To Claim the Elvin Princess: Apprentice (30 page)

53

While the Elvin waited for the weather pattern to change for the better, Rasten finished his training, each of his instructors declaring him properly prepared to take his place as an Elvin warrior. He had endured almost nine months of hard work, but had emerged, a swift and deadly fighter, evincing all his fathers skills and abilities. He had lost all trace of youthful fat, replacing it well with strong and well toned muscle, such that he looked quite godlike. He had mostly been oblivious to this transformation, but the Elvin females had not, judging by the number of dreamy looks and mournful sighs he caused by simply walking close by them.

Rasten had no clue as to what his true station might be, assuming he would lead and fight as needed, as any other might do. He was much surprised to come to his room one afternoon, having been told to prepare for a formal function. Expecting another dinner with off world visitors, he was surprised to have his attendants giggling and bossy, scrubbing and massaging him well, getting him shaved and dry before taking him to his room to dress. Here he began to suspect that something out of the ordinary was occurring. The rich dress uniform laid out on the bed suggested such.

“Something special is happening?” he asked. All he got were nods and giggles, and gave up, assuming he would find out in due time. When he was dressed, he looked in the mirror and shook his head. The pants and jacket reminded him of something military in nature, which with the polished leather boots reminded him a bit of an earthen third world military dictator, but more tasteful.

He got his next shock when Kalida arrived dressed much the same.

“Come on, Rasten, we don’t want to be late!”

“Late for what?!”

“You’ll see!” was all he offered. They went down stairs, and headed for the front doors, Kalida holding his arm and guiding him. “We’re going to the grand hall...there’s something important happening there!”

This was a huge structure that would hold thousands, and was used for many things, both official and entertainment related. Rasten had accompanied Amein to several concerts and off-world meetings there. They went into the spacious atrium, and Rasten was amused to see all his instructors well dressed and quite formal, some like Kalida, and others less military in nature.

“Get here, Lord Rasten, and pay attention!” Kalida insisted, placing him in the middle of all his instructors. “You’re going to march in and be presented. Try not to trip or pee yourself!” Kalida teased, leaning close and whispering. “And don’t wave to the cute females!”

They stood relaxed a moment, as Kalida disappeared. After a few minutes, the noise inside the hall ceased, and the massive doors swung open. His group started marching forward, heading straight between what was revealed as masses of mostly Elvin. There was a large platform in the center of the hall, on which a number of individual Elvin could be seen standing, one in the center being Amein. She was not wearing her normal formal gowns, but instead wore a uniform much like he and others were wearing.

Rasten was marched forward, stopping at the foot of the steps. Kalida was standing on the third step, and in the silence, suddenly spoke.

“May I present Lord Rasten, son of Sayarin!” he called this, and the entire hall erupted with applause. This lasted a minute, before stopping.

“Lord Rasten, come forth!” he was commanded, and at a subtle gesture from Kalida, he began climbing the steps. He was made to stand near Amein, but to her right side.

At this point, Master Roein was called, and climbed the steps, to declare Rasten fully and well trained in her discipline. Each of his instructors did likewise, one by one, and last, Sage Hareiastin climbed the steps.

“Sage Hareiastin, tell us of Lord Rasten! Does he possess his fathers powers?” Amein asked. The Sage bowed his head, and looked out over the mass of Elvin, who stood with bated breath.

“He is different than his father...” the old sage began, slyly enjoying the shocked looks on the Elvish faces, “Mostly because, though he has his father’s abilities, he has some unknown to Sayarin, which even I do not fully comprehend! He will be a great practitioner of the inner arts!” the Sage declared, to a wave of applause.

While all of his instructors moved back and took up new positions, Amein stepped forward to speak.

“Beloved friends and fellow Elvin, seldom is any accorded the chance to preside at such a moment as this. Should I pass from our worlds tomorrow, I will have done at least one act worthy of my ancestors, in seeking out and bringing Sayarin’s son back to us! Though Rasten is half Elvin, his Elvin part is undisputable and true, and his father’s abilities have passed well to him!”

Amein turned to Rasten, as someone stepped up holding a sword in an ornate scabbard. “Kneel please!” Amein whispered. taking the sword laid on her outstretched hands, she turned back to him.

“Lord Rasten! Will you pledge your heart and soul to all things Elvin, vowing to serve and protect our people, and all others whom we guard and serve, forsaking even your own desires in times of need?

“I do!” Rasten answered, hoping this would be the proper answer.

“This is the sword of Amoroth, passed down through untold generations, a symbol of Evlin might and justice. Will you kiss the hilt of it, and swear allegiance to our people and worlds?”

Rasten did so. “Then I pronounce you a warrior of the Elvin! Bear your duty well, and with honor, and let no act of cowardice stain your name!” she loudly called.

