The morning sun peaked over Kyhr Deep as Seth’s feet dangled in the water. He sat on the small dock, just outside the blacksmith shop. He gripped his fishing pole tightly and tossed the line in front of the dock.
Last night, he dreamed the same image over and over again. He was on top of that Dark Elf, slamming his head into a rock. The more the elf begged, the harder Seth hit him. He raised the rock over his head to deliver the killing blow. White lights shot from the dark elf’s fingers right into Seth’s chest. The rock fell from his hands. Seth clutched at his heart as he fell over. He couldn’t breathe. The Dark Elf slapped him, like he did Sally, and smiled. Seth’s world went dark.
The cool breeze whisked Seth’s hair. As he stared at the cork bobber riding the current, last night’s dream tried to break into his mind. Seth shook his head. All he wanted was revenge and it was consuming him.
“Catch anything yet?” Brock asked as he sat down next to Seth. A faint smile climbed onto his face. He looked deep into Seth’s eyes. “Couldn’t sleep?”
Seth shook his head. “Not really.”
“You said some great stuff last night. You showed real leadership. I’m so proud of you.” Brock’s eyes twinkled. “For a moment, I thought you sounded like your father.”
“Thanks.”
Brock got up. “Come on, we’ve got a few things to do before we check the traps.”
Seth smiled. “Sure.” He followed Brock into the shop.
Brock tossed a few logs in the iron forge just outside the overhead cover. “Seth, could you set up the two displays?”
Seth headed inside the small building. “Yes, Father.” Towards the back of the one-room building was a large locked wooden closet. He fumbled with the key ring. “The diamond-shaped one?”
“That’s it,” Brock replied.
He put the key into the lock and turned it. Seth opened the closet. There were supposed to be baskets of chains, armor pieces, iron hooks, etc., but there wasn’t. There was a small table in the center, covered with red velvet. His eyes widened. The sunlight glinted off the polished blade. A little dragon was etched on the blade just above the hilt. Tight leather strips covered the longsword’s handle. He reached out for the precious treasure.
Brock put his hand on Seth’s shoulder. “What do you think?”
Seth gulped. “Um—you’ve made some customer happy. It’s-it’s gorgeous.”
Brock handed the sword to Seth. “I hope so.”
His hands were trembling as he took the sword. “For me?”
“Yes, you deserve it.” Brock reached inside the closet and grabbed the scabbard. “You’ll need this, too.”
“I—” Seth’s eyes couldn’t leave the beautiful blade. “Thank you, Father.” He slid the sword into the scabbard and secured it to his hip. “I don’t know what to say.”
Brock smiled. “You said it last night. Your speech was just like your real father. I now know that Thea’s sacrifice wasn’t in vain.”
Seth looked down at his new sword. “Who was she? Mom mentioned her, too.”
“Thea the Loyal,” Brock said as he settled back into a wooden chair. “She was the first and only woman knight in the Kingdom of Axain.”
Seth blinked. “A woman?”
“Yes, and she was a great warrior and fierce tactician.” Brock looked right into Seth’s eyes. “Thea was the bravest knight I’ve ever known. She had saved your father’s life before you were born. Thea led the charge, attacking the Feral Orcs at Nightfall Meadows.” He laughed to himself. “She humiliated Kade on the battlefield.”
“Kade Ravenward? The king?” Seth asked.
Brock nodded. “Yeah, she won all the honor that day.”
Seth shrugged. “What does that have to do with me?”
He leaned in close to Seth. “She saved us all. Thea sacrificed herself to save you and me and your mother. I promised her that I would do everything I could to put the rightful king back on the throne and free the people of Axain.” Brock leaned back into his chair. “That’s why we have those meetings.”
“Did the Dark Elves kill her, too? Like my father?” Seth asked.
“I think so. The last time I saw her was inside Staerdale Castle heading towards the armory. She forced us into the tunnel.” Brock bit his lip as if deciding how much he should say. “Sally was holding you in her arms and I was charged by Thea the Loyal to protect and raise you to—for your father’s sake.”
Seth rubbed his chin. “Last night, you said you knew the boy king.”
Brock nodded. “I do.”
“You also said he just had a birthday, is that right?”
