he will share in the power of the Lord of Chaos once this world is conquered.”

“Foolishly?” asked Granu.

“Does anyone here believe that Amird would willingly share anything with anybody?” asked Ader. “He was unable to share any recognition with Awoi when he walked this earth. He will not share when he returns. Amird is about total domination. Once Izgra is willingly usurped, his essence will be cast away or forced into complete submission and virtually eradicated from the being known as Izgra.”

“But the prophecy says the vessel will be removed from his kingdom.” said Vieri.

“Izgra
has
been removed from his kingdom.” replied Ader. “He has left Forend and crossed to this world in an effort to help Amird regain a hold here. He murdered Kael’s parents and stole the throne of Astel, corrupting the kingdom into what is now known as Kel Izgra.”

The Borz furrowed her brow and contemplated these revelations.

“Surely after all that has happened you still do not believe this fiction concerning Kael?” said Granu.

The girl’s head shot up and she eyed the giant.

“How am I to determine what is fiction, giant?!” snapped the girl. “Look at your own people and tell me if you do not see the signs of treason and evil.”

Granu shut his mouth and clenched his teeth.

“The Counselor was quite clear in his explanation of the events in the wider world.” continued Vieri. “They made sense.”

“You met the Counselor?” asked an intrigued Teeg.

“Yes .... and no.” replied Vieri hesitantly.

“Did he explain these events to you personally?” asked Ader.

“No.” said Vieri. “Throughout the years the Counselor only had contact with Rada.”

Frustration crossed Teeg’s face.

“Start from the beginning, my dear.” pleaded the Elf. “It’s important.”

Vieri narrowed her eyes and scanned the group. Finally they settled on Kael and after a long moment she frowned then turned to Teeg.

“The Counselor first came to Rada when I was but a child.” began the Windrider. “We camped close to the edge of the Great Nagur as was our custom during the summer season. Rada visited the wood alone to hunt. He was gone three days and when he returned a light shown in his eyes and his voice was strong and purposeful.

He told us that he met someone in the woods, a great man of faith. The man called Rada by name and requested council with the revered leader of the Shan Borz. Rada was cautious at first, but the more the man talked the more he displayed an  understanding of the Borz combined with a deep faith in Avra. He bade Rada to call him friend and Counselor , and he would call Rada the same.

He told Rada that Avra devised a plan for the Borz. The clan’s years of faith and loyalty weren’t in vain. Avra chose to raise them up.

The fools from the outside world looked upon the Borz as lords of a barren wasteland. They didn’t see the beauty and bounty the desert provided, along with the protection it afforded those brave enough to enter it. The Borz would be rewarded for their ability to make even the most inhospitable of Avra’s creations home. They would be rewarded for their strength and perseverance.

However, they must first cast away their bickering. The Counselor told Rada that the Borz were a mighty people laid low by their feuds. Rada’s first task was to unite the Borz under one banner. It took my father ten seasons, but when he was through, the Borz were one.”

“Many leaders were lost in those years.” said Teeg.

Annoyance crossed the girl’s face.

“We were given a command from Avra.” stated Vieri. “We removed the clan leaders who refused to follow us.”

“Killed.” stated Teeg.

“Replaced.” corrected Vieri. “It was for the good of all the Borz that the stubborn were removed.”

Teeg frowned and shook his head.

“Go on.” said the old Elf.

“The Counselor was correct.” continued the girl. “The tribes united and ended their bickering. The Borz grew and prospered. Battles concerning water rights and land ownership disappeared. We started to settle our differences in tribal meetings. At first, fear of the Shan assassins brought clan leaders to tribal council, but soon they came of their own accord. All had a say and their voices were heard. Clans united and violence waned. Rada blessed the day he met the Counselor.”

“But you still had never met your benefactor?” questioned Granu.

“No.” replied Vieri. “Only Rada would meet the Counselor. Each summer season the Shan Borz camped near the Nagur and Rada would disappear into the wood to spend several days with the Counselor. None were allowed to enter the wood when this meeting took place.”

