War Of The Wildlands(55)

“They’ll think I’m too tall for a Wild Elf. Maybe I can fool them into thinking I’m one of them.”

“Maybe so,” Darin replied, clapping Yori on the back. “At least stay for dinner. You can be on your way in the morning.”

“Don’t you need my help with the new forge?” Yori asked.

“Lem is more than capable of helping me rebuild the forge,” he replied. “We’ll be here waiting for you when you get back.”

Yori did not know why he felt the urge to travel and learn about other magical weapons. He knew very well that anything he created would likely be used in war, since weapons are not typically used for peaceful purposes. Still, he wanted to learn all that he could. Someday he might return to the prince and serve him in times of peace. Even without the threat of war, it was best to have a way of defending one’s self. Evil could take on any guise, and his skills may be needed one day.





Chapter 33




Mi’tal strode beside the prince as he marched heavily down the stone corridor of the palace. He had not bothered to change out of his battle clothing, and his chainmail rattled as he walked.

“My lord, is it wise to barge into your father’s council chambers like this?” Mi’tal asked. Aelryk’s dark eyes shot an annoyed glance his direction.

The pair continued at a brisk pace until they reached the arched wooden doors of the council chambers. Not waiting for the guards to open them for him, the prince swung the doors wide with the strength of both arms. The councilors inside sat stunned, staring at the prince.

“A marvelous entrance as always,” King Domren spat. “What do you want?”

“I want a word with you, Father,” the prince demanded. “These fools can stay or go. It matters not.”

“We are in the middle of a discussion. You can wait outside,” the king replied with a dismissing wave of his hand.

“This will not wait!” Aelryk shouted. “You will hear me now!”

The councilors glanced at one another, wondering if they should leave the room. The temptation to listen in, however, proved too strong. The king had not ordered them to leave, and they silently agreed to stay and witness the spectacle.

“How dare you barge your way in here and give me orders! I should have you thrown in the stocks!” The king rose to his feet and stared red-faced at his son.

“You can throw me where you like, but first you will listen. You are a tyrant and a fool. I will not continue to slaughter peaceful elves. You cannot possibly hope to defend all of the Wildlands, and you’re risking war with Al’marr and Ra’jhou!”

“Al’marr barely has an army and Ra’jhou will fight alongside us. That was the price of your bride. We will eradicate the elven presence, and our people will inhabit all the land east of the river. In time, we will have the west side as well.”

“You’re completely mad,” the prince replied. “You can’t think to take over the west bank.”

“Why not?” the king asked. “No one could possibly stop me.”

“There is a sorcerer there more powerful than all of your mages combined. You would be sending your army to certain death.”

“That is a fairy tale, my gullible son.”

“The elves of the Sunswept Isles speak of battles with this sorcerer. They all failed to subdue him. Human mages have nothing on Enlightened Elves, and they will be slaughtered.”

“Then I’ll find more,” the king replied with a shrug.

“What will you do with all of the land you’re planning to take? It is nothing but forests and meadows.”

“Those things can be easily removed,” King Domren said, taking his seat once again. “We will build new towns and farming villages and our population will grow. Every family will be required to enlist a son into my army until we have enough men to conquer all of Nōl’Deron.”

Aelryk could not believe his ears. If his father truly intended to destroy the forests, he was determined to stop him. “I will not allow that to happen,” he said calmly.

“Are you threatening your king?” The king rose to his feet again, staring angrily at his son. “You will leave my presence this instant.”

Aelryk stared at his father for a moment before turning to leave. He glanced quickly at his father’s councilors, who appeared nervous and uneasy. If they valued their lives and fortunes, they had no choice but to agree with the king. Plainly, however, many of them disagreed with the king’s plan.

Mi’tal had waited outside the door and rejoined Aelryk as he stormed from the council chambers. “Where are you going, my lord?” he asked.