“I—yes, it’s true.” Brock stood up and walked over to the window.
Seth leaned forward. “Is he my age?”
Brock nodded.
“Who is it? Do I know him?”
Brock headed outside. “Customer.”
Seth chased after his adoptive father.
Brock slipped on his apron as he walked just outside his shop.
At Brock’s side, Seth looked at the oncoming horse. It was as black as the night and its coat was as shiny as the moon. The rider was wearing worn chain mail underneath a purple cloak. Her fiery red hair flowed in the breeze. “Do you know her?”
Brock’s mouth opened wide. “No, I don’t.” His eyes couldn’t leave the apparition.
“Good morning,” the mature woman said as she dismounted the horse. She tied it to the hitching post.
Brock smiled. “Good morning. How can I help you?”
“I’m Alicia.” She looked down at Seth. Her lips curled. “Who are you?”
Seth squinted. He couldn’t focus on her. Her entire body was almost shimmering. Not fuzzy, it was barely noticeable, but it was there. “Seth. The blacksmith is my father.”
“I’m the blacksmith. Brock Feran.”
Alicia nodded. “I know—I mean, nice to meet you.”
Brock frowned. “What do you need?”
“I need two steel daggers and a short sword.” She stared right a Seth. “How much?”
Brock stepped in front of Seth. “Four gold pieces. I’ll need half now to start the work.”
Alicia nodded. “Of course.” She reached into a pouch and handed Brock two gold coins. “When can I pick them up?”
“I need a week, okay?” Brock said.
“See you then.” She got back on her horse and headed back to town.
Seth stared at Alicia, still unable to focus on her. Did he imagine her? He could focus on everything else, but not her. “Was that normal?”
Brock shook his head. “Not one bit.” He started back inside. “After I put these away, let’s check the traps and then you can go.”
Alicia’s black stallion galloped down the dirt road towards town. Along the water, just before the market square, was the Red Scale Tavern. The outside was worn by the salt air and years of harsh winds off Kyhr Deep. She pushed her way inside.
A long bar along the left wall was surrounded by empty seats. Wooden planks creaked as her boots hit the floor. On the far side was the staircase heading up to the rooms for rent.
“Can I get you anything, dear?” an old beer wench asked.
Alicia never turned her head. “No, I’m going to my room.”
The old woman blinked. “I see.”
She turned left at the top of the stairs. Alicia entered the third room to the left.
“What took you so long?” the bald, blue-skinned elf asked. His pointed ears twitched. “I have to get back to the castle.”
Alicia threw her chain mail down on the bed. “Ryul, I had to be sure.” She clasped her hands together and closed her eyes. Her mouth moved as if speaking, but no audible words came out. Her red hair grew another three inches as it change from red to black. Her chest expanded. Alicia’s beautiful skin morphed into a dark blue. Her ears grew and became pointed. Her green eyes sank and turned brown. She was a Dark Elf. “That’s better.”
Ryul grinned. “Nice to have you back, Shania.” His smile vanished. “What did you find out? Are they the ones?”
Shania walked over to the window and shut the drapes. “I’m not sure. But—there was something strange about the boy.”
Ryul raised an eyebrow. “Yes?”
She stared right at him. “When do human females get their magic ability? Puberty, right?”
He shrugged. “I suppose, why?”
She sat down on the corner of the bed. “He had an… aura around him. I can’t explain it.”
He rolled his eyes. “Not possible. Human males cannot use magic. It has never happened and never will. I don’t care what that stupid ancient prophecy says.”
She cocked her head. “Why don’t you believe in the prophecy?”
Ryul sniffed. “Give me a war mage or a pyromancer and I am all for magic. I saw the fire come from the sky and vanquish our enemies. I saw Beldroth put huge holes in castle walls. That I believe in, not some ancient scribblings in a language that’s hardly spoken.”
She motioned him to sit down. “What if it’s true?”
“A human king that can wield magic and unite the remaining humans, dwarfs and gnomes to the north to wipe out the Darkstriders?” He laughed. “You must be joking.”
Shania grabbed him by his tunic, staring into his soul. “Answer my question!”
Ryul pushed her onto the floor. “I’ve got three battalions of Feral Orcs to the north at Iron Fist Keep. I can kill everything in this miserable town in a matter of hours.”
