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subject and finally asking what they had been avoiding.

      “We seek the king of Arravale. It is our task to bring a message of great importance to the people of your kingdom from King Xavier of Arenia,” replied Gerard.

      Angele stopped and looked back at the soldiers. “And what would your king say to our king?” Her question seemed casual but suspicion bit at the words.

      “The message I bring is for the king’s ears only,” the Lenk-Shadow apologised.

      Angele put the bowls down and sat beside Turka taking and holding his hand as she did. “Arravale does not have a king,” Turka explained. “We have those who steer the people of this land. Their role it is to help and teach when it is required. Other than that our people are free to go where they wish and do as they want. They are free to live without the bindings of others. Our only rule, the one that all the people of Arravale live by, is that no one is to raise a weapon or fist against another. If this were to occur the people would determine their punishment. Most likely they would be expelled from our lands but this has not happened in more than nine hundred years so I cannot say for certain.”

      “It is our role to steer the people,” added Angele, glancing at her partner. “If you must give your message to someone give it to us and we will decide how our people should reply.”

      In response, Gerard removed the bag he carried on his back and reached in to retrieve a small pouch tied with leather. He rose and bowed deep to the elves. “King Xavier had been told we must expect to meet some of the great elf nation. He sends his greetings to you and your people along with this small gift that he asks be given to your leaders. He looks forward to the day he may stand face to face with them in friendship.”

      Each of the elves looked into the pouch filled with gems, rubies, emeralds, amethyst and onyx, and thanked the humans for the gift. That was the moment Gerard realised Boyn-al was a man and Shar-os was a woman. The fact distracted him for a moment but he recovered to reach into the bag again. To Turka and Angele he presented a small, wooden box about a palm length on each side and intricately inlaid with coloured woods and small gems on all faces. Set into the lid, shimmering with the glow of reflected light, was a perfect moonstone. Inside the box, carefully packed for travel, was a small sculpture. It was carved from a piece of whale bone in the shape of a tree, with delicate intertwined branches holding tiny leaves and fruits throughout. It was an ancient piece and until recently had adorned the halls of the House of the Dragon. After admiring the piece, Turka looked up. “And what message does your king send with these gifts?”

      Gerard’s head dropped as he delivered his words. “Arenia sends a dire warning. Arravale must beware that there have been raids on the people of Arenia. King Xavier believes you should have knowledge of the dangers and he urges you to warn your people.” Gerard paused a moment so that his next words took on more importance. “Auchs have come out of the mountains to attack our towns.”

      For the first time, Gerard saw a reaction on the faces of the elves.

      “What has happened?” interrupted Boyn-al.

      “Three raids on towns have forced the king to move soldiers north in an effort to watch and help his people there. The raids have only been minor with little damage or loss of life at this stage but King Xavier worries. He believes the auchs may be testing us or themselves and he fears a larger attack.”

      “And what would you have us do?” asked Angele. “Even if the auchs were to attack we could not fight. It goes against all we believe.”

      “Our king realises your customs prevent defence and he honours your commitment to your beliefs but he suggests you warn your people of the dangers that may exist in the north. He asks that you tell your people to be ready and to flee if the auchs enter Arravale.”

      Turka nodded. “You may tell your king that we thank him for his concern. The people of Arravale will be told.”

      Gerard took in a breath. “King Xavier also understands the protection given by the elves and he is comforted that you have such able people at your side but the land of the elves is far to the east and if the auchs attack the people of peace would benefit from having a protector close at hand. King Xavier offers his protection, but only if you wish it.”

      Angele was suspicious at the offer. “Why would you do this? What would you ask in return?”

      “My king admits that he has his own reasons for this offer. He fears that the auchs would use Arravale to by-pass his defences and wreak havoc on the towns and cities across Arenia. If he has your permission to move his soldiers unhindered through Arravale he could cut off such an attack saving Arenia and at the same time protecting your people.” Gerard waited for a response. In the quiet he heard the sounds of the encroaching night being overshadowed by the music of the start of the moon fest.

      Finally, Angele answered. “We will consider your request and give you our decision tomorrow. But now, we are missing the festival. Join us,” she offered.

      Gerard suddenly made a decision unlike any he had made before. It was out of character with a leader of the Shadow, a soldier trained the infiltrate and kill without mercy. “I have another request, but this does not come from the king. In this land I feel the world as it should be, as the gods wish it. When Patrik leaves to take your reply to King Xavier I ask that I may stay and join your people but I will need help in learning your ways.” Patrik did not speak. He did not need to. His wide eyes and open mouth were his response to his leader’s request. “I am sorry I did not inform you, Patrik, but I am at home in this land. I can feel its power and strength flood through my body.”

      Angele shared a look with her partner before placing a hand on Gerard’s arm and announcing her response. “We will consider both questions with care and advise you but it is time we were at the fest.”

      They made their way again through the makeshift city, this time led by Turka, until they came to the site of the festival. Fires burned high around the clearing as people sang, played instruments of all fashion and danced. The little group stopped and Gerard could see more elves around the festival. All were standing at the edge of the shadows.

      “Oh, my,” whispered Patrik.

      Out in the light, musicians, singers and dancers were all as naked as the day they were born. Gerard did not remember this from his childhood visit but guessed that his father had made efforts to keep him away. He could feel the strength of the gods in the gathering and from the antics of the participants understood what the moon fest meant to these people. It was a rite of fertility, a time when the world was reborn. Beside him Angele asked if he would join them. Both she and Turka had somehow discarded their clothing in the moments he had been distracted.

      Chapter 9

      Hirith lowered his head and closed his eyes. Maybe if he pretended to himself that Dniat’s complaints had quietened he would not hear. But he lifted his eyes again before Bhata’s brother could notice. If he was to be king, he had to make time to listen to all his people no matter how many times they said the same thing.

      “King Hirith send message Ptoraki. Say lowlanders attack. Dniat come help. Many auchs come Ulffinnr. Fight lowlanders. Auchs no come watch mountains.” Dniat pointed a great blue hand at the peaks as he spoke to add strength to his words.

      Again, Hirith tried to explain but his voice held the resignation of defeat. “War come soon. But auchs no start war. Ngai say must fight if want peace. Auchs be ready but wait for time fight.”

      “Lowlanders already start war,” yelled Dniat as if a louder voice would make the king understand. “Kill Bhata.”

      Hirith sighed. It was a great gush of air filled with the inevitable. Dniat was ready to fight and if he did not allow him to express his frustrations he could create more trouble. “But no come back for war. Auchs have time get ready. When lowlanders come, auchs be ready fight.”

      “Many auchs here. Auchs ready,” complained Bhata’s brother. “Lowlanders kill Bhata. Kill children. Cut off Bhata’s head. Why Hirith wait? How many king want die before fight? Hirith say no can follow

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