To Claim the Elvin Princess: Apprentice (12 page)

19

“You know, you never did tell me the history of the Elvin. You’re pretty sneaky!” Rasten suggested as they prepared to go soak in the bath.

“Well, I’m sorry! We’ve been busy, in case you didn’t notice!” Amein complained

“You’re not too busy now, as long as you don’t sit on my lap!” he teased.

“Alright...but I’m giving you the short version...our history spans more than thirty million years, and is quite complex!” she sighed. Seeing Rasten merely nod, she took a deep breath, and plunged ahead.

“The Elvin race is beyond ancient, having come into being on a distant world, in another universe. Legend tells that we were created by the primal force, what you might call God, and were tasked with many things, among which was to oppose the Darkness, in whatever form it might take. The First Elvin were granted great powers, and were learned and wise, They built a mighty civilization, which covered their world, and with the discovery of the Gates, they spread forth to contest the Darkness on a hundred habitable worlds.”

“Strong and cohesive, devoted to their charge, they had no strife, such as others might suffer. All they came across were in awe of them, and they had endless allies, whom they honored and supported. Nothing could oppose them or stand against them, or so it seemed. But then...” Amein hesitated, this recitation suddenly more painful than ever before.

“Then what...they became evil?” Rasten suggested.

“No, at least not as such. They became...too proud,” she sighed. “They decided that they didn’t need the other peoples, the other races, to advance their battle against the darkness. It was not long after, at least as the Elvin count it, maybe a thousand years, when they encountered the first of the dark ones, the Narisinia. They too were a mighty force, who had spread through their universe, gaining power and strength. They seemed endless, and utterly evil, blighting everything and every world they touched. The Elvin found themselves for the first time, fighting a force equal to themselves!”

“I assume they suddenly regretted pushing their former allies away?” Rasten wondered.

“Tragically so! The people whom they had ignored had lost their skills at arms, had become soft and weak, unable to even defend themselves. Rather than being useful allies, they were a burden in need of protection! Faced with this problem, those Elvin resorted to their inventiveness, and devised ever more wicked weapons!”

“How long did the war...I assume this was a war...how long did it last?”

“The Elvin battled the Narisinia for over three million years, before they defeated them,” Amein sighed.

“How did they defeat them?”

“By destroying the entire universe the Narisinia occupied,” Amein whispered.

“They had that sort of power?!” Rasten gasped, shocked.

“We still do...but it is locked away, never to be used! The cost of that victory nearly destroyed the Elvin! Rasten, thousands of races perished in that event, wiped out of existence! The Elvin were supposed to be guardians of all that is good, but they did an unspeakable evil to destroy what they hoped was a worse evil. They were so devastated by the loss of their sense of...decency...that they plunged into a long period of self loathing.”

“I can see why! Dear God! So, what happened then?”

“The Elvin had lost their sense of...rightness? They still went forth to battle the Darkness, but they had none of the focus that had marked them before. They split apart, becoming isolated, spread over hundreds of worlds, in a dozen universes, isolated and unaware. Many became like men, hungering for power, bickering among themselves. They were much like humans. This period lasted almost five million years, as the universe grew darker...”

“Were the Elves on Earth at this time?” Rasten wondered, intrigued.

“No...the Elvin found your world in the most recent times, probably a hundred thousand years ago.”

“So, did something happen to change that, or are you here...”

“Something marvelous happened, and his name is Amoroth! Sa Taran Lo Amorothinairiniam came to Elvin adulthood on the Elvin world of Hiateri, nearly two million years ago. He was overly bright, amazingly gifted, strong and skilled. His parents had hoped for him to become a sage, and had thus done all they could, to inspire his mind. He had the best teachers in all disciplines, but become obsessed with the history of the Elvin race. Delving deeply into long forgotten books of lore, his heart and mind were inflamed, with a vision of what the Elvin people had once been. It was at this point, that he had his first inuarieum, what you’d call a vision!”

“I assume this was quite powerful?”

“It was more than that! On that day, he vowed to restore the Elvin to their proper place in the universe. The rest is history, as you’d say!”

“How long did that take?”

“Amoroth lived sixteen thousand years, and at the end, all the Elvin were again united, and were again dedicated to their original purpose. He wasn’t inclined to take no for an answer!” Amein declared, laughing brightly.

“So he’s the reason you’re so stubborn?” Rasten teased. 

“He’s also the reason I’m so eager...he had a thousand offspring!” she confessed, blushing slightly.

“So how has the battle against evil gone since the Elvin got back on track?”