Shania shook her head. “No, we have to be sure, and we don’t want to make martyrs. That would only fuel a rebellion.” She rubbed her chin. “If the prophecy is true, then—then the boy would be Galin the V of Ravenward and—”
“If it’s not true, we know that Brock and Sally Feran escaped with the child.” Ryul’s thin lips twisted like a pretzel. “Brilliant.”
“I’m already close to the family. I’ll send some orders to the squad you sent me,” Shania said. “I may have to kill a few Dark Elves to prove myself to them.”
Ryul grinned. “Don’t worry, I only sent you warriors from the peasant class. If you get into trouble or need help, just send word to the orc commanders at Iron Fist Keep.”
Shania nodded. “Okay.”
“One more thing, Tanyl’s patience has run out. His seers are certain the boy is here. If you fail or take too long, I’ll send the orcs to kill everyone.” Ryul’s eyes focused on Shania. “Including those who fail me.”
She swallowed. “I—but—”
Ryul pushed his way past her towards the door. “No excuses. You’ve had thirteen years and that’s long enough.” He slammed the door shut.
She sat down on the bed. Shania was of noble blood, dating back to when the dark elves were second-class citizens in the Vulwin Elf kingdom, nearly six centuries ago. Her father was killed by the humans at Port Eldham and her brother was murdered by Thea the Loyal in Staerdale Castle. She rubbed her eyes. Shania was the last in her family line and there was no way she would dishonor it. She had to find the boy king and kill him.
Brock was silent during the walk out to Sarun Grove.
Seth’s new sword was dangling from his right hip as he stepped over a fallen tree. The long grass was nearly waist-high. Ahead, the pasture turned into a dark wood. Pine trees encircled Sarun Grove. “I’m going to ask Ellis and Jena to help me.”
Brock looked down at Seth. “With what?”
“Finding out what the Dark Elves want. You know, what I said at the meeting.” Seth grabbed a long piece of grass and stuck it in between his teeth. “What do you think?”
“Dangerous.”
“How suspicious would three kids playing around the marketplace be?” Seth asked.
Brock nodded. “That’s a good idea, but it’s still dangerous.”
“But—”
He glared at Seth. “We’ll see.”
Seth forced his eyes back at the woods. Yes, Ellis would be perfect. His rogue talents could help a lot. Jena was striving to become a priestess for Odella and a healer. She had as little experience as he did. So, so what? All Seth promised he would do is to spy on the Dark Elves. Yeah, they could do that. He looked up at Brock. Did he really need to know? No, he’d tell Brock after they found out the dark elf’s goals in Crey Village.
Brock pushed the underbrush aside as he stepped into the woods. “There, about fifty feet or so.”
Seth nodded. “Yes, Father.” The circle of pine trees gave way to oak and birch trees. Dried leaves crunched under his feet.
Brock froze.
Seth did the same. His ears perked as he heard the leaves rustling beyond the underbrush. He heard a trap snap shut and a man screamed. Seth looked up at Brock.
“Damn it,” a man’s voice said.
“Someone tripped one of our traps.” Brock got up and pushed through the underbrush. “You hurt?”
Seth followed Brock into the clearing and saw three men. A strong man with short brown hair was wrestling with the bear trap. Blood oozed down his right ankle. “I’ll help you.” Seth rushed over and knelt down next to the moaning man. He clicked the lever on the bottom of the trap, releasing the spring.
The man snatched his foot out of the trap’s jaws. “Thank you. I’m Dane the Devoted or used to be.”
“Can you walk?” Brock asked.
Seth perked up. “Are you knights?”
A smaller man helped Dane up. “We used to be, under Galin the IV. I’m Jacob.” He pointed to the third man. “And this is William.”
Dane put some weight on his foot and collapsed. He shook his head. “I can’t.”
Brock leaned over and grabbed Dane’s left shoulder. “Let’s bring him to my house. We’ll get a healer.”
Dane nodded.
“Seth, run ahead and get Jena’s mother,” Brock said.
“Yes, Father,” Seth replied.
Brock waved him off. “Go, hurry up.”
Seth bolted out of Sarun Grove and headed straight for Jena’s house.