“Stay put!” she whispered, as the hall again erupted in applause. The clapping soon stopped, everyone puzzled by the fact that Rasten was still kneeling. Amein had turned around, and received something else from a helper.

“You wonder what I am doing?” she called loudly. “I have a gift to give Lord Rasten, a treasure that was kept for just such a moment as this!” she called. Holding both her hands high, she displayed another sword, unsheathed and gleaming in the Elvin lights.

“Lord Rasten, arise!” she instructed, and Rasten easily stood. “Take this and treasure it. Wear it to battle, and acquit it with honor and strength. I give you Sayarin’s sword; Sayarinueramim, the Sword of Honor!”

Amein barley managed to get the words out, tears pouring down her cheeks, the emotional depths with which this touched her overwhelming. The hall had erupted with applause, most also overcome and with wet eyes. The Elvin greatly loved their history and honored those who did great deeds. Sayarin was among the greatest so admired.

Rasten had taken it, from Amein, but was forced to wait until the crowd subsided, to reply.

“I should be honored to wear my father’s device, and hope I might bring no shame to such!” he called.

After the formalities, Rasten had put on the sword, and he and Amein, had stepped down, where they might greet and accept the kind words of all that wished to speak to them. It was very late before they returned to the clan home, accompanied by Amein’s family and many others. He had been hugged and kissed by untold hundreds, some of the females being less formal and more enticing then Amein would have approved of, had she not been busy in much the same manner.

“Well, now you get to earn your keep!” Kalida suggested slyly.

“He’s had to put up with Amein all this time...he’s well earned his keep!” Heiveri suggested.

“Mother!” Amein cried, but to no effect.

“Have you told him yet?” the older woman demanded.

“Told me what?” Rasten asked, curious, and seeing Amein’s outraged expression.

“Go on...be an adult elf, and do your duty!” Heiveri insisted.

“Mother! You aren’t helping!”

“On the contrary, it’s time for you to get serious, and stop hiding from your weakness!”

“All right!” Amein hissed, clearly annoyed.

“Rasten, you know it’s considered acceptable for one to...play with others...” she managed to say.

“I’ve heard rumors of such,” he teased, wondering what was coming.

“Well, there’s an old...tradition? It says an Elvin warrior has a...a right to, fiddle with whomever they please!” She managed to say this, but acted like she might die from mentioning it. Rasten slipped his hands around her, hugging her tightly.

“I have no idea how anyone might have time for that, especially if they had someone like you to play with!” he replied with great feeling. Amein squirmed and turned so she was facing him.

“That was a complete lie...but I like it! You’ve had several already, haven’t you?!” she suddenly demanded.

“A couple...nothing serious,” he declared.

“Maybe you’d like to sleep with another?” she demanded, her teeth gritted. Heiveri grabbed her arm, and pulled her away from Rasten. Turning her, she gave her bottom a loud and firm slap.

“Get your butt upstairs, and take care of Rasten, or I will!” her mother insisted wickedly.

“Or me!” Nacien quickly seconded. A dozen soon volunteered, and Amein would have run off, but Rasten simply picked her up, and tossed her over his shoulder, and grinning headed up the stairs, accompanied by Amein’s shrieks of outrage, as he slapped her bottom every other step.

Nacien looked thoughtfully at her mother.

“Was father that good at handling a female?” she asked, dreamily.

“Every bit...” Haveiri sighed, and then giggled.

Amein had been crabby until she was had the third time, at last succumbing to Rasten’s efforts.

“I’m sorry I was so bitchy! That whole ceremony was so emotional!” she complained.

“You love it! Elves like getting dressed fancy, and being formal, don’t they?”

“Of course! We love beautiful and pretty things, and love ceremony!”

“It’s too bad elves don’t marry...weddings would be crazy, the way you do things!” Rasten sighed.

“Humans on Earth do that...what are they like?”

“Everyone wears fancy clothes...the female wears a special
wedding
dress, with lots of lace and frills. Flowers...they can cost a fortune, and now don’t usually last long. Seems pretty silly to waste that kind of money,” Rasten suggested.

“Elves would disagree. They do all sorts of things that are fancy and for small purpose! Any excuse to get formal and be together. It’s a good thing you like being around lots of others!”

“I suppose. I’ve even gotten used to having servants watch me pee!” he laughed. “We don’t get much privacy, do we?”

“You’d be shocked at how often we have someone peeking when we’re naked and playing, wouldn’t you?” Amein asked, looking guilty.

“Really? You never told me that! How long has that been happening?”

“Remember the first day, when you woke with me here, and all the females were waiting for us to wake? You had me when they left? We probably had a half dozen taking turns peeking! They wanted to see if you could handle Elvin pussy!” she declared, laughing, before kissing him, seeing his look of outrage.

