Final Voyage of the Remora (Demonstone Chronicles #2)

Prologue

The newborn's scream shattered the stillness of the night. In tree houses and ground huts, the neighboring elves heard the cries of the baby and took note with both joy and sadness in their hearts. They closed their eyes and tried to return to sleep, but most of them lay awake with feelings of shame and dread.

Not far from the newborn's home, King Saratoya sat up and stared into the darkness. For several long minutes he listened to the cries of the infant, and a bittersweet smile crept across his lips. The elven king glanced out the window at the stars hanging in the inky black sky.

A couple of hours before dawn, he murmured to himself as he stood up and got dressed. They could have timed that a bit better.

The king sighed deeply, the burden of his office feeling especially heavy as he remembered his joy at the birth of his own son. He shook his head and left his sleeping quarters. Saratoya made his way to the eating room and grabbed a piece of bread. He sat down quietly and listened to the faint cries still coming from the nearby hut. As he listened, he heard soft footsteps approaching. The king's face darkened and his posture stiffened as he realized that his twenty-year-old son was approaching.

So you heard it, too, the elven prince greeted his father.

As did everyone for quite a distance, King Saratoya replied stoically. The birth of an elf does not go unnoticed.

It might, Prince Elengal retorted hopefully. It just might.

Do not start this again, scowled the king. You know the law.

The law? balked the prince. It is not our law. It is the empire's law.

And we of the Elfwoods are subject to it, the king countered firmly. How many times must we have this conversation?

As many times as it takes until you agree to act like the king you are supposed to be, snapped Prince Elengal.

King Saratoya stiffened visibly and his hands curled into fists, but he did not strike out at his son. For a brief moment, the two men glared across the table at each other. Eventually, the king sighed and shook his head.

Sit down, he ordered authoritatively.

The prince hesitated only a moment before obeying his father. He knew that he came dangerously close to crossing the line with his comments, but he felt strongly that he was in the right.

You have been a good son to me, Elengal, the king said softly, and you will make a fine king someday, but there are some areas where you need refinement. Being a king means more than doing whatever you want to. Sometimes it means doing things that you detest, but you do whatever must be done to serve your people.

Prince Elengal began to glower at the coming lecture, and the king reached across the table and grasped his son's hand.

I know that we have talked about this before, the king continued, but try actually listening to the thoughts behind my words this time. You owe it to our people to understand how things are in Elfwoods. Will you try to see things through my eyes?

Prince Elengal felt his father's comforting grasp and knew that the king was sincere in his desire, no matter how misguided he might be. The prince's glower softened, and he nodded silently.

Good, smiled the king. I know that you find the laws of the empire distasteful. We all do, but the repercussions for violating them are severe. It is the law that we must give up each newborn to the empire. Do you know why that is the law?

So the emperor can taunt us with his power, the prince snapped a little too forcefully.

He has no need to taunt us, the king replied with a slight shaking of his head. He takes our children so that we will obey his laws and do his bidding.

But why should we do his bidding? retorted the prince. Why should we slave in the mines for an emperor who despises us and steals our children?

Because if we don't, the king replied, we will all die. Do you really wish to bring about the extinction of the elves?

Perhaps that would be better than being slaves, answered the prince.

Would it? retorted the king. Ask that question of a dwarf when next you see one.

The dwarves are all dead, countered the prince, and good riddance to them.

Indeed, nodded the king. Good riddance to them, but the point is, they are gone. It is easy enough for a young man to be obstinate and bold such as you are, but what about the people we serve? Do all of them agree with you? Are they all willing to die to satisfy your stubborn pride? Will you be the type of ruler who can watch over their deaths without shedding a tear?

The prince fell silent with a confused look on his face. He had not considered how the other elves might feel, and the king recognized his son's hesitancy for what it was. He pushed onward.

Are you willing to explain your defiance to a man watching his wife die? asked the king. Or a woman watching her brothers and sisters being sacrificed to make a political statement? Can you truly be so heartless?

But we are slaves, the prince retorted with less defiance than before.

Quite true, the king agreed. We are slaves, and our masters are cruel, but unlike the dwarves, we still have life. Our hopes for a better future are slim, but still we cherish those dreams. Do not let your harsh reactions take away those small slivers of hope. They are all that our people have to cling to.

