“The only source of knowledge is experience.” – Albert Einstein
We found Loras Tivan close to the Overwatch Keep later that afternoon, jus’ after speakin’ with Brougan Grote in Argent Glade. It wasn’t a long trip ta the Keep but by the time we arrived the sun was already settin’ behind the horizon and the forest was growin’ darker by the minute. I was grateful for the night’s arrival. It hadn’t been particularly hard that day, but the riding really got ta me and I was ready ta relax a bit and recharge my energies.
Loras’ camp wasn’t much but it were nice. We sat ‘round the fire and shared a small meal of roasted rabbit and bread. Luckily fer us, Brund had a nice bit o’ ale with him. We didn’t talk much, which I thought was a bit strange since Brund and I were such outsider’s to the forest and especially the elves. But the men didn’t seem ta mind and as they sat drinkin’ their ales, I laid back on the grassy carpet with my pack under me head and stared through the canopy of leaves to the nighttime stars.
It had been a long time since I had really looked at the world around me and appreciated it. I guess I always took it fer granted when I was younger, in me before-life. Then, I was a callow little thing who really didn’t know any better. Tonight, as I looked at the night sky, I felt a bit sentimental and found my thoughts drifting to life itself. It’s so fragile and yet here we are, as ascended, to protect it. We’ve rushed around so much we never got to really appreciate the gift we was given with this second-life. I thought about Mum and Dodda and me friends back at school. I wondered if they were out there somewhere, reborn like I was fightin’ ta save the world like we are. My heart sank a bit as I thought back ta me school days and when the world changed, when I died. I let a tear trickle down the side of me cheek and onto me ear. Luckily the darkness veiled it from tha men, thass the lass thing I want. I don’ wanna feel sad anymore, but sometimes I canna’ help it. A part of me is ready to let go and move on, but another part would love to go back ta the way things were. Sniffing, I rolled to my side away from the fire and let myself fall asleep, thinkin’ of Mum’s kisses and Dodda’s strong embrace.
********
Dawn came early the next day by a rude awakenin’ of arrows showerin’ onto us from the Keep above. We musta been spotted by the archers Prince Hylas had posted about the Keep. Quickly, we gathered our weapons and set a counterstrike ready to take on the assaulting Aelfwar.
I ran out of view from their eagle eyes and summoned the energies to flow into me like a magnet attracting metal. I felt it run inside of me veins, heating me from within. Brund deflected much of the archer’s attention, leaving me to power my charges. It didn’t take long, luckily and as another arrow took flight ta me mate I siphoned the energy stored inside me and pressed it into a ball in my palms. I chanted quietly, ‘Aun vel alf marn kurn!’ and let the water and air energy smack the Aelfwar in his side, knocking him back and lettin’ Brund get another good slice in with his blade. I giggled as I watched them flounder from my spells as I volleyed one after another at them.
“Tel tanthus! Marnarn rosh! Telhren!” I shouted and flung lightening, crystalline missiles and made it rain fire upon them as Brund hacked and slashed, cutting them down as they ran into us. For fun, I summoned me pet wind and set him upon the Aelfwar. Little by little, bit by bit, we made our way into the Keep, leaving a trail of dead and severely injured behind us.
We eventually made our way to the tower entrance to Prince Hylas and greeted the sentry at the door.
“What is this? Why have you come to our Keep and destroyed our soldiers so?” demanded the sentry. As an elf, he was much more frail than his bretheren in the glade. Loras looked to him and spoke before either Brund or I had an opportunity, “We seek council with your lord Prince Hylas on official business from the Guardians of Sanctum. Prithee, may we have an audience with your Lord?”
The sentry looked Loras in the eye, his unfriendly visage speaking volumes as he stared him down and then moved to Brund and I. “An Honor Guard will take you to Prince Hylas. Stray from him and die as a spy.” He commanded us as another guard came running from the tower.
The elven guard took us through the Keep quickly and I could feel the glares from the other Aelfwar hittin’ me from everywhere. They were suspicious of us, and rightfully so. We were here on a last-ditch effort to attempt to persuade Prince Hylas to find reason and see that his efforts, however well intentioned, were not only futile but detrimental to all people of the forest. I was optimistic and figured surely a good leader would want the best fer his people and once this Prince Hylas heard the logic we had he would give up this plan to align with the fae lord and join us in reclaiming Telara for all. Loras and Brund had laughed at me, but I figured anythin’ were possible.
We reached the tower and climbed limitless steps until we finally reached the top where Prince Hylas stood overlooking the forest. Hylas was a large elf, much taller and broader in the shoulders, and his long, fair hair flowed over his shoulders. He was young, though his face was weathered and weary lookin’, given him the appearance of an elder. His eyes were tired yet penetratin’, like he could see through yer soul into depths beyond. I looked up to him and curtseyed, showin’ my best manners in front of royalty. No matter what me politics may be, diplomacy did require a bit of pomp and circumstance. I don’ think it mattered much, though, the Prince barely paid much attention ta me or Brund and focused on Loras.
