War Of The Wildlands(68)

Yori detected no arrogance or disgust from this elf. “No,” he replied. “I’m from Na’zora.”

“I thought as much,” the elf replied. “I visited there once, a few hundred years ago.”

Yori had no idea these elves lived so long. “Did you enjoy it?” he asked, trying to make casual conversation.

“Not one bit,” the white-haired elf responded. “Are you looking to purchase a weapon?”

“Actually,” Yori said, “I’m hoping to learn about enchanting them.”

Yori expected the elf to laugh, but instead he replied, “Interesting.” Silence followed.

“Do you know where I might learn?” Yori asked.

“Let me guess,” the elf began. “You forge weapons with a large furnace and a heavy hammer.”

Yori nodded.

“That isn’t how we do things around here. Here, we use magic in all aspects of the craft. I’m afraid you lack the necessary skill.”

“What skill would that be?” Yori asked curiously.

“For starters, you don’t have the correct blood. It takes an inborn magic that your kind do not possess.” The man hesitated a moment before continuing. “That isn’t meant as an insult. I am merely stating a fact.”

“Then it’s impossible for me to learn?” Yori was beginning to wonder if the entire journey was wasted.

“I didn’t say that, exactly,” the elf replied, considering the question. “You couldn’t possibly forge the weapons using our method, and you could not enchant the gems.” He scratched his chin as he thought. “You might be able to use our gems to complete the process, though. I’d be interested to see if it works.”

Yori stood silent, confused by the man’s words.

“I’m not sure an unenchanted sword could support the gem, though,” he said, thinking out loud. “It would probably destroy it.”

“I can craft a runed sword,” Yori stated proudly.

The elf’s eyebrows shot up. “Indeed!” he exclaimed. “That might work. I’d be interested to see the results.”

“I’d be interested in working with you,” Yori replied with a smile.

“Excellent,” the elf replied. “You will find that most of my people prize learning and study, though not all will be so keen to have you as an apprentice. For now, you will be an amusing little experiment.” The old elf chuckled. “You may call me Master Eldon.”

Yori wasn’t sure he liked the sound of being an experiment, but the man seemed decent enough. He had not treated Yori as an inferior being, and he seemed genuinely curious about combining the two magics. He was glad to have found someone willing to work with him, at least for a while.





Chapter 40




Dashing into town at top speed, Mi’tal finally arrived back at the palace. Without a moment’s rest, he stabled his horse and ran into the palace to the prince’s chambers. Inside, there was only a young page, tending to the prince’s bed sheets. The boy paused and looked up as Mi’tal burst through the doors without knocking.

“Where is the prince?” he shouted to the boy.

“He’s at the barracks, sir, practicing drills with his troops,” the boy replied.

Mi’tal raced off down the corridor and back outside the palace. The barracks were nearby, but he was already beginning to tire from his sprint through the palace. Mustering all of his strength, he raced down the path to the barracks. He could hear the sound of swords clanging in the rear of the building and made his way to the source of the noise.

The prince was sparring with a soldier as Mi’tal arrived. “Your Highness,” he called. “I bring urgent news.”

Aelryk immediately lowered his sword and rushed to Mi’tal. His opponent bowed as he walked away.

Moving forward to meet the prince, Mi’tal said, “The elves have indeed taken Princess Lisalla. They say there will be no peace until the king is dead.” He made no mention of his declaration to the elves.

“Was she hurt? Did you speak to her?” The prince asked hurriedly.

“No, my lord,” he replied. “I was bound myself and was not given the chance.”

“We must rescue her,” Aelryk replied. “My father isn’t going to do anything to help. He will only attack the elves and make her situation worse. If they want my attention, they’ve got it.”

“What do you propose for a rescue?” Mi’tal asked.

“I’m not sure,” he began. “Do you think you can locate their camp again?”

“Yes, my lord, as long as there isn’t a heavy snowfall. However, I wouldn’t expect them to stay in the same place. They know I’m aware of their location.”