The king squeezed his son's hand before withdrawing his own hand. The prince looked up with teared eyes and nodded to his father.

I do understand what you are trying to do for our people, he said haltingly, but I cannot see myself ever doing the same. Half of the elven children taken from us never return.

But the other half does, countered the king. We are told that those who do not return have chosen to remain among the humans.

And you believe them? scowled the prince.

I choose to believe them, the king replied. While I understand that the Baroukans may not be telling us the truth, I would have a hard time coping with the misery the truth might bring me. So yes, I believe their lies. The fact is, I am glad when a single one of our people returns, for that is more than I expected from the empire.

Perhaps I am not fit to be king then, Prince Elengal declared. I love you dearly, Father, and I know that you believe that you are doing what is best, but I could never bring myself to give up our children. I just could never do it.

You can, the king smiled thinly, and you will. I understand the passions of youth. I once had them myself. You are a fine man, Elengal, and the elves will be fortunate to have you on the throne someday, but I advise you to walk softly and cautiously until that time. You have much to learn yet.

The king rose and the prince quickly stood.

Where are you going? asked Prince Elengal.

I am going to remind Befraya that her child must be presented at dawn, stated the king. Even as tired as she might be, I thought she might want to stay up and at least enjoy a couple of hours with the baby before it is taken from her.

I will go, offered the prince. If I am to learn how the people feel about our current customs, I should start right away.

The king's gaze narrowed slightly, and he remained silent for a moment, as if he were weighing a mighty decision. Finally, he nodded.

Very well, the king said softly, but remember our talk. There is much more involved here than a single child.

I understand, Father, smiled the prince.

The king reached for a piece of paper as the prince left the room and headed to a small hut not far away. Prince Elengal knocked lightly on the door. Hushed voices drifted out the window, and a frown fell over the prince's face. He raised his hand to knock again when the door opened a crack.

Now is not a good time to visit, a man's voice declared. The baby has finally gotten back to sleep. Come back in the morning.

Morning is only two hours away, Lanole, Prince Elengal stated as he peered through the crack. I was just coming to remind you to present the baby in the morning. Father thought you might want to stay awake and enjoy whatever time you have.

We'll do just that, the baby's father replied. I will talk to you later today, Elengal.

The door closed and the prince stared at it in surprise. Lanole was only a few years older than the prince, and they had become fast friends when Lanole returned from the empire. Something was amiss. They had never had such a curt conversation before. Besides, it had appeared to the prince that Lanole was fully dressed. The prince backed away from the hut in confusion.

For several long minutes, the prince stood silently, staring at the small hut. He heard the baby's murmurs as well as hushed conversations. Nodding his head in understanding, Prince Elengal turned and headed into the trees. Hiding in a thicket alongside the path, the prince waited.

A few minutes later, Prince Elengal saw the couple stealthily moving along the path. Befraya carried the baby, and Lanole carried a heavy pack on his back. The prince stepped out of the thicket and blocked their path.

I thought you might be leaving before dawn, the prince said accusingly. You know that you are violating the law.

What if we are? Lanole retorted defiantly. I am not going to send my son to the emperor as I was sent by my parents. Get out of our way.

You can't do this, Lanole, countered Prince Elengal. I understand how you feel, but others will pay a heavy price for your actions.

You understand how I feel? snarled Lanole. Don't make me laugh. You never had to be turned over to the empire. Oh, no. You are the royal son after all. You are exempt from the law.

Prince Elengal was taken aback by his friend's comments. While it was true that the royal family was exempt from that particular law, it surely wasn't Elengal's fault that he had been allowed to stay in Elfwoods.

I thought we were friends, the prince replied. Your tone to me is one of hatred.

Not hatred, Lanole shook his head, but there is a certain irony that one so privileged as you would be the one to stand in my way. You of all people should be helping us to escape.

I wanted to, admitted the prince. I just argued with my father to let you hide the baby, but he is adamant. I think I finally understand why.

Well, good for you, scowled Lanole. I am sure you can accept the reasons given, as your child will also be exempt, as you were. You and I used to talk about having a king with guts. Now you appear to be following in your father's footsteps. I pity the people who will have to follow you.