“Slowly, but we do make steady progress. We vowed to never take the easy path, to succumb to doing evil, thinking it was less wicked than it is, simply because we do it against another evil. The Elvin are well taught that lesson, from the moment they stop peeing in their diaper!”

“Is this the...this isn’t the only place the Elvin exist, is it?”

“Hardly! But it is the seat of all Elvin power. We exist on a thousand worlds, spread through almost a hundred universes!” Seeing his furrowed brows, she touched his arm.

“Yes, I’ve walked on all Elvin worlds. Those who lead on each come here frequently, so that we may speak and plan!

“Do the others all have someone like the Eridians causing trouble?”

“No! It is sometimes quite embarrassing that we do, yet none would make fun of us for it...they understand why we are unwilling to simply wipe them out...every elf understands that!” she sighed.

“It sounds like the Elvin well punished themselves for being foolish!”

“Or something greater than us did! Rasten, the universes are complex and deep. None understand how or why they exist! It is hard to see all that magnificence and not be moved, to not believe there is something greater, which has chosen to make this so...confronting our insignificance helps keep us from being arrogant! We learned the hard way that doing our duty, serving the good...that is what allows us to prosper and have peace within our selves! Our belief that we are special only comes from believing that we were given a hard and critical task. That works well to keep us focused, and devoted. “

“So...do you have any belief or...religion?”

“None like what you might recognize. For some reason, humans become ensnared in such, much more that the Elvin do. You could ask any elf, if they believe in the Divine, the God force, the power of creation, and they would all say yes. But they would consider the worshiping of such to be ridiculous; we were given our task when we were created; all any elf needs to do is to obey that, and do their part well. And they do!”

“When they aren’t being slutty and playing?” Rasten teased.

“They would consider that a necessary part of being a proper elf!” she laughed.

“I assume Elvin history is a very long and deep subject? You’ve existed for a lot of years!”

“It is. Our people are fanatic record keepers, and we have writings that go back tens of millions of years, both official and personal journals. Our clan library holds tens of thousands of such personal writings. Our father filled several hundred of them in his life alone...and he died young by Elvin standards.”

“How many have you read?”

“More than half! I should have read more, but was occupied with other tasks!” she declared this brightly, looking attentive and proper. Rasten’s laughter made her wilt.

“I think other activities used up much of your time...didn’t it?” he demanded.

“You can be such a pain sometimes,” she sighed, looking very guilty.

“How far back does Elvin written history go...isn’t your origin lost in the distant past, being mainly...legend...you said that yes?” Amein looked embarrassed.

“We believe what we choose to believe! There is no actual record of God or something creating us, or telling us what to do, but we embrace what we believe, and quite deeply!” she grinned. “Even if it’s a lie, not a single elf will deny it!” she laughed. Rasten merely shook his head.

They fiddled a bit, immersed in the warm water, before Rasten thought of another question.

“How is it that such a young Elvin female might occupy the highest seat in all of Elfdom? Isn’t that a bit...odd? You said positions and titles are earned, not inherited. How did you...what did you do to gain this sort of power?”

“Nearly died? I went as a junior battle commander on a large scale attack on a world far away. We moved in mass against an evil race of beings called Hunaraqi, in the universe where the...remember the gate where the fire demons were? It is within that one! A hundred thousand Elvin warriors descended, to visit destruction on them, and I was among them. The battle was brutal; the Hunaraqi were strong and barbaric. We were getting our butts beat, when our commander fell. There seemed to be no hope for us, but I....I should have just peed myself, but no, I went running at their leader, screaming like I was deranged...I’d lost my helmet, and when I got near, I attacked the evil one like I was rabid, and hacked him down. The sight of an Elvin woman, a young girl, overmastering their leader gave them pause, and gave heart to our people. I still have no idea why, but the Elvin all followed my lead and commands. We routed them well!” Amein looked embarrassed a moment. “I was certain I would get in trouble for being so undisciplined, and for losing my helmet! Imagine my surprise, when we returned, and I was summoned by the council. I thought I was going to be censured for my foolishness! Instead, they summoned me, and placed the tiara on my head, and named me Sa-Tarin lo Ameinidine! Apparently my craziness bore unexpected fruit, as they say!”

“You’re the youngest to ever wear it, aren’t you?” Rasten guessed.

“Yes. I was only one hundred and twenty when I was made Princess. It is quite an honor! That I was chosen unanimously is quite amazing also. But it is a weighty honor, which comes with great obligation; the lives and well being of billions of Elvin sit on my shoulders!” she sighed.

“Yet you can still laugh and love! The Elvin are quite special, aren’t they?”

“They are indeed, and they are your people too!”

Rasten frowned suddenly.

“What disturbs you?” she asked softly.

