“A quick death at their hands is far better than what my father has in store for a raping half-breed,” the prince said matter-of-factly.
Yori considered his words for only a second. He had no doubt the prince spoke the truth, and he did not wish to find out what King Domren’s punishment would be. “I will go,” he said. “If I live, I will return when I’ve mastered the runes.”
“Guards!” Aelryk shouted. One of them came running at the sound of the prince’s voice. “Release this man. He is going on a mission for me that will most likely result in his death. I pardon him of all charges.”
The guard bowed slightly to his prince and sorted through the keys that were tied to his belt. Finding the correct one, he unlocked the gate to Yori’s cell and opened the door. Bowing again to Aelryk, he disappeared once again into the darkness of the dungeon.
Aelryk turned to the young page whose face still showed his uneasiness. Being in a dungeon, even as a free man, was not a pleasant experience. “Get this man some clean clothing. He’s about your size, so bring him something of your own. Nothing too fancy, just a simple shirt and pants. He’ll also need a decent pair of boots.”
The young man bowed and ran out of the dungeon quickly. Any task was better than standing in the oppressive dungeon. The prince motioned for Yori to follow him, and together they ascended the stairs leading out of the dark, cold prison.
“You’ll want to keep your hair covering those ears as best you can until you’re safely out of the palace district. Your kind trade at some of the market villages along our border, but few people here will tolerate an elf.”
Yori nodded, squinting his eyes as they adjusted to the light.
The page returned carrying a green shirt and a brown pair of pants which he offered to Yori. Slung over the boy’s shoulder was a pair of leather boots that had hardly been worn.
“Well done,” the prince said, clapping the boy on the back.
Yori changed into the new clothes, wishing he had the opportunity to bathe first. He had no desire to hang around, however, and decided it would be best to wait until he was safely back on the road that would lead him home.
Once he had finished dressing, the prince handed him a small purse. “This will help you if you encounter any more trouble. Most guards are easily bribed. They may expect double when they find out you’re an elf.”
“Thank you, my lord,” he said, tucking it safely away in his pocket.
“You are on your honor,” Aelryk said. “I expect you to keep your word and return here someday. If you do not, I will assume you have died.”
“I am grateful for your kindness, my lord,” Yori said. “I will return one day.”
The prince nodded and looked him in the eye. Yori felt it strange that a nobleman, especially a prince, would have such trust in him. Most Na’zorans did not see elves as honorable or trustworthy.
The prince, however, was different. He judged a man by his character and actions. His instincts told him that Yori was a good man that had been falsely accused. In sparing this elf’s life, he might earn two things. First, he might earn the respect of whichever clan the young man encountered. Surely he would relay his story, and the other elves would judge the prince’s actions as commendable. Secondly, if the young elf succeeded in mastering the runes and returned, Aelryk would have earned himself a rune carver.
Only elves have the ability to etch magical runes, and no human, whether rich or poor, had ever managed to employ an elf for the task. They would staunchly refuse, even to the death. This young man, however, was a child of both worlds. He had grown up in the human world, and Aelryk hoped that he would return to it.
Chapter 12
Aelryk continued ascending the steps until he reached the main floor of the palace. Making his way to his father’s council chambers, he paused momentarily outside the door and took a single deep breath. His father had finally set aside a precious few minutes of his time to speak with him as he had requested.
“You’re late,” the king remarked as Aelryk opened the door.
“Forgive me, Father,” he replied, knowing full well he was actually early.
“What is it you want?” The king sat at the end of a long, rectangular table in an ornately carved high-back chair. His expression was one of boredom. Apparently he did not care much for whatever his son was about to say.
“I’d like to discuss the situation with the elves,” Aelryk began. “They are attacking our citizens in the outlying villages and leaving none alive. Those people are unarmed and have no chance to-”
“We cannot station troops at every village,” Domren broke in. “We barely have enough men as it is. If we start splitting our forces to protect every single village, the elves will easily destroy our army.”