That is harsh, frowned the prince. And unfair. You know that I hate the empire as much as you do.

Hardly, snapped Lanole. I spent twenty years with them. You have only heard stories of the misery. I have lived it.

Help us, pleaded Befraya. Help us escape or get out of our way. I will not surrender my child to the empire. I would rather die.

Prince Elengal turned to stare into the young woman's eyes. She also had spent twenty years outside the bounds of Elfwoods. There was fear in her eyes, and yet a glimmer of something else as well. It was hope, a hope for a better future, and the king's words flashed through the prince's mind again, although the meaning had changed slightly. The couple standing before the prince had a glimmer of hope that they were clinging to. It was just such a glimmer that the king had mentioned, and the prince could not bring himself to crush it.

Run hard and run fast, the prince said softly as he stepped aside. I will try to cover for you.

Befraya stepped close and kissed the prince for only a moment before Lanole tugged her arm. Elengal watched the couple run through the trees until they disappeared into the darkness.

Thoughts raced through the prince's mind as he turned and headed back towards the village. One part of his mind hoped that the empire would just not notice the absence of a pregnant elf, while the other contemplated what he would say to his father. The latter thoughts sent a chill up his spine, but he mentally vowed to be honest with his father. Still, he was not anxious to rush back for the confrontation.

Prince Elengal walked slowly, meandering through the village as the sky began to lighten. As he approached his father's home, he saw the king standing in front of it. A quick glance at his father's eyes told the prince that his secret was a secret no longer. He cast his eyes at the ground before him as he walked towards his father.

Tell me about it, the king said softly.

I tried to stop them, Father, Prince Elengal said. Truly I did, but I am too weak. Both of them have known the horrors of being taken away, and I do not. How could I argue when they said that they preferred death to complying with the law?

Prince Elengal expected his father to be furious, but the king stretched out his hand and placed it comfortingly on the prince's shoulder. Elengal looked up and saw a deep sadness in his father's eyes.

It is important that you tried to stop them, King Saratoya said calmly. While you may have been weak-willed this night, that soon will pass. The important thing is that you learn what sacrifices must be made to ensure your people's survival. You will learn that soon enough.

The prince's brow creased in confusion, and a cold dread invaded his every pore. There was an ominous tone in his father's voice that he had never heard before.

Maybe the empire will not notice them gone, offered the prince.

The emperor always knows more than we credit him with knowing, the king replied with a shake of his head. There will be a heavy price to pay for the deeds of this morning, but perhaps that payment will ensure the survival of our people for another generation.

The prince didn't understand his father's words, but he did not have time to dwell upon them either. A loud commotion rippled through the wakening village as the sun rose over the horizon. Elves rushed to the center of the village as gray-clad soldiers entered from every direction. King Saratoya marched dutifully to the village square, and Prince Elengal followed.

The soldiers halted as they formed a ring around the village square. The ring opened briefly to admit a huge creature. The creature was a thing of the deepest black, but its skin twinkled with reflected sunlight, as would a shiny piece of coal. The creature was human, yet not human, for it stood taller than any man, and its eyes were devoid of life.

King Saratoya immediately dropped to one knee and bowed his head to the creature. Its head swiveled, taking in the rest of the gathered villagers as if waiting for them to do the same. And do the same they did. One by one the elves mimicked King Saratoya and dropped to a knee and bowed their heads.

The laws of the empire have been broken, bellowed K'san. Bring forth the violators.

Prince Elengal glanced towards the commotion as a woman's scream rent the air. King Saratoya rose and Prince Elengal followed suit. He watched as soldiers shoved Lanole and Befraya roughly towards the square. Lanole stumbled and fell, and two soldiers picked him up and propelled him forward. The small procession halted directly in front of K'san. The elves all rose to their feet to watch what would happen.

The beast's hand shot out with amazing speed and snatched the baby from Befraya's arms. The young woman screamed in horror, but the creature ignored her. It casually tossed the baby to a soldier.

Befraya and Lanole have violated the laws of the empire, the creature declared. Who knows the penalty for this crime?

