Chapter 21
When all had washed and dressed, they went downstairs to join Lord Broin. The door to the parlor was open, and voices could be heard speaking softly within. The parlor was sparsely decorated. A few paintings and some silver lanterns lined the walls, and a cherry wood table holding a crystal decanter and a dozen brandy glasses stood in the corner. Three well-cushioned couches atop a thick woven rug formed a semi-circle in the center of the room. At the far end of the room, a small fire burned cheerfully in the fireplace.
Lord Broin was sitting on a couch, having a spirited conversation with two unfamiliar figures. On his left sat a young- looking man with dark curly hair, wearing a red silk jacket and a black buttoned shirt with black trousers. To his right sat a blond elf dressed in common brown woodsman’s attire.
“Ahh,” Broin said as he saw them enter. “Please, join us.” The man and the elf rose to their feet and bowed low.
“Let me introduce my friends,” Broin said. “The young man here is Lord Ganflin from Althetas, and this is Malstisos.”
Gewey and the rest introduced themselves in turn. Lord Ganflin turned to Kaylia, who was still wearing her hood.
“Please, my dear. You don’t need to hide here.” Kaylia nodded and removed her hood, although she didn’t fully remove her cloak.
“Linis told us there would be both elves and humans,” Lee remarked. “Still, it’s odd to see.” Broin laughed. “I know what you mean. I’ve been friends with Malstisos here for over a year, and it still shocks me when he removes his hood. A good lot, though-the elves, I mean. Once you convince them not to kill you.”
“I only tried that one time,” Malstisos joked as he turned to the others. “I’m sure Linis told you of our efforts to build relations with humans. As you surely know, it has not been well received by the elders. People like Lord Broin and Lord Ganflin provide a safe place where we can talk and plan. The elders may wish to stop us, but even they wouldn’t dare assault us in a human city.”
“In Althetas,” Lord Ganflin added, “there are even elves walking openly in the streets.”
Kaylia marveled at the idea. “I imagine that took a while to accomplish.”
“Not as long as you might think,” Ganflin replied. “You’d be surprised how quickly people can get used to a thing, though I admit there are still some who are opposed to the idea.”
“Prustos left word that you would need passage further west,” Broin interjected. “Where is it you need to go?”
“Actually,” Dina answered, “we’re headed for Althetas.”
“Then you shall travel with me,” Ganflin declared. “I will be here for two more days, and then I depart for home. I can delay if you need more time.”
Lee looked at Maybell, who nodded in response.
“Two days should be plenty of time,” said Lee. “We have some business here to attend to, but it should be finished by tomorrow.”
“It’s settled then,” Broin said as he stood up and opened the decanter on the table. The air filled with the scent of plum brandy.
“Until then, you shall stay here as my guests. My house is yours.” He then proceeded to pass around glasses of brandy to the entire table.
Dinner was pleasant. The dining room was large and could have easily accommodated twice their numbers, but the dark wood paneling and pastel drawings on the walls made it feel cozy. Angus, Lord Broin’s servant, served the meal unaided, with a speed and precision that impressed even Millet. Conversation was light, focusing mainly on trade and merchant affairs. Malstisos spoke to Kaylia and Dina, telling them tales of Linis and the rest of his band. They had apparently traveled more than any other elves in history-or so it sounded to hear Malstisos tell it. As they finished eating, Broin instructed Angus to see that there were enough chairs in the study to accommodate their guests.
“I trust you’ve all had your fill?” Broin asked, wiping his hands with a napkin.
“Indeed,” Lee replied. “I haven’t eaten that well in quite a while.”
“Then if you will join me in the study, we have matters to discuss,” Broin said, pushing back his chair.
Broin led them from the dining room, across the foyer, and into the study. A large mahogany desk sat at the far end of the room next to a fireplace that glowed dimly as a small fire crackled and popped. Bookshelves lined the walls, and cushioned chairs had been placed in front of the desk. The lanterns in the corners had been dimmed, giving the room a very relaxed atmosphere. When they were all seated, Angus entered the room and gave them each a crystal glass filled with cider.
“My friends,” Broin began. “As you all know, darkness is covering the land. In the north, Angraal is gathering its strength and preparing to march. We’ve tried to warn the western nobles, but they refuse to listen. In fact, Angraal already has representatives engaging in open negotiations with other northern kingdoms.”
“Do you have word of Hazrah?” Lee asked anxiously.
“Not specifically, no,” he answered. “But Hazrah is most certainly in danger. If you have friends or family there, you should get them out before it’s too late.”
Lee lowered his eyes in thought.
“I don’t know what causes your flight west,” Broin continued. “But I can guess you are not unaware of the things I speak of.”
“We are aware,” said Lee. “But I cannot tell you the reason for our flight. I can say that we have similar goals, and by helping us, you help protect your lands and homes.”
“I thought as much,” Broin said with a knowing smile. “You have the trust of Linis, so I won’t press you to tell me things you think you shouldn’t. But if you know anything about what we face, I hope you will share it.”
Lee took a sip from his cup and looked at the tense face of Lord Broin.
“The power you face in Angraal,” Lee said, “is known as the Dark Knight, though some call him by other names. He is far more dangerous than you might have guessed. He has stolen a powerful weapon not meant to be wielded by mortal men. With it, he has locked the door to Heaven, and if he isn’t stopped, he’ll reshape the world into a living hell.”
“You speak of the Sword of Truth,” said Ganflin. “I’ve read about it, but I thought it was just a myth.”
“I wish it were,” Lee said solemnly. “The one who stole it is the power behind the trouble in the north. He seeks to destroy the gods, and with the sword, he might find a way. He hasn’t yet reached his full strength, but the longer he possesses the sword, the more powerful he becomes.”
“How can he be stopped?” asked Broin. “I have heard of the Sword of Truth as well, and if the legends are true, then he now holds the power of a God.”
“He may have their power, but he is
'Among the elves, hatred of the Gods runs deep. There are many who would side with this Dark Knight.' Malstisos noted. “If he is as powerful as you say, we will need to convince them to do otherwise.”
“For that, we must count on you and your brethren,” Lee said. “I’ll aid you in any way that I can, but I doubt my interference in this particular matter would help.”
“Hers might,” Malstisos said, nodding toward Kaylia.
“They want me dead,” Kaylia retorted. “They are even willing to ignore tradition to see it done. I doubt I can say anything to sway them.”
“There is at least one elder that doesn’t seek your death,” he countered. “It may be that he is our only hope.”
“He wants nothing to do with me,” Kaylia replied coldly. “That my own kin has been sent to kill me tells me that.”
“Who are you talking about?” asked Gewey.
“My uncle,” Kaylia answered in a whisper. “He fought in the Great War alongside my father-his brother. After my father died, he raised me as his own. But that was long ago.”
