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After a few days of traveling, Lazarus and the group of elven scouts brought them to the Capital City of the elven world.
Della had not spoken to the other Elves. Lazarus would have thought they would have a lot to speak about, but she seemed indifferent, staying close to the Professor. Royce stayed with them and remained aloof.
From his vantage point on his horse, Lazarus spotted the large spires of the city. The orcs who’d attacked them didn't follow them this far, though Lazarus was ready for a fight if need be. In fact, he almost relished the idea of using his magic. His powers seemed to be growing while he was here in this land. He started to hear things coming into his mind, like the Elves thoughts, and he sensed their emotions. He even tried one night to contact Merlin. He closed his eyes and concentrated. Nothing happened.
"Lazarus," Cindy said.
She was riding next to him on her horse.
He turned to her. "Yes?"
He saw a group of elven soldiers approaching them on horseback. The sun glinted off their polished chainmail and armor.
Broethon said, "The Honored guard of the elven Royalty is here to greet you."
"I had my scouts go ahead to the Capital and tell them you're coming," added Groton.
Lazarus nodded. He had started to like Broethon and his group of scouts. "Will you stay with us?"
"No. I will introduce you to the Captain of the Honored Guard, but we have to go back. The orcs are still massing at the border. We have to watch them."
Lazarus nodded. The Honored Guard of Elves moved steadily toward them. He could see their armor was silver and white, and on the chest plate, painted in dark green, was a large sprouting tree. It must be their sigil, he thought, though Lazarus was not versed in these things.
The two front soldiers carried large poles with white flags with the insignia of a green tree flowing on its surface. It was truly a sight to see.
Broethon held his hand up to stop everybody from moving.
The survivors of the city of Velium sat next to Grace in the cart. The lady and the little girl bowed their heads.
All the soldiers of the Honored Guard wore gleaming silver helmets, except for the foremost rider, who had long, flowing white hair. The Honored Guard stopped a few feet from them, and the foremost elven guard cantered toward him.
Broethon also moved forward. They talked a little, before coming to Lazarus.
Broethon said, "These are the Alpha Mages. This is Master Lazarus, Cindy, Grace and Royce."
Lazarus nodded to the lady with white hair.
"Welcome to the Capital city of the Elves,” she said. “It is called Porum. My name is Shannol. I am Captain of the Honored Guard." She looked over at Della and Professor Jacobs. "I see you have an elven kinswoman with you, Master Mages. We will present you to our Princess."
Lazarus wanted to object, but didn't. He thought it would be impolite to refuse a meeting with their leader, the Princess. He felt shabby in his clothes. Yet his clothes had held together, surprising since they were a century old. Their crystal prison must have kept their clothes intact, as well as their bodies and minds.
"Thank you, Shannol. Could we also bring the survivors with us?" Lazarus asked.
"Yes, but they will be escorted to the hospital," Shannol said. "It is nice, Master Lazarus, that you are concerned about them. We will take care of them." She paused. "Before you meet our Princess, we will let you rest and have some food."
"We are honored by you, and by the elven people," he said. He was not sure what to say.
Shannol nodded. "Please follow me, Alpha Mages," she said.
They moved forward and the cart followed. The elven guard moved out of the way of the cart and their horses. Broethon, Groton and his elven scouts waved to them, and then turned around and cantered back from where they came from.
Lazarus noticed how the walls of the Capital gleamed under the sun. It almost looked like the walls were made from burnished steel with long spikes protruding outwards. He thought it would be very difficult for any invading army to conquer this city.
The closer he got to the Capital the more he realized how massive the city was. The ramparts and towers loomed high into the sky. The Honored Guard was behind them as they rode. The massive gate stood open.
Several groups of elven warriors stood in front, also dressed in shiny silver armor. He felt adulation and honored. Yet he was not sure if he should receive such praise. They hadn't done anything to gain this much attention.
The hooves of the horses made thumping noises as they thudded along the gate. Lazarus also heard something, like the sound of people walking about. Except, the Elves were not milling along the road, but standing along the curb waiting for them to move past.
The people waved and clapped at them. This was almost too much for Lazarus. Cindy looked at him and smiled. She waved back at a group of elven people close by.
Shannol didn't seem to notice as she led them along the street. The homes and buildings were tall with rounded embellishments on the walls and roofs.
Some of the Elves even waved to Royce. The large Grog smiled and padded along the street. Lazarus noticed Royce seemed to straighten his stride, and moved with more confidence and grace.
The cart jostled along the street. The two elf survivors were sitting close to Grace, Della and the Professor. Lazarus didn't want to turn around and look at them, but he felt they were having a great time.