The entire village was frozen in silence. No one dared to answer the question, and the creature merely smirked at their humiliation.

The penalty, declared the beast, is the death of ten elven children in the custody of the empire. Can any of you deny that?

No one spoke.

K'san, King Saratoya broke the silence, the young are often impetuous and foolhardy. As the sun has just broken the horizon, and you have the baby in custody, no harm has really been done.

The creature cocked its head and stared at the elven king. No harm? it bellowed. No harm? It is clear that the couple sought to take what belongs to the empire. Further, K'san added as his eyes pierced into Prince Elengal's eyes, they had help.

Prince Elengal's blood chilled, and his throat swelled with fear. Never in his lifetime had one of the K'sans appeared in the Elfwoods, but he had heard stories about the creatures. He had dismissed those stories as myths, even when his father had stated otherwise. The prince looked at his father with a new profound respect. Suddenly the prince understood exactly why the king had been acting the way he had, for the methods of King Saratoya were the only ways of ensuring the survival of the elves.

Who among you want to offer up your children in payment for the crimes of Lanole and Befraya? asked K'san.

Most of the couples in the village had children held by the empire. Not surprisingly, no one volunteered, and the beast cackled.

Then kill the criminals and their crime will be punished, challenged K'san.

The villagers remained frozen, expressions of shock and fear plastered on their faces. None of the elves wanted to kill the young couple. After a few moments, K'san shrugged his shoulders as if the punishment must be carried out with the deaths of elven children. Suddenly, an elven woman screamed in anguish as she picked up a rock and threw it at Befraya. The rock missed Befraya, but her action had broken the spell of indecision. Suddenly dozens of rocks were sailing toward the criminals, and Lanole and Befraya cried out in pain as the missiles struck their targets. Prince Elengal glanced at his father and saw tears running down the king's face. He began to understand more of his father's words of advice.

The stoning was over in mere moments. The crumpled and bloodied bodies of the two young elves lay entangled in each other's arms. The villagers bowed their heads, unwilling to gaze into the faces of their neighbors, for they were ashamed to have placed their own children above their neighbors. K'san smiled and nodded as he surveyed the crowd. He was pleased with the results.

There is still one matter to be resolved, K'san said loudly. Lanole and Befraya did not sneak out of the village without someone knowing about it. That crime is punishable by death.

The creature stared at Prince Elengal again, and the prince knew that somehow the creature was well aware of his actions. The prince had made a fatal mistake in judgment, and one that his father had repeatedly warned him about. Elengal's limbs shook with uncontrolled fear as he stepped forward and opened his mouth to speak.

K'san… Prince Elengal began.

Silence! shouted King Saratoya as he whirled and slapped the prince. How many times have I told you not to interrupt me?

As Prince Elengal staggered backwards, King Saratoya stepped before K'san.

I gave the young couple permission to flee, the king declared.

K'san frowned at the king and lifted his eyes to gaze at the prince. Elengal's eyes were wide with shock, and the creature nodded knowingly, but Saratoya was not done. He knew that the empire demanded a demonstration to keep the next generation in line, but he would not let his son be that example.

Only through the guidance of the king will the elves adhere to your laws, declared King Saratoya. If I have strayed from that guidance, then I am prepared to pay the price, for if it is not I who pays the price, you will have no hold over my people.

K'san narrowed his eyes as he stared at the elven king. He knew that it was Prince Elengal who had broken the law, but the king had just thrown down the gauntlet. The message was clear: Spare my son, or I will lead my people in revolt.

K'san looked once more at the elven prince and then his eyes shifted back to the king. There was potential value to the king's offer. K'san nodded slowly.

So be it, he bellowed as his hand streaked out and smashed into the king's chest. Ripping the king's heart from his body and holding it up for all to see, K'san continued, The elves are in need of a new king. May the next one ensure that the elves obey the laws of the empire.

Chapter 1

Attack on the King

The first arrow struck King Arik in the chest. As the Warrior King fell from his mount, Queen Tanya swiftly erected a physical shield around the royal couple and their mounts. She did so by instinct rather than thought, and that instinct saved her life. Only seconds behind the first assassin's arrow, dozens of other arrows flew towards the royal couple. The arrows came from every direction, and Tanya was vaguely aware of the screams of the citizens of Tagaret as they scrambled to find safety in doorways and alleys.