“Don’t be upset...why do you think they all want you so bad? They liked what they saw you doing to me! I’ve done it too...all the young ones do such. You just had some old enough to be your mother peeking too!” she giggled. “Stop!” she shrieked, as Rasten began tickling her.

54

Had Rasten known what sort of duties he might have and how busy he might end up being, he likely would have run from Amein when he first spied her. He suddenly found himself in possession of a personal orderly, who would manage his duties, appointments and affairs, as well as a liaison officer, who would make sure his orders and commands were delivered to the proper parties.

His orderly was female, being a most junior officer, named Kirein, trained as a warrior and well experienced to wear her sword. She was also a determined and over eager one, desiring to well advance her career and a bit dour and inclined to being a taskmaster to Rasten. That she was obligated to follow him around, constantly being at his elbow, soon grew annoying, her manner much conflicting with Rasten’s more relaxed view of things.

Rasten had thought to ask Amein, what to do about her, but finally decided to handle it himself.

“Kirein!” he called to her from his new office.

“Yes, Lord Rasten!” she replied breathless, rushing in to stand almost at attention.

“I wish to speak with you after we are done today. Meet me at Sharona’s Cafe at the seventh hour, and don’t wear your uniform!” he suggested. The young officer looked lost.

“But...what should I wear?” she asked, sounding clueless.

“Something casual that any Elvin female might wear out to dinner.”

“Oh. Very well,” she replied, and seeing that Rasten had turned his attention to other things, she left, frowning and perplexed.

When she arrived at the cafe, she saw no sign of Rasten, and nearly jumped, when he touched her arm, slipping up behind her silently.

“Nervous?”

“Y...yes...” she managed to stammer, afraid to lie. They were soon seated, and had ordered. Kirein was even more confused, and felt awkward not wearing her uniform.

“You don’t get out much, do you?” Rasten asked, grinning.

“Hardly...I’m most devoted to my duties!” she replied, and cringed, knowing she sounded snotty.

“You wish to rise through the ranks, and be well regarded...yes?”

“Of course...I was thrilled to be chosen to serve you!”

“You assume that might make your climb easier?” he asked, and was delighted to see the young elf blush, and hang her head.

“You’d be distraught, to have me replace you?” he added. Kirein’s head snapped up, her mouth open and a look of utter shock held her. “You’d find that...embarrassing?”

“Why?!” Kirein managed to ask, having to wipe her eyes. Rasten played with his drink a bit, considering this.

“You try too hard, and it gets most annoying! You are naturally gifted with being well organized and thorough, but your manner is so...un-humorous and dire. We aren’t waging war every second, Kirein, so there’s no reason to not have a bit of fun! You act more serious than even the Princess, and you have not the least duties, compared to her!”

“Oh,” she replied, at a loss for words.

“Do you know Kalida?”

“Lord Kalida?” she sniffed, and then cringed, feeling foolish to be correcting her superior.

“Him...yes. Does he sound like you?”

“No. He is much relaxed and funny at times. Everyone loves him!” she declared, and then a look of enlightenment took hold of her. “Oh...so that’s what you mean?”

“Yes. Kirein, do you have a partner, or anyone you play with?” Rasten asked. His companion looked even more shocked and uncomfortable, before finally shaking her head.

“I thought not...you’re going to do something about that!”

“What, Lord Rasten?” she whispered, now utterly confused.

“Do you know what a sarreineium is?” he asked. Kirein’s eyes got wide upon hearing this. She managed to nod.

“Good...there’s one close to here. You’re going there when we’ve eaten, and you will stay until you’ve been had two or three times...that’s an order! I don’t care if you come in late tomorrow, but I want to see a better attitude!” His orderly looked like she would greatly prefer to go battle evil beasts on a distant world, but such was her nature, that she felt unable to disobey him.

Rasten was in his office the next morning when Kirein arrived, rushing and intent on slipping into her place silently. Rasten stood, and stepped quietly to the door, and peeked out at her, as she worked feverishly to brush her long dark hair. She had clearly come in well disheveled, having barely managed to change into her uniform, and a glance showed her still sleepy. He walked out, to more closely inspect her, and when she noticed him, she blushed.

“Someone had fun?” he teased, and was pleased to see a smile overlay the guiltiest expression he had seen on an elf.

“Apparently, I have been neglecting some things, Lord Rasten! Perhaps I shall be less...difficult?” she sighed.

“One hopes so..” he agreed, winking at her.

Beyond such issues, Rasten was soon immersed in Elvin matters relating to hundreds of worlds. That the Elvin had evolved methods to link together and manage military affairs over multiple universes had been unknown to him during his training. Now, he was suddenly confronted with the need to know and involve himself in all these disparate issues and undertakings. The Elvin were fighting in a half dozen universes, on dozens of worlds. The logistics of this alone were overwhelming.