“Lord Hylas, it as an honor to be in your presence,” Loras bowed. His voice seemed genuine despite his frustration over the situation. “We come on business for the Guardians of Sanctum.”
“I know why you are here!” the Prince bellowed. “This forest, Silverwood, is all the Aelfwar have left to call home. Each day, we fight not only the Gedlo and the monsters from the rifts but the traitorous Defiant as well. When the high elves left us to align with the Guardians, they had forsaken their home – our home! – to fight battles elves have no concern in. My people have needs that cannot be met while this dissension continues. We must be able to forge ahead into a safe future, both for the Aelfwar and for the forest, our lives depend upon it!” He was emphatic as he spoke, his voice becoming louder and angrier. His gaze flickered to Loras who stood before him, also looking more agitated. I knew he felt this discussion was futile, but he pressed on.
“Prince Hylas I bring to you two of the Guardian’s Ascended who have battled countless adversaries in the same plight you and your people are.” Brund and I stepped to the Prince, looking up at him. He sneered as he peered down to us.
“Dwarves! Shyla wishes diplomacy yet sends me dwarves?!” I was livid now and felt my fists ballin’ up, ready for a fight. Brund and I had worked so hard to preserve this forest, many of the battles against his Aelfwar or were agitated by them. Brund held his arm in front of me, keeping me back as he spoke to the prince.
“Your majesty, if I may explain the circumstances a bit – “
“No, you may not! I am quite busy and have no interest in discussing anything with you or the Guardians. Know this, ascended dwarves, the high elves abandoned us to serve the Vigil's Ward, but the Aelfwar remain true to our obligations, guarding the forest against the goblins. With Greenscale's magic, we can protect the forest and extend its roots across Telara. Return back to your Guardians and to Sanctum and be sure to let Shyla know there shall be no peace from the Aelfwar!” He boomed at us, his voice echoing over all of the Keep. The three of us stood in angry amazement at him.
Catching my breath, I took me staff in me hands and began the descent down the tower stairs, not wantin’ to be where I’m not welcome any longer. My heart was racin’ as we made our way from the Keep, my mind a flurry of thoughts and visions of countless battles with the Aelfwar in this blasted forest. How many stupid faeries and satyrs did we have to slay through? How many times must we be hit in the back by the arrows of those small-minded Aelfwar? It were too much fer me right then and there.
I trudged outside with Brund and Loras behind me and was almost blinded in my anger from the elves standing watch that I almost didn’t see them chargin’ us, ready to attack. I was ready for a fight though, I wanted it. Envisionin’ the mage before me engulfed in flames I volleyed a massive fire ball at her that consumed her whole. Another sent arrows at me from my right and barely thinking I sent a cone of flame towards him, burning the mage even more and burning the other. I wasn’t finished with them, but by this time Loras and Brund had realized there was a fight happenin’. My insides burned with the energies coursin’ through me that I didn’t pay them much attention and instead focused on the chargin’ Aelfwar. No tryin’ to mask what I were up to, I looked to the group of elves and sent a freezing gust of wind at them, knockin’ em back while I summoned a violent storm to attack. The release was needed, it felt good to let out the pent up frustration and energy, but I didn’t realize what I had done till Brund pulled at me arm to run back to camp.
When we got there, I noticed Brund and Loras had done their fair share of fightin’, too. Their clothes were torn from the blades cuttin’ inta them, wounds were open along their arms and torso. I looked meself over and didn’t notice anythin’ out of the norm, aside from the cold sweat drippin’ down me back.
“Trixx, I love ya but ye got ta learn ta watch yerself! Ye almost got killed back there. Ye got ta learn ye can’t jus’ walk out in tha open in all places, ya got ta know when ta exercise a little control, lass, ye canna’ always let yer temper get the best of ye – “
“Oh! An’ what were I s’posed ta do, then Brund? Let ye get out in fron’ an’ protect me, like ye always did? I ain’t no wee small lass anymore, and ye need ta learn that! Judgin’ from tha looks of you two, I think I did right fine takin’ care o’ meself!”
“Aye, but it ain’t always jus’ you ya got ta be lookin’ affer. If we ‘and’ta interrupted ya in the middle, ya wouldda scorched Loras ta pieces! An’ thanks ta yer recklessness, I gotta a new scar from tha’ lightenin’ rod ya sent flingin’!” His face was scrunched and he were breathin’ hard, hard enough fer me ta know when he been pushed a bit too far. Brund didn’t raise his voice ta me often, but when he did I knew it were bad. I were still fumin’ and upset o’er the whole situation, but I didn’t wanna fight no more, so instead of lashin’ back at ‘him, I turned an’ walked away from the camp.