“I find the idea that I should be able to do such great things...a bit...far fetched?”

“I don’t...you have greatness written all about you. Only your own doubts will stop you, from taking your place...and I’m not inclined to allow you to have doubts!” she whispered, touching him, eager to arouse him.

“You aren’t much inclined to give me any rest either!” he suggested, before kissing her.

20

The seasons had begun to shift, getting colder, especially in the northern regions where the Eridians held sway. The crops had been harvested, the barns filled with hay and fodder for their livestock, and much wood had been cut and stacked. There was little work left to do, especially for the men, and thus would begin the long season of raiding and attacks that kept the Eridians supplied with things they coveted, but could not make or trade for themselves. This included all manner of jewelry, metal work, precious metals, especially gold and the Elvin silver alloy called zitthoria, which the Eridians called zumarka, glass items and if possible, the much prized Elvin female.

Shocara had become disenchanted with such raiding, wishing to inflict real harm upon the Elvin, but her desires met with less enthusiasm. Attacking the Elvin directly was dangerous and many Eridians had perished from such. Still, their hatred was deep and well entrenched, which Shocara managed to exploit for her intentions, while maintaining the appearance of giving her warriors what they desired.

They had abandoned their summer encampment at Sardac, going north to their village of Darcouren, to spend the winter season in a more secure place, nestled in the valley of Ciranic, the Eridian word meaning the Valley of Stones. This was apt, as the open fields, filled with a thin soil, were interspersed with large boulders, left from some long ago geologic upheaval. The high mountains surrounding it had only two narrow passes, which were nearly impassable to the large and ungainly alowon, especially the one facing the Elvin lands to the south. The other, which gave passage to other tribal lands to the east, was easier to traverse.

Shocara, like the other Eridians was convinced that the Elvin would be unlikely to attempt a transit of such passes, even if they could clear a way to them. They hoped the Elvin might be forced to attack solely by air, on their terranaks, which would give the Eridians a much more favorable battle.

Shocara had come outside, to go to the meeting house, late in the afternoon of a cloudy day, and was nearly at her destination, when something in the sky caught her eye. She moved to get a better view, squinting to see what she was looking at.

“You see something?” Garen asked suddenly, stepping close.

“There...far afield...is that not two or three riders up high?!” she replied, pointing.

“Perhaps...your eyes are better than mine, Princess.”

“Who would be a wing?” she wondered, frowning.

“Perhaps Aristan is training new flyers?” Garen suggested, unsure. Amein finally shrugged, and went on. She frowned, when she went inside, and found Aristan seated at the long table.

“Who is awing?!” she demanded, catching his eye. Aristan glanced at the others present, and gestured helplessly with his hands.

“None should be so...why? Have you seen someone aflight?” he asked, brows furrowed.

“Three have passed over, from west to east, nearly touching the clouds! If we have none aloft, it means the Elvin are spying on us! What might inform them to do such?” Shocara demanded.

“Perhaps the accursed Elvin simply wish to worry us, and make us sleep less soundly? Hacarim suggested, and laughed.

“And perhaps we will awake to find each of us impaled on Elvin steel!” Shocara declared, viciously. “It has been my observation that the Elvin do nothing without purpose or well thought out plan. If they are observing us, it is for some reason, and likely one we will find unpleasant! You may hate them all you please, but never underestimate them! Their Princess is crafty and wise, and does nothing simply because she can. I have no desire to die because some of you think her less able than she has already proven herself to be!” Shocara berated them, sitting down angrily.

“Your thoughts are wise, Princess, but what might the Elvin seek to discover by flying over our area, especially at such height?”

Shocara sat, immobile, idly tapping her nails on the wooden table, as she considered this. It seemed foolish for a tiny group of Elvin to fly over Eridian lands. Were they trying to get them to give chase, to fly into an ambush? It would be stupid to expect the Eridians to follow far enough to get somewhere that a mass of Elvin flyers might be waiting. They were twenty leagues from the nearest Elvin lands! How might the Elvin even expect the Eridians to be some place; this was the time of year they moved around, raiding. They could find them easier in the summer months, when the crops were being tended.

Shocara started to say this, but stopped, suddenly shocked; a new and worrisome thought had come to her.

“This is the time of year when they can count the columns of smoke rising from our fires! That would give them a good idea where we are, and how many are within each village or town! We have battled the Elvin on their land for many years...the Elvin may be trying to determine where we actually are!”

“And what would that matter?” someone asked. Shocara looked like she might cut this one down, for being so foolish.

“The only reason such might matter, is if the Elvin wish to bring the war to us, to our towns and villages!” Hacarim declared disgustedly.

