A Trial of Souls Read online

  Lee thought for a minute, then stood up. “I need you to take me to King Luccia.”

  Normak looked at Lee incredulously. “You think I’ll just take you straight to the king? Are you mad?”

  “I’ve been told so, yes,” Lee grinned, pulling Normak to his feet. He began to descend the hill, not bothering with his captive.

  “So you’re just letting me go?” Normak called after him.

  “You’ll wait for me here,” said Lee over his shoulder. “Or if you prefer, you can run and see if the elves can catch you again.”

  Normak opened his mouth, but no words came out. With a defeated expression on his face, he sat back down on the ground.

  Lee woke Bevaris and Tristan and told them what had happened.

  “Then we should depart at once,” said Bevaris. “Tristan. Stay with the men.”

  Lee then woke Millet and Jacob.

  Millet struggled to his feet, rubbing his bloodshot eyes. “I shall go with you.”

  Lee laughed. “As you wish, my lord. If you think you are able. But Jacob, you must stay here. If this is a trap, it would be best if one of us is still free.”

  An hour later they gathered on the hill where Normak stood quietly waiting with Bevaris. A few feet away from them, Lolin and Weila were talking to Linis and Dina. That the newlyweds had risen from their wedding bed brought a frown to Lee’s face.

  Linis waved as Lee approached. “You did not think to leave without us, did you?”

  “There is no need for you to come,” said Lee. “Enjoy a few days of peace.”

  “I would, my friend,” he replied. “But my unorem insists on representing Amon Dähl, and I will not allow her to leave my side.”

  “Normak here tells me that the king is definitely at his estate in Xenthia,” said Bevaris. “I told the men to lead the army a day’s ride west of the city and wait there for our return.”

  Tristan and two of his men approached leading horses for everyone but the desert elves. However, Linis had made a habit of running alongside the others, so refused the steed brought for him.

  “We should arrive in four days,” said Normak, eyeing the elves suspiciously. “But I think you waste your time bringing elves. King Luccia will not see them.”

  Bevaris stood nose to nose with the man. “King Luccia will honor the request of Bevaris, knight of the order of Amon Dähl, just as his father did before him. And you will speak with a bit less contempt in your voice unless you wish to test my patience.”

  Normak averted his eyes and mounted his horse.

  “Thank you,” said Lolin. “But there is no need for anger. Understanding and trust is earned, and will come in time. We do not hold those who fear us out of ignorance responsible. Ignorance can be remedied.”

  Bevaris chuckled and motioned to Normak. “Yes. But what of stupidity?”

  All but Normak burst into laughter.

  “For that we have yet to find a cure,” replied Lolin, smiling.

  “Let us hope that the king does not suffer such an ailment,” remarked Weila.

  They set off down the hill before turning northwest. A cold wind chilled Lee’s face and the Weeping Mountains were barely visible. Suddenly, he felt a powerful sense of foreboding. He gripped the reigns tightly.

  “Is something wrong?” asked Bevaris, riding bedside him.

  “I’m not sure,” said Lee. “I hope not. But I suppose we shall find out soon enough.”

  Chapter 27

  The four-day ride to Xenthia was uneventful. Taking into account the speed of the elves, Lee reckoned that their army would be no more than a day and a half behind them.

  Earlier, the landscape had become increasingly hilly as they neared the shadow of the Weeping Mountains. Soon it became obvious to everyone how they had earned their name. A great mist poured down from the many peaks, shrouding their bases. Lee explained that an immense hot spring was to the north of the range. Clouds formed above this, rising higher and higher until eventually falling down on the other side. It gave the mountains a ghostly quality that over the centuries had spawned many a grizzly tale.

  On arriving at the city Lee noticed at once that it had only limited defenses; just a short wall and flimsy gates, though at least fifteen guards were standing in front of these and eyeing them suspiciously as they approached. As soon as the presence of elves was detected, the sound of steel sliding free from scabbards grew loud.

