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The Elf princess was dress in leather battle gear with a long sword strapped to her side. She looked at each Alpha mage and gave them a hug each. And then bowed to Shannol.
“I hope this is the custom. When Mr. Tolkien was here, he told me a lot about human’s rituals,” the Princess said.
Lazarus smiled. “Yes, we hug each other if we haven't seen each other for a while or a sign of affection.”
The Elf princess nodded. “I wanted to congratulate you on our victory today.”
“Will the Orcs be back?” Lazarus said.
“It is hard to tell,” the Elf Princess said, “it is a devastating blow to the Orc tribes. But they have more numbers of warriors at their territory.”
Royce said, “Forgive me majesty, but how did the Orc army get to capital?”
The elf princess didn't look at him with his impertinence but nodded to him. “It is fine that you asked. We didn't expect the Orc army to get to us. But their army was strong and fast. The Orc army destroyed most of the outlying cities.”
Lazarus said, “Princes, your elf coalition is composed of dwarves as well as elves?”
“Yes, but not all the dwarves,” the Princess said.
“I don't understand,” he said.
The Princess Gwyneth said, “I think you need some food. You haven't dined since you came. If you want to talked tomorrow or tonight, it will be fine.”
Lazarus nodded. “Thank you Princess. We’re tired from our long journey and there are things we want to discuss with you later. I think tonight will be fine.”
Lazarus looked at the others for their opinion. Cindy nodded a yes. They must have felt like him. He was exhausted. The adrenalin of fighting and the journey here was too much for them. He also didn’t expect to be talking to the princess right after the battle.
Princess Gwyneth said, “Tell my head servant when you want to meet.”
“Thank you princess.”
“You’re welcome. Shannol, please stay behind. I would like to talk to you.”
Lazarus bowed as well as the other Alpha Mages. A servant came to them and led them out of the study. The castle was cavernous and had many multi-levels. Lazarus wondered if they would be lost if they wandered around themselves.
They walked down a flight of stairs. The last time he was here he noticed the odd circular decorations on the walls and on their tapestries. It was graceful and beautiful at the same time. Except, he also saw everything had some type of function for beauty with these embellishments.
Cindy gasped and pointed to a vase. But it was more than a vase. It swirled from the base in a circular path upward. It seemed to defy gravity.
“It’s wonderful,” Cindy said.
The servant stopped and said, “Mistress Alpha, this vase is a wellness vase. It depicts the water element. Would you want one, Mistress?”
“No,” Cindy said. “I can’t. We don't have a place to put it in.”
The servant nodded and bowed, “Another time. Please follow me this way. We are almost there.”
Cindy nodded, and they followed the servant down the corridor.
***
IN FRONT OF HIS ROOM was Professor Jacobs and Della; they were waiting for them. Lazarus smiled. He was happy to see his good friends again. He thought about the first time he saw Professor Jacobs. He magically appeared on top of a pyramid where he and the other Alphas where on top. Professor Jacobs was covered in gore and blood. Lazarus would find out later he was in a fight with a Vvong creature and Della saved him and that was the reason why he was covered in blood.
Professor Jacobs said, “How are you doing? I heard how you appeared and save the elves today.”
“We’re doing fine. What had been happening since we left?” Lazarus said.
Professor Jacobs said, “I know you're tired. But let’s talk in your room.”
“I don't think there is enough room in there,” he said.
The elf servant nodded and opened the door of his room. Lazarus peered inside. The room was a large, cavernous. It was bigger than the room he had before when he stayed in the castle.
“I guess I have enough room for everybody.” He turned to the Alphas. “If you want to clean up and get some rest, then we will talk later.”
Cindy picked at her leather armor. “I want a bath and clean clothes. I’m sick of wearing the same thing.”
“Yes,” Grace said.
Lazarus nodded. “It is fine. How about you Royce?”
“Sorry,” Royce said. “I’m also tired.”
Lazarus nodded and watch his friends being led to their rooms by the elf servant.
He said, “Follow me inside.”
They walked into the room. Lazarus looked for his small sack of supplies and realized he had lost it in the fight. He shook his head and turned to the balcony overlooking the Capital. He was beautiful outside.
The room looked like it was made for Royalty. At the front of the room was a large golden cord. There was a large bed and a table with several chairs around it.
Professor Jacobs, “If you pull on this cord, you can call for a servant.”
“Thanks,” Lazarus said.
He waited as Professor Jacobs and Della walked over to the table and sat. He sat across from them. Lazarus saw how close Della was sitting next to the Professor. Lazarus smiled. They were clearly in love. But Lazarus was not sure about how it would work for them since she was in the military and he was a teacher and he hoped the elves would not frown on having a mixed marriage.
Professor Jacobs said, “I thought Merlin would be you.”
“Well, I will tell you,” Lazarus said.