“Exactly! And we should wish to avoid such a fate! The Elvin have never killed our women and children, but they could seize them in mass, and we would be powerless to not capitulate! I have no desire to be in such a state!”

“But Princess! How will we go raiding, if we must stay home, to guard our families?”

“That is not our worst problem; should the Elvin attack us, one village or town at a time, especially in winter, when we would be helpless to have others reach us, we would fall, one by one! The Elvin can bring large numbers against us, that we would have no hope of resisting! We must do something before they do, to discourage them from such a plan!”

“And what might you suggest?” Hacarim wondered.

“I have no idea, but I’ll think of something. I have no desire to end up in an Elvin prison cell, being tortured and raped, for having led you against them!” she sighed.

Shocara had been so disturbed by this new possibility, that she wanted only to be alone and undisturbed, so she might give it proper thought. The village offered no peace, being a constant source of noise and interruption, so after the mid day meal, she saddled her horse, and rode away, telling only Garen where she was going. She road out and up hill, wending her way along a path that went loosely to the east, and barely an hours ride from the village, she reached her destination; a rocky outcropping jutting from the bones of the mountain.

Here was the location and remains of an old watch tower, that had been built in ancient times by Elvish stone wrights, long before the Eridians had taken the land. Her people were terrified of it, believing it cursed, and filled with terrible Elvin sorceries, but Shocara had fallen in love with its vantage and view when barely a teenager. She had wisely kept her ardor hidden, understanding that her father would use a strap on her behind for even going near it.

She tied her horse to a small bush, which had somehow sprouted and thrived in a small crack between stones, and began the climb around the tower, going steadily upwards, the steps barely the width of her shoulders. At the top there was a flat stone floor, surrounded by a crenulated rim, and it was here she could sit, undisturbed and think. No one might approach unseen, and the valley below was visible in its entirety.

As she had many times, Shocara touched the smooth stones, amazed at the quality and ingenuity of the workmanship.
The accursed Elvin are nothing if not skilled!
she thought once again, frustrated that her people lacked such a marvelous ability.
It seems so unfair! Why have we been condemned to such a poverty of things? Are we not a worthy people? Do we not deserve to have the ease and riches that the Elvin possess? Why have the Gods favored them with such a mighty power and presence? The traveling ones tell stories, and say the Elvin exist without limit, on other worlds far flung. Yet we are here, small and insignificant, living on the edge of nothing!
This thought inflamed her anger even more.

If we are so worthless, why have the Elvin not put an end to us? Do they fear to, for some reason we can’t see, or...”
she paused, a new thought terrible and chilling coming to her suddenly.
Are we kept alive, just so they might have someone to practice with, to keep their skills honed and sharp?!
This seemed more reasonable, but did nothing to sooth her heart. The idea that something more profound might be at work, was unthinkable to Shocara, who saw the world in simpler terms; a tapestry of passions, hates and desires.

The Elvin have never killed our women and children, usually don’t even burn our villages! Is this the reason...they want to keep us alive, raising more warriors which they might test themselves against, and thus be better able to fight others?
The traveling ones told stories of the Elvin going off to fight on other worlds, opposing those they deemed evil. Always the Eridians had considered such tales self serving lies, spawned by the Elvin to make themselves look heroic. What if such were true?!
The idea that the Elvin might be far beyond anything their people had ever imagined suddenly made her insides feel weak.

We are ignorant and uninformed! Perhaps the Elvin treat us as fools because we act like such?!
Shocara stood, and began pacing.
I would know the truth! We can never hope to win against an enemy we don’t understand and poorly know. We must discover the truth, and improve our understanding!

She stopped, looking out over the valley, and at the high mountains ringing it.

Our ignorance keeps us imprisoned, like the mountains ringing our home. We understand little of the larger world, where the Elvin rule. Somehow we must learn more, be less unwise...if we have no hope of ever defeating the Elvin, we would be fools to keep fighting, year after year. Perhaps the Elvin would not be so terrible, if they were friends instead of enemies? Humans are said to live among them, free and prosperous as are ones called the half-Elvin. Might we be so? 

Shocara stood, overwhelmed by this thought, the weight of leading her people suddenly seeming overly burdensome.
My people would rend me into pieces, should I suggest such a thing!
she thought bitterly, suddenly shivering from a the chill breeze.
I am perhaps condemned to lead them only where they wish to go...and that may well be to our utter doom!
she thought, wiping at her eyes.

Such foolish thoughts!
she chastised herself.
I will send spies to the Elvin lands, and send our flyers aloft, to spy on the Elvin, since they seem so eager to spy on us! I have no desire to be remembered by the storytellers as the one who surrendered to the accursed Elvin!