  Normak spurred his horse forward and scrambled from the saddle the moment he was able to. Within seconds he had disappeared inside the gate.

  Bevaris took the lead. “We are here to seek an audience with King Luccia.” His voice boomed with bold assertiveness.

  “And who are you?” demanded the guard captain. “And why do you bring elves to my gate?”

  “I am Bevaris, son of Vrinda,” he announced proudly. “And who I bring to your gates is my own affair. I suggest you tell King Luccia I am here. That is, if you wish to keep your head attached to your shoulders.”

  The captain glared furiously and stood unmoving in silence for what seemed like an eternity. But Bevaris’ sheer presence finally overwhelmed him. With a loud growl he spun on his heels and marched off, roughly pushing aside his guards as he went.

  “Was that wise?” whispered Lee. “Perhaps it would be best not to antagonize the locals.”

  “I will not have my comings and goings in my own hometown questioned,” he shot back. “I know that man, and he knows me. He was a stuffed shirt when he was young, and a captain’s chevron has only made his condition worse.”

  His words cause sniggers from the other guards.

  Just over an hour passed before the captain returned with a self-satisfied look on his face. “You are to be disarmed and arrested…Bevaris. If you resist, you and your friends will be killed.”

  Bevaris leapt from his saddle, causing the guards to shift nervously. “If the king wishes my arrest, so be it. As for my friends...”

  “They will comply as well,” completed Millet.

  The company dismounted and began to remove their weapons.

  “If any harm comes to them,” warned Bevaris. “I will settle accounts with you first.”

  “Mind your tongue,” replied the captain. “Or it may be your head that is in jeopardy.”

  Bevaris sneered while taking off his massive sword. “I should ask you how your sister fares, Captain Konnor. I have missed her company. As I’m sure she has missed mine.”

  The other guards could not hold back their chuckles and stifled laughs.

  The captain fumed. “Be quiet! All of you!” He pressed his face close to Bevaris’, but the knight was unmoved. “Take them away,” Konnor finally ordered.

  They were immediately surrounded and their mounts seized.

  “This is not exactly how I hoped it would go,” remarked Lee.

  “It is to be expected,” offered Weila. “With an elf army of unknown intent at your door, they may feel a show of strength to be prudent.”

  Bevaris shrugged. “Prudent or not, the hospitality of Xenthia has suffered.”

  The guards led them into the city. Lee could see that the once well-tended white stucco buildings were now showing distinct signs of decay, also that the many small flower gardens that used to line the avenues had been filled in with pebbles and dirt. Trash and debris was piled up between the houses and shops, amongst which rats scurried about feasting on the refuse. The people of the city looked haggard and emaciated, staring suspiciously at the new arrivals as they passed by. Whispered words of war floated to Lee’s well-tuned ears.

  “Hardship has befallen these lands,” he remarked. “Even in winter this used to be a beautiful place. Now…” He shook his head sadly.

  “It grieves me to see it so,” said Bevaris. “Trade with Angrääl has clearly not gone well.”

  The word Angrääl caused the guards to pause momentarily and look at one another.

  “I see that name is well known here,” observed Millet.

&nbs
p; They were taken to a guard post at the southern end of the city and placed inside a small windowless room. As the door slammed shut, Lee could hear a guard mentioning the words ‘ambassador’ and ‘execution’.

  “We may be in more trouble than we first thought,” he said.

  Several hours passed before the door reopened and Captain Konnor stepped inside.

  “The king will see three of you,” he stated. “Bevaris and two others.”

  Lee looked to Millet.

  “I think it best you go,” said Millet. “Your reputation may help our cause.”

  “I wouldn’t count on that,” mocked Konnor. “We know of you, Lee Starfinder. Don’t think your skill with a blade will allow you to impose your will here.”

  Lee ignored him.

  Weila also stepped forward. “I will speak for my people.”

  The captain gave a mocking laugh. “An elf, a has-been warrior, and a scoundrel. This will indeed be amusing to watch.”