“Why?” asked Kael.

“The Counselor asked Rada to abide by these rules.” said Vieri. “He warned Rada that the eyes of Amird were everywhere, even amongst the Shan Borz. All the good that the Counselor wished to do in the world would be compromised if his identity were known to the Deceiver and his troops. The Counselor hoped for the Shan Borz to be used as a tool for the glorification of Avra, but feared his death or that of Rada would halt those plans.

The minions of Amird fight their battle by destroying those who lead, leaving the rest of us without direction. Even if our hearts be pure, we all require direction to find the road. Rada agreed with the Counselor’s request and my father never revealed the Counselor’s true name.”

“And so your next task became Kael.” stated Teeg.

The girl shook her head in dissent.

“Our next task was the formation of the army of Avra.” stated the girl.

“What?!” exclaimed Ader.

“Several years ago the Counselor came to Rada with distressing news. The peoples of this world lost their way. They fell under the influence of Chaos and its lord, Amird. The Keltar joined the rank of the Ulrog and spent much of their existence harassing the Zodrian nation. The Grey Elves retreated to their woods, increasingly content to let the Zodrians face the onslaught of Amird’s forces.

The Counselor told Rada that the Borz would one day be called upon to fight in the name of Avra. The plan became clear. We stopped fighting ourselves those many years ago in order to build our strength for the battle to come. The battle we would wage in Avra’s name against the Grey Elves when they finally succumbed to the influence of Amird.”

“WHAT?!” exclaimed Eidyn. “That is ridiculous! We are as committed as ever! How could Rada believe this nonsense?”

“I said it once before, Elf!” snapped Vieri. “We are not simpletons! Rada is a wise and learned man!”

“They were willing to believe because they were receiving their information from an Elf, my prince.” growled Teeg. “Someone who claimed to be a witness to just how deeply the Elves were being influenced.”

“Simply because an Elf gave them this information doesn’t make it accurate enough to begin the conquest of a friendly neighbor!” said Eidyn.

“Not just an Elf.” said Teeg prodding Vieri.    

Eidyn turned to face the girl.

“Rada assured us the Counselor was a member of the Royal Household.” said Vieri.

“I ... that is...” Eidyn’s words were choked off as he stood mouth agape staring at Teeg.

The old Elf simply stared at the ground, a profound sorrow spread across his face.

“Under my very nose...” mumbled Teeg.

“I don’t believe it.” hissed Eidyn.

“Doubt if you wish, Elf.” said Vieri. “But my story is true. My father agreed to never reveal the Counselor’s identity, but he swore to us the Counselor was from the Royal House in Luxlor.”

“But all this comes from the lips of your father.” scoffed Eidyn. “ How could Rada be sure the Counselor was truly of the Royal House?”

“Rada believed.” returned Vieri. “Rada’s belief is all that is needed for the Shan Borz.”

“Faith is not enough when it comes to the tales some men weave!” snapped Eidyn. “Surely you had some questions yourself?”

“I had some questions,” said Vieri nodding. “but they were laid to rest.”

Teeg nodded, prompting the girl to continue.

“Several weeks ago the Counselor sent word to Rada that we were needed. My father has a secret means of communicating with the Counselor.  That is how we were told that the plot to return Amird to this world was underway. Of course Rada offered assistance to disrupt the plot. The Counselor met with him on the edge of the Nagur late one evening. Rada was instructed to provide the Counselor with an assassin. If the vessel could be eliminated from this earth, we could stave off doom for a time.

I was offered as the Counselor’s weapon. The Shan Borz camped close to the southern Nagur and I was told I would be called upon when the time was right. Late one evening he came. He wore the colors of the house of Valpreux but kept his face covered and his body cloaked. There was no mistaking him for anything other than an Elf of proud bearing. The Counselor told Rada that the vessel was sent for by the conspirators of Amird. He said the Royal House blessed the boy’s existence by meeting with him. A move that showed the Elves had truly given over.