It weren’t long till I found a small cliff next ta camp that looked over the forest. I sat in the grass and looked across the tree tops, wringin’ me robes in me hands and watched the clouds float into the horizon. I hate bein’ talked down to. Bein’ such a small dwarf I kinda got used ta it a bit from jus’ about everyone, but it always bothered me more when Brund did it. He knew me best and while I knew he means well, I sometimes think he means ta do it jus’ ta set me off. Control were his favorite topic to lecture me on lately. I don’ always see what he means, though, control fer me were never a problem. I had grasped elemental magic easily and forming the energy ta my needs came naturally. He always says I need ta control me emotions, but I don’ think that’s the problem. Ugh! Why mus’ he be so frustratin’?
I grabbed me pack and rummaged through it again, lookin’ fer me Dodda’s flask fer a drink of wine. I was so thirsty, somthin’ that seemed ta come with my stronger energies. Before, castin’ spells didn’t do anythin’ ta me physically but now I noticed I get a lot more thirsty when I summon the elements. I was lost in me thoughts again when Brund walked up behind me, placin’ a hand on me shoulder and startlin’ me. He looked down at me and then at me hands and that’s when I noticed I had been playin’ with the acorn-shaped artifact the whole time I been sittin’ there.
“Ye know that thing’s no good fer ya,” he spoke softly to me, kneeling at me side.
“Yeah, I know it ain’t, but there’s somethin’ different about it, it don’t frighten me like it used ta.” I explained, looking optimistically at him. He sighed and looked away from me and over the forest.
“C’mon lass, we muss’ git back ta Loras, we ain’t finished ‘ere yet,” he said as he lifted me to my feet, wrapping a strong arm around me shoulders. His wounds had already started ta heal and I wondered what kind of elven magic were used to mend the gashes.
We found Loras back at camp, sitting with a meditative stare on his face. He looked up at us right away. “I knew it was too much to hope for Hylas to listen to reason. We now have few remaining options and we're running out of time. It does seem, however, that rational approaches will not end this crisis. We must beat Hylas at his own game.” His eyes darted from Brund ta me and back as he fidgeted with his hands. He reached inside his tunic and pulled a small neck purse from under the fabric and shook out a small metal broche-looking object.
“Here,” he handed it to me. “You will need this, my ascended friends.” At the first touch the object was like any other piece of metal work, but as I held it a cooling sensation came across me, comforting and calm. I studied the intricate design marked over it and while it looked familiar, I didn’t recognize it.
“Prince Hylas will unleash the wilderness to destroy civilization. Yet, the way of the forest is harmony – life and death in balance. Hylas will bring only death. Trixxi,” he looked to me, squarin’ me dead in the eye, “Brund,” his eyes bolted to him, “The Vigil’s strength is yours. Awaken Kongeegon with the Vigil’s Aegis,” he kneeled close to me and whispered softly, resting a comforting hand on me back.
“Inside the Keep you shall find the Seed of Destruction, a powerful planar source of energy that keeps the monster alive. Cover it with the Vigil’s Aegis and when Kongeegon awakes, kill him and collect the Seed of Destruction. Kongeegon’s death should cripple Hylas’ efforts and help to restore peace in the Silverwood.” His voice were a bit fearful and hopeful at the same time as he spoke ta me. The Aegis in my hand was radiatin’ cool energy though me. I looked ta Brund standin’ tall, ready fer a fight. Lookin’ back ta Loras, I felt ready too. “I shall meet you in Argent Glade when the deed is done, my friends.” We nodded in agreement to the elf and trekked back inta the Keep.
We had the advantage of a dusk-lit sky. Our earlier visit to the Keep gave us a few ideas to breech it’s defenses and slip in mildly unnoticed, but a carefully planned spell and a knife in their back kept us safe from any guarding Aelfwar. Silently we crept into the courtyard, a wide open area flanked by massive trees and tall towers. Surprisingly, we found few guards. As we took out one guard after another, we got a good look at our surroundings and surmised where the Seed might be hidin’.
Almost directly in the center there was a pile o’ brush – leaves, twigs and small branches and dirt – piled almost as tall as me. When we approached the pile, the Aegis warmed in me hand and we knew we musta been close. Kickin’ and brushin’ the litter away we found it: another smallish acorn-like wooden seed with various carvin’s o’er it. I took the Aegis in me opposite hand and covered the Seed with it, claspin’ me hands together and holdin’ ‘em tight. Almost instantly, a force blew me hands open and sent the See and Aegis flyin’ together inta the night. There was a rumblin’ in the air as dark clouds circled o’er us, pickin’ the wind up. I watched in horror as the ground opened in front of us and a giant tree sprung from the earth, ripping the ground and tearing it apart. The monster must ‘ave been a hundred feet tall and it rumbled the dirt under our feet as it shook it’s branches and sent leaves raining upon us. I looked on in amazement at the creature when suddenly I was forced ta the ground by a fast movin’ branch. When I looked back, I caught Brund chargin’ at the best with his mighty battle-axe held high above his head.
With each swing Brund landed a sharp and deep blow into tha side of the monsters trunk. In response, the beast groaned and swung his branches at ‘im like a horse swattin’ flies with its tail. I felt me blood boil, me ‘ands pulse with electricity and me eyes clouded as I summoned the storm energy inta me. I sucked it in depply, breathin’ it inta me lungs through me nose and mouth. It were intense and I were ready ta use it. I glared at the gnarly demon and summoned a massive bolt of electric energy to snap into it, singin’ it’s bark and sparkin’ the leaves and wood into a sizable blaze. The monster kept its focus on Brund, hackin’ inta it further, carve a deep wedge inta the side of its trunk. I took another deep breath and sent a firey ball at it, followed with a shower of cold icicles, pummelin’ all the elemental energy I could inta it.
I think I got it’s attention away from Brund when I set it ablaze again with a cone of fire. I aimed it right at the very middle of the beast, glarin’ at it and barely grimacin’ from the massive heat swellin’ inside me. Me clothes were drenched in me own sweat, but I were determined ta make tha beast suffer the fires of hell itself. It whopped a massive branch at Brund and knocked him across the courtyard like a child playing ball. I looked to me friend and he lay there on the ground, blood dribblin’ out the side of his face, his head were swollen and bruised. I didn’t have long before the beast began ta charge at me, as fast as a giant demon tree may be able ta charge, that is. I sucked in a deep breath o’ air and summoned all the energy from the air around me, fillin’ up me insides and expandin’ me lungs. It burned and prickled but I were ready for the beast and launched a series of lightening and electrical shocks at it, a bolt of lightenin’ escapin’ me right hand as static charged from me left. Me eyes were clouded and I could barely see, but it was alright, I knew where it was and me magic was attuned to its presence. One after another, I sent spells in rapid-fire to the beast until he fell smolderin’ to tha ground. Exhausted, I looked on at the dead beast and noticed the still of the air around us. Loras came behind me and clapped a hand on me back and then everythin’ went black.
********
I woke up back at the inn in Argent Glade, Brund sittin’ at me side, holdin’ me hand in his. I looked at him, bruised and battered as he stared at the floor. He looked like he hadn’t had much time to rest, probably been sittin’ vigil at me side since we got back. That was him, though, always so worried about me that he never considers himself, even in tha best o’ times.
“Hey Brundy,” I whispered to him. I didn’t have the strength to raise it any louder.
“Trix!” he jumped and his face brightened. “Oh Trix, I was so worried about ya! I’m so sorry I wasn’t there, if I had just had a better position I coulda – “
“Brundy it’s alright, I’m fine and we won, thass all tha’ matters, love.” I cut him off before he began. “But where’s tha Seed?”
He shined a bright smile at me and squeezed me hand. “Loras has it now and it’s with the Guardians in Sanctum.
“Love I dunno what ye used back there but it musta been some kind of magic! I came to and found Loras bent o’er ya. Ye had me scared ta death, ye knowwit? But ya did jus’ fine, somehow ye managed ta grab that blasted Seed before passin’ out, we had a heck of a time tryin’ to pry it from yer grip!” He chuckled and squeezed me hand again. I giggled along with him and squeezed him back as best I could.
Outside the room music was filling the air and the people of the Glade were singin’ and dancin’ and celebratin’ in every which way. Now that I were wakin’ up a bit more I could hear it more clearly. It’s been so long since the sounds of celebration were allowed to fill the air. I wanted ta see it fer meself so I forced meself upright in the bed. Me head spun and I grabbed fer Brund.
“Whoah, lass! Best ye not git up fer a bit, tha doctor’s say ye need ta build yer strength back up.”
“Yeah and when were tha last time I paid much attention to tha doctors, eh? I want ta go out and see this party! Besides,” me knees buckled a bit under me weight makin’ me flounder fer support, “When were the las’ time you ever said no to an ale in yer honor?”
I glanced at him sittin’ at the bedside and strokin’ his beard thoughtfully. “Well, ye got a point there, lass. Ye think ye’ll be alright to make merry tonight?”
Pullin’ me robe over me head I was startin’ ta feel loads better. The thought of dancin’ with the elves and men, drinkin’ with Brund and not havin’ a care of the world for jus’ one night made me feel infinitely better, despite me still unsteady legs.
“Aye, I think I can manage,” I winked back at him.