  Konnor led them out into the street. With the sun waning, the smell of torches and unwashed bodies filled Lee’s nostrils. They weaved their way north through the city until the road began to gently slope upward. Soon the king’s manor came into view.

  Though only a single story building, it was at least two hundred feet wide, built from polished blue stone, and topped with a black tile roof. An imposing marble archway stood at the head of a path leading up to double doors made of oak. Panels of white latticework surrounded the yard, while marble fountains close to each corner of the house spouted crystal clear water. The yard itself was well manicured with dozens of circular flowerbeds and a multitude of peach and apple trees.

  “It would seem at least this house has escaped hardship,” muttered Bevaris disapprovingly.

  “I’ll be sure to mention your compliment to the king,” sneered Konnor. “I’m certain he’ll be pleased to hear of it.”

  The hall inside was wide and spacious. A polished wood floor shone like glass. Stained panels decorating the walls were of superb craftsmanship, covered in art from both the western and southern kingdoms. Life-size marble statues of the nine gods stretched across the far end, every one magnificent in its artistry. To the right were a dozen chairs set in a semi-circle, each separated from its neighbor by a small round table. Fine blue lace curtains covered an archway directly in front of the visitors, while above their heads, huge glass panels allowed the night sky to be clearly seen. By day these would flood the hall with light, though at present it was illuminated by three crystal chandeliers.

  Konnor led them through the curtains into an antechamber with several plush chairs set against the wall. “Wait here,” he ordered before exiting through another door to their left.

  Two guards remained, standing stiff and silent. Another hour passed before Konnor returned. This time his face was red with anger. “King Luccia will see you now,” he said sharply.

  He led them through a series of hallways to a round chamber with a large oval dais at the far end. Four rows of chairs were facing this stage, on which two men and three women dressed as Baltrian pirates were performing a comedy for a lone audience member.

  “That’s enough,” commanded the solitary spectator, clapping his hands.

  The actors stopped at once and bowed respectfully. As they hurried away they glanced fearfully at Weila, while completely ignoring Lee and Bevaris.

  “They’ve never seen an elf before,” said the man, rising from his seat. “But of course, neither have I.”

  He was short, though not frail or slight, with thick wavy brown hair, oiled and pushed back in Baltrian fashion. His ruddy complexion and green eyes gave him a friendly bearing. Though not opulent, his blue and green shirt and blue pants were clearly of fine quality. Several gold rings on the fingers of both hands spoke of his wealth.

  “Your highness,” said Bevaris, bowing. “It is good to see you again.”

  King Luccia scrutinized the group. “So this is what dear Captain Konnor was so worried about. I recognize the name Lee Starfinder. My father spoke of you with great admiration.”

  Lee bowed. “Your father was a kind and wise leader. I held him in the highest regard.”

  Luccia smiled. His eyes then settled on Weila. “And an elf. Amazing! I would be overjoyed if there was not an army of your folk heading in this direction.”

  Weila stepped forward and bowed low. “I am Weila, your highness. And let me assure you that my people mean you no harm. Our fight is elsewhere.”

  “Yes,” said Luccia. “You go to challenge the powers of the north.” He allowed a hint of distain to seep into his voice.

  “That we do,” she replied.

  Luccia chuckled. “If only we had your courage.”

  “Then Angrääl is the cause of your woes?” asked Bevaris.

  “Angrääl is a storm,” said Luccia. “One I fear we cannot weather. But before I speak of these matters, I will hear your tale in full, Bevaris. Captain Konnor is convinced of your ill intent. Tell me why he is not to be believed.”

  Bevaris stood proud. “Aside from the fact that the captain is a fool, and always has been, I will say only this. I have ever been a man of honor, and no one in this city has just cause to dispute that. I was a friend to your father, and to you. I only wish to bring hope and life to these lands - things which I have noticed you do not have in abundance at present.”

  “Konnor may be a fool,” said Luccia in a reprimanding tone. “But he is a good captain and a loyal subject. He only serves to protect our life and lands.” The king’s face then cracked into a smile. “However, I can only hope he is able to do a better job at that than he did protecting his sister’s honor.”