The boy was moving North. I would journey with the Counselor and pick up the vessel’s track in Luxlor. From there I would hunt it down and eliminate it before it had the opportunity to fulfill its role.

The Counselor threw me clothes similar to his own and provided me with a mount. We rode hard. As we approached Luxlor around midday, the Counselor ordered me to remain behind him. He and I remained cloaked , but he removed the mask from his face. He never turned to face me thereafter.

As we approached the Elven city, all who looked upon the Counselor’s face recognized him and saluted. Our movement through the woods, then the city, was never questioned. We even entered the ring of giant trees without a challenge. The Counselor housed me in a small private chamber and told me he needed to attend to business.

He returned hours later, masking his face before entering the room. He told me that we were in luck. The vessel returned to the city before the journey North. However, a conspiracy of protection arose around the vessel and it would be extremely difficult to eliminate the boy. This ring of conspirators would be heading North in the morning, and it would take all of my skill and cunning to complete my task.”

“All this travel and talk and you never once saw his face?” asked Eidyn.

“No.” replied Vieri, “He never allowed me to look upon his face, but I was allowed to look upon yours.”

Eidyn exchanged a shocked look with Kael.

“The Counselor came to the chamber in the middle of the night and took me to a house in the woods.” stated Vieri. “He told me to sit and watch the road, the vessel was to be spirited North that morning. I was to see his face and etch it in my memory so I could destroy him later. He told me to watch for a boy, accompanied by a large warrior, an old man and two elves. As proof of how deep the conspiracy ran, I was told a Keltaran giant was to be present. ”

A deep look of concern spread across Ader’s face.

“Why didn’t the Counselor allow you to make an attempt in Luxlor?” asked the Seraph.

“He said his position was too important. He accomplished the work of Avra and couldn’t allow his place in the Elven court to be jeopardized. “ replied Vieri. “He worried that if I were captured, I would be tied to him. Many who knew him had seen me enter the city with him. Elven troops encircled the woods and escape even for me would be difficult. He suggested I eliminate the vessel on the open road. “ said Vieri nodding toward Kael.

“Would you stop calling me that!?” exclaimed Kael. “I’m a vessel for no one!”

“My apologies.” replied Vieri bowing.

“I find this fantasy a little ridiculous!” scoffed Eidyn. “Why are we to ever believe you set foot in Luxlor?”

Vieri ruminated for a moment then looked to Eidyn.

“I waited in the room as the Counselor instructed.” replied Vieri. “Shortly after sunup, an old lamplighter strode through the city extinguishing the evening lamps. Your group moved slowly down the street. I strained to see the boy. I wanted to study his build, his gait, his mannerism. The Borz take pride that once a target is selected, only the target is eliminated. Accidental deaths caused many difficulties amongst the tribes.”

“I’m sure they did.” snarled Eidyn sarcastically.

Vieri ignored the Elf and continued.

“I was struck by the vess .... the boy when I first saw him. He was not what I expected, cheerfully greeting the old lamp lighter as your group passed. I was intrigued that one meant to be used in such a hideous manner, feigned such an amiable demeanor.”

Ader grunted and frowned.

“It appears we have a traitor amongst the Elves.” said Ader.

“My Lord! This cannot be! The Grey Elves...” protested Eidyn.

Ader held up a hand, quashing Eidyn.

“My boy.” began the old man. “Certain things become self evident. To ignore the story  of the Windrider....”

“Vieri.” interrupted the girl.

“Vieri Shan.” nodded Ader continuing. “...is foolish. She presents us with solid evidence of where we stand in our battle against Amird and Izgra. Now is not the time to allow pride to cloud our judgment. The other great nations faced treachery within their ranks, why should the Grey Elves be any different. This is how the Deceiver works. He attacks from without and corrupts from within. It is the same for any man as it is for a great nation.”