“How do you keep track of any of this?!” he demanded one day, feeling as though he was getting a migraine.

“We aren’t just good at sex!” Kalida had teased him.

“You’ll figure it out in due time! We’ve been at this millions of years...it didn’t get built overnight!” Amein suggested. “Don’t lose sight of what I most want you to focus on!”

“The Eridians? I can’t see why they’re even still a problem, considering what we’re doing elsewhere!” he grumbled.

“You know why! We’d prefer that they actually survive our efforts, and on many other worlds, that’s less of a consideration. When you fight some of what’s out there, you’ll be able to grasp that much better!”

“So evil tends to be completely evil?”

“Often it seems so. Occasionally some group rises up, being oppressive and choosing to wage war for power. Their people have little choice but to go along, but when we crush and destroy the leadership, and their military, the people are well pleased to have a different choice!”

“Wars of liberation! We had them fought on Earth, against evil ideologies or people who believed they were divinely ordained to rule the universe! My people crushed and destroyed them, and made their people free!” He noted that everyone was grinning.

“You understand that the Elvin are likely closer to
ruling the universe
than any other? Yet we are not oppressive or overbearing. We prefer all peoples to manage their own affairs, as long as they don’t decide to over run their neighbors. We get a bit stern if that happens!” Amein insisted. “You remember the pledge of Amoroth?” Rasten nodded.

That we should go forth, with honor and good will, to battle all things evil and dire, that we might make all we encounter free and well served, friends rather than subjects, comrades rather than enemies...
Rasten spoke, the words simple and direct, and the underlying basis of all things Elvin.

“Many are the Elvin, who have died to make that so,” Amein sighed, knowing she would join that list if necessary, rather than to dishonor her name.

There had been few breaks in the weather, and Rasten had used them to have flyers spy on the Eridians, wanting to be aware if the Eridians decided to move the Elvin captives. This was only partly successful, a pass over Shocara’s village now and then revealing only an occasional Elvin female outside. He had given much consideration to tactics, trying to devise a way to attack that might give the enemy less ability to harm the captives than others. He had eagerly sought the thoughts and advice of others more experienced, who all thought his doing so showed much wisdom. He found much advice, but much conflict also, and soon realized that none had attempted such a rescue before.

He had been sitting one evening, deep in thought in his study, when Amein entered, curious to see what was making him so quiet.

“You aren’t asleep?” she teased, which garnered her a frown.

“The Elvin have never faced this before...having to rescue their people from another well able group of fighters? Really?”

“Not in such a number. Taking one or two is much different than that! I’m sure they are in several different places, within the village...most Eridian dwellings and storage buildings are small...certainly not suitable to hold three dozen! Since we have no way to know which of dozens of possible places might be hiding them, the Eridians hold the upper hand!”

“We’d need enough warriors to take and hold each building, against any who thought to enter and harm our people, and still have enough left to fight all the men!”

“But what if some of the buildings have a warrior inside with the captives? They might all be killed, even with one of our own outside!” Amein suggested wickedly.

“We need a way to get all of the men outside...warriors or not!” Rasten sighed. He closed his eyes, hoping something might come to him. He saw nothing but blackness, and was almost ready to give up, when he saw an image of something burning. The image lasted only a second.

“Fire!” Rasten whispered, sure. He glanced at Amein.

“If we could come stealthily in the darkness, and set a building or two ablaze, at the farthest edge of their place, the Eridians might all come out to view such...”

“If you don’t fire a building holding our women!” Amein complained. “How do you expect to get close enough to determine such a thing, and to fire the place?”

“The darkness would aid us in that...there is tree cover near the western side...men might pass through unseen. We have sorcery that would aid our fire starting...Master Emeraldi showed me some! I’m sure we can determine if the structure is empty, before we fire it. Our flyers can land at the opposite end of the village, guided by the blaze, and those concealed in the woods can move as well, seeing the approach of the flyers! If we time it, so the bulk of the Eridians are in view, we can fall on them in force, and while most are occupied, others can move to guard the structures. Any Eridian who is slow, will be greeted with Elvin steel when he sticks his head out!”

“Your plan is dangerous!” she complained, staring at him.

“You have a better one?”

“No. If we can think of nothing else, we will have to try yours! Are you willing to lead the attack, and guide it? Things may change in seconds under such conditions, and you will have no time to contemplate!”

“I imagine having to stay alive will be good motivation...I’m willing to take my chances. I’m not inclined to fail,” he sighed.

“If you do, you likely won’t be coming back! You don’t want to be a prisoner of the Eridians, especially if they were to discover that you’re half-Elvin!”  Amein insisted, looking pale.