Chaco defiantly showed his horn. The unicorn reared on his hind legs and hovered over the fallen king protectively, trying to shield Arik from the arrows with his own body. When the arrows bounced off Tanya's protective shield, the unicorn settled on all four legs, but he still placed his body between the king and a tall building on the east side of the street. It was from the roof of that building that most of the arrows were coming from.

With shouted war cries, hundreds of Red Swords raced along the street towards the fallen king. Officers shouted orders and pointed towards the various nests of assassins, and the Red Swords split up to attack the hidden killers. A dozen other warriors also responded to the cries of alarm, but they did not race along the street, nor did they shout their arrival. The Knights of Alcea moved swiftly, but silently. Instead of using the broad avenues of Tagaret, the Knights of Alcea split up and flowed through the narrow alleyways to get behind the assassins.

Jenneva cast a spell and transformed into an eagle. She leaped into the air and soared high over the city of Tagaret. Her first task was to search for any magical component of the attack on the king, but there did not appear to be any active mages among the assassins. She chirped a sigh of relief and set her eagle eyes to scanning the rooftops and windows. She used her telepathic abilities to direct her husband towards the largest concentration of enemy archers.

Alexander Tork nodded to himself as he received Jenneva's instructions. He turned abruptly and dashed into a large building. His legs pumped mechanically as he raced up the steps of the tall building and burst through the door to the roof, a Lanoirian star clutched in each hand. A dozen archers were on the roof, sending arrows of death towards the king and queen. Several of them turned when the door smashed open, and Alex tossed the two stars reflexively. He swiftly grabbed two more stars and threw them as he raced across the roof. Four archers died when the sharp metal discs struck their bodies, but the rest of the group turned their bows towards the threat.

Alex dove towards the archers and rolled into a ball, hoping to close distance with the enemy before they could aim at him. As the Knight of Alcea came out of his roll and leaped to his feet, he spread his arms wide and pushed forward. Two archers screamed as their bodies were pushed over the edge of the roof. Alex drew his two-handed sword as he whirled to his right. He lashed out swiftly and was rewarded with a scream of death as the sword sliced into one of the assassins. There were two more assassins before him, and they were backing away as fast as they could. Mindful of the three archers behind him, Alex moved swiftly and erratically as he pursued the two men in front of him.

An arrow flew by the Knight of Alcea as he caught up to one of the fleeing archers. He ignored the archery threat and swung his sword into the man before him. Another arrow grazed his arm as he struck the man down and pulled his sword free. The screech of an eagle rent the air as Jenneva soared over Alex's head towards the three bowmen shooting at him. He smiled tautly and chased after the last of the fleeing men. The man halted at the edge of the roof with nowhere to go. He dropped his bow and pulled a short sword from its sheath, but it was too little and too late. Alexander's long sword reached out and sliced open the man's stomach. As the assassin gazed down in shock at his wound, Alex thrust his sword at the man's chest. The assassin screamed as he tumbled over the edge of the roof.

Alexander turned swiftly to face his remaining foes. He smiled broadly as he turned and saw what Jenneva was doing. The three assassins had dropped their bows and had their arms raised over their heads to halt the attacks of the eagle. Alex raced across the roof to end their anguish.

* * *

Prince Darok raised his mighty dwarven battleaxe and splintered the door to the room. The three archers at the window turned and stared in disbelief as the broad dwarf rumbled through the wreckage towards them. One of the archers had an arrow already nocked, and he tried to bring his bow around to aim at the dwarf. With unbelievable deftness, the Knight of Alcea dropped one hand off his battleaxe and grasped a smaller throwing axe from his belt. With a practiced flip of his wrist, the small throwing axe sailed across the room and imbedded in the man's chest. As the assassin's body crumpled to the floor, Prince Darok grabbed his battleaxe with both hands and raced across the room, his loud, low voice issuing a dwarven battle cry. The two remaining assassins grabbed for their swords, but their cause was hopeless. The large battleaxe cleaved through both bodies before either man could pose a threat.

* * *

The sign on the door said closed, but the Knights of Alcea entered the inn anyway. They knew that there were assassins shooting from the upper floors. When Wylan and Sheri entered the common room, they saw the body of the innkeeper stretched out on the floor. The windows were all shuttered, but torches illuminated the room. Unexpectedly, shouts rang out from upstairs and feet pounded across the ceiling.

Extinguish the torches, ordered Wylan softly.

Sheri nodded knowingly and ran around the room extinguishing the torches. Most people thought Wylan was blind, and in fact, he was at one time, but Zalaharic, the elven healer, had restored the Knight of Alcea's eyesight. Wylan's eyesight was now so keen that he continued to wear the patches of a blind man, but the patches had minute holes in them to lessen the amount of light reaching his sensitive eyes. As Sheri extinguished the last torch, Wylan slid the eye patches away from his eyes.

They are coming down, Sheri whispered softly. Where do you want me?

Stand at the rear door, instructed Wylan. Slay anyone who comes near you, for it will not be me.

Sheri nodded silently and made her way carefully across the dark room as footsteps pounded on the stairs.

It's dark down there! shouted one of the assassins.

Are you afraid of the dark? retorted another unseen voice. The Red Swords have spotted our location. They will be here any minute. Get a move on.

The frantic rush to flee before the Red Swords arrived caused confusion in the darkness. As the men spilled off the stairway and raced for the front door, Wylan sprang into action. The Knight of Alcea swung his staff with deadly perfection and the confusion turned into chaos. Cries ripped through the dark room as Wylan advanced into the mob of assassins.

What is going on? shouted a fearful voice.

The only replies were grunts of pain and surprise as Wylan's staff slashed and poked through the column of flesh. In just moments it was over.

Are you alright? Wylan asked softly.

I am fine, answered Sheri. You got the bulk of them. Only four tried for the rear door. Go check upstairs while I light a torch and check the bodies down here.

* * *

Tedi and Natia paused outside the door on the fourth floor of the guildhall. Natia had four throwing knives in her left hand and one in her right. Tedi held his magical staff and looked questioningly at his wife.

You sure this is it? he whispered.

Natia smiled and nodded silently as she positioned herself across the hall from the door. Tedi stepped to one side of the door, and with a last look at Natia, swung his staff at the door. The wooden door shattered in a spray of splinters as the magical staff disintegrated it. The assassins in the room turned in shock and confusion as they saw the gypsy princess standing in the hallway. Their confusion turned quickly to fear as the Knight of Alcea's knives began flying through the air. Five knives scored hits on five assassins, and Natia dashed to her right, away from the opening where the door used to be.

Shouted commands rippled through the room and the remaining assassins gave chase to the young woman. What they had not counted on was her husband and partner. As the first assassin tried to leave the room, Tedi swung his staff hard at the man. The staff smashed right through the man's body, severing it in two. The Knight of Alcea charged through the misty gore with his staff extended before him. The remaining assassins were frozen in the grip of fear, as the Knight of Alcea suddenly appeared where their comrade had been. Tedi rushed into the room and began a dance of death as he held his staff outstretched and pivoted in a circle. Within a few seconds, only body parts remained of the assassins.

* * *

Bin-lu and Rut-ki split up as they approached the cobbler's shop. Bin-lu entered the alley behind the shop, while Rut-ki went around to the front. When Rut-ki tried to open the front door, she heard shouts within the shop and then a stampede of footsteps running away. She backed up a pace and kicked the door open just in time to see the last of the assassins run out the back door. She gave chase.

Bin-lu saw the men exit the cobbler shop. They started towards him then changed their minds. They turned around and ran the other way. Bin-lu grabbed two Lanoirian stars from a pouch and ran after them. Throwing on the run, Bin-lu picked off two of the assassins before he caught up to the rear of the pack. He grabbed one of the assassins from behind and twisted his neck, tossing the corpse aside.

Take your time, Rut-ki said from behind Bin-lu. This alley is a dead end.

The remaining assassins had disappeared around a bend in the alley and Bin-lu turned to look at his partner.

How do you know that? he asked.

I got lost here one day, shrugged Rut-ki. We may be facing arrows when we round that bend, though. Do you have any ideas?

Two Lanoirian stars filled Bin-lu's hands and he shrugged. We could wait for the Red Swords to catch up, he said with a smile.

I don't think so, grinned Rut-ki as Lanoirian stars suddenly filled her hands as well. I choose the left wall.

Then the right wall is mine, grinned Bin-lu. Let's do it.

The two Knights of Alcea ran along the alleyway in single file, keeping to the center. When they rounded the bend, the assassins were waiting for them. Bin-lu let fly his stars and veered sharply to the right. Rut-ki duplicated his maneuvers, but veered left. The twang of bowstrings reverberated off the alley walls, but the arrows failed to strike a target as they sailed along the center of the alleyway. The Lanoirian martial artists ran part way up the sidewalls of the alleyway and then flipped back towards the opposite sides. Before the assassins could nock another arrow, the Knights of Alcea were upon them.

The Knights of Alcea's bodies were blurs in motion as they struck out at the assassins with feet and hands. Two assassins pushed away from the melee and tried to run, but Lanoirian stars struck before they could reach the bend in the alleyway.

* * *

Two other Knights of Alcea stepped out on a roof a few blocks east of the king. Both Knights immediately strung their bows and nocked arrows.

What makes you think they will flee this way? asked Karl Gree.

There is no other way for them to go, answered Prince Garong. The gates of the city will be closed, and any armed person going near the Royal Palace will be killed. To the south is the park and the river, and if you look that way, you will see units of the Targa Army already set up there. If they survive long enough to flee, they will have to pass below us.

Karl looked thoughtfully at the elven prince and nodded in agreement. I will take the south side of the roof, he volunteered.

Then I shall take the north, agreed Prince Garong. Try to leave one of them alive if possible, but do not let any of them escape.

Karl nodded and walked to the edge of the roof and waited. He worried a bit about identifying the assassins from regular citizens, but he needn't have. When they came, it was obvious. The assassins raced along the middle of the street with bows in hand, and they constantly looked over their shoulders. Nothing they did could have prepared them for the aerial assault that followed.

Karl Gree was a hunter by trade and an excellent shot with a bow, but even he was amazed at his improvement after spending time with the elves of Elderal. Prince Garong had taught him to fire accurately with a speed he had not believed possible before. When the Knight of Alcea started firing at the fleeing assassins, five of them went down before the others even realized that they were under attack. Shouts of fear and curses split the air as the hunter continued to wreak havoc from above. The assassins tried to separate and go in different directions, but that only increased Karl's challenge slightly. In a matter of seconds, twelve bodies littered the street below Karl Gree. Two of them were alive, and Karl kept a close watch until the Red Swords appeared.

How did you do? asked Prince Garong as he joined Karl at the edge of the roof.

Twelve, answered Karl. A year ago I would not have believed that possible. I have much to thank you for, Prince Garong.

You have a natural talent, smiled the elven prince, but don't get a big head about it. I got fifteen.

Karl laughed and shook his head at the friendly competition he enjoyed with the elf. Then the drinks are on me, grinned the hunter, but next time I get the north side.

* * *

The atmosphere in the library of the Royal Palace was tense. The Knights of Alcea stood slightly apart from the rest of the people as the king's advisors spoke their minds about the latest assassination attempt.

I do not see it as something quite so awful, King Arik said with frustration. The Breastplate of Alcea saved me from the only arrow to get through. I am only a little sore from my fall off Chaco, but that is not a serious price to pay for flushing out over a hundred assassins.

And what if Tanya's shields had failed? asked Fredrik. The shock-white-haired Royal Sorcerer was as young as the king, but he was struck by magical lightning in the Battle of Tagaret. While he was not as powerful a mage as the queen, King Arik respected his advice a great deal, and Fredrik used that confidence in him to drive home his point. Do you have any idea how much energy it took for her to maintain a physical shield over all of you while hundreds of arrows were slamming into it? I doubt that I could have maintained it at all. You really are playing a fool's game if you continue to draw out the assassins.

He has a point, Arik, admitted the queen. Each assassination attempt gets stronger and stronger. If they had used mages today in addition to the archers, I would not have been capable of shielding us.

Non-mages have no concept of the energy it requires for shields, interjected Niki, Fredