War Of The Wildlands(69)

“Then we’ll have to act fast before they can move far.” The prince’s dark eyes narrowed as he asked, “How many soldiers do they have?”

“I couldn’t say for sure. They made mention of other clans that had joined them, so there could be many more than there were. If all of the clans have joined forces, our own numbers could be outmatched. I have no idea how many might dwell west of the river.”

A guard from the palace marched purposefully toward the prince and bowed. “Your Highness, the king has requested your presence in his council chambers.”

With a nod, Aelryk said, “I’m on my way.” He gestured for Mi’tal to follow him as he walked back to the palace. He walked slowly, not caring if he kept the king waiting. As they reached the council chambers, Aelryk said, “Wait here. It shouldn’t be long.”

Inside the council chambers, the king sat casually in his high-back chair. The councilors stared at Aelryk as he entered.

“Now that you’re here, we can begin,” the king said. “I have received a message from King Olin of Ra’jhou. He has heard that his daughter was captured by outlaws and is threatening war with Na’zora if she is harmed. He says we are responsible for her safety, and if we do not secure her release, he will declare war.”

The councilors murmured to one another but did not raise their voices loud enough for the king to hear.

“What are you going to do about it, Father?” the prince asked.

“Nothing,” he replied.

The stunned councilors looked at the king in shock. Glancing at each other, they wondered which of them would speak first. Failing to find their courage, the men remained silent.

Staring at the councilors with contempt, Aelryk said, “I will tell you what these fools will not. You cannot risk open war with Ra’jhou while you are still fighting with the elves. What if the elves return Lisalla to Olin in exchange for his alliance?”

“Then I will just have to crush Ra’jhou as well as those elves,” the king said dismissively. The threat from Ra’jhou clearly meant nothing to him.

“How do you expect to win such a fight?” the prince asked.

“I have reinforcements on the way. They will tip the scale in our favor once and for all.”

Aelryk had no idea who the king might be speaking of. “Are you going to elaborate?”

“No,” he replied. “You’re dismissed.”

“Father-” the prince began.

Domren cut him off, shouting, “Dismissed!”

Knocking his chair over as he stood, the prince replied, “I will find Lisalla, and I will secure her release. If you continue your reckless fighting, it will be the death of this kingdom.” He stormed out of the room, leaving the cowardly councilors behind.

Mi’tal followed the prince away from the council chambers.

“Could you hear that?” the prince asked.

“Yes, my lord,” he replied.

“My father is a fool,” Aelryk began. “Ra’jhou has a massive army, and they have defeated us in battle in ages past. Risking war with them is irresponsible. If they ally with the elves, there may be nothing left of Na’zora or her people.”

Mi’tal nodded sympathetically. “I agree that is a risk we should not take.”

“We must find Lisalla and get her to safety before the elves can bargain her to King Olin. There is no other way.”

“Of course, my lord,” Mi’tal replied.

“You look like you’ve ridden through a nightmare, my friend.” The prince managed a weak smile. “I will have one of my father’s lieutenants prepare my troops and round up as many mages as he can find. You should go and rest. We’ll head out in the morning.”

“Do you plan to attack the elves?” he asked. “They may harm the princess if they see you coming.”

“They allowed you to live long enough to speak with them. I’ll have to hope they do the same for me. I will insist on her release and only attack them if she has been harmed.”

“My lord, I fear you are risking your future hopes for peace by riding into their forests. Wouldn’t it be better if you stayed behind?”

“Only Lisalla matters now. Peace can wait.”





Chapter 41




Master Eldon led Yori to the back of the shop where jewels were laid out on white marble tables. Blades, hilts, and pommels lay strewn about the table in various stages of completion. “I think you should focus on the simplest gems. Red, blue, green, and clear is a good start.”

Yori stared up at the elf, a blank look on his face. He had no idea what Master Eldon meant by the colors.

“Shall we take a step back then?” the elf said, noticing Yori’s puzzled expression. “You come to me wearing a green robe, meaning you know a thing or two of earth magic. Your gem of choice would be an emerald. Red represents fire which would require a ruby. Blue is water and uses a sapphire. Clear is the air, and it requires a diamond. That being said, there are all sorts of variants in gem colors, and each has its own purpose. You should stick to the basics.”