  Bevaris grinned. “Actually, your highness, those rumors were…” He hesitated. “Well - a little bit exaggerated perhaps. At least, some of them were.”

  “Your highness,” cut in Lee. “What of our companions? Will they be released?”

  All traces of the king’s humor vanished. “Once I have heard your story and am satisfied you speak the truth, then I will let them go. Not a moment sooner. I am sorry if you take insult to my actions, but these are dark times.”

  “Then let us not dally,” suggested Lee. “The tale is long and our friends uncomfortable.”

  “Quite right,” agreed Luccia. “Please be seated.”

  For the next two hours Bevaris, Lee, and Weila took their turn in telling the king their stories. His interest increased noticeably when hearing about the elves of the desert. Once everyone was finished, Luccia got up and walked to the door. After a quick word with the guard he returned to his seat.

  “I am having your friends released at once,” he said. “Though I am afraid they must not move about the city unescorted. They will be brought here and given a proper room.”

  “I thank you, your highness,” said Bevaris. “And now that you have heard our tales, I would hear what has happened to my beloved home.”

  “It is as you see it,” said Luccia sadly. “We are all but cut off from the world.”

  “But your scout told us you traded with Angrääl,” said Lee.

  “And we did,” affirmed Luccia. “But no longer. When representatives of the Reborn King first arrived, we thought it a boon. They had goods, skilled craftsmen, and no lack of gold. Then I learned that they were recruiting my people to serve in their army. When I ordered them to stop, they complied - at first. But very quickly it became apparent that they did not respect my rule. When I threatened to expel them from my kingdom, I was told that unless I relented, all trade would be cut off and we would surely starve.”

  He sighed deeply before continuing. “They had already taken control of Survia’s ports, and that is the only coastal kingdom in the Eastland. Later, to my dismay, I heard they had taken Baltria as well.” His tone became even more melancholy. “Baltria was the first city I ever visited outside of my own lands. Half of the goods we receive comes through there. Even the cities along the Goodbranch are under their control.”

&n
bsp; “But I see that didn’t stop you from throwing them out,” remarked Lee.

  “What choice did I have?” His sadness became anger. “I am the rightful king, and will not shame my father by cowering before this villain.”

  “Then you will fight?” asked Bevaris.

  Luccia laughed. “Fight? Are you mad? I have no more than a volunteer force of five thousand swords. Angrääl would sweep us aside like so many dead leaves.”

  “You could raise an army,” suggested Lee. “Certainly the other four Eastland kingdoms would come to your aid.”

  “You speak without knowledge, Starfinder,” snapped Luccia. “I would defend my lands if I could, but the people here are afraid and on the brink of starvation. They will not answer the call to arms. And as far as enlisting aid from the other four kingdoms - their rulers have already allowed themselves to become vassals of the Reborn King, so I would be fighting them as well. No. Soon my rule will end and my people forced to serve Angrääl; that much is clear.”

  “Is there nothing you can do?” asked Bevaris, deep sadness in his voice.

  “I am afraid my only hope is to either submit or pray for the gods to intervene,” said Luccia. “And as neither of these things will happen, I expect that one day soon I will find a dagger in my back, or perhaps poison in my cup.”

  “Help may come in ways you never expected,” said Lee. “And your prayers may not go unanswered. There is one who walks the earth with the power to challenge the forces of darkness. One who even the Reborn King fears.”

  “You speak of Darshan,” said the king in a whisper.

  Lee smiled. “Word travels fast.”

  “I have heard rumors,” he replied. “Men fleeing the war in the west speak the name. They say he killed fifty thousand soldiers with a wave of his hand, though I find that a bit hard to believe. It’s more than likely he’s a half-man.” He looked at Lee’s calm expression and leaned forward. “You know him, don’t you? I can see it in your eyes.”

  “I know him,” Lee admitted. “I know him well. And I can tell you that he is not a half-man, as indeed I am. He is far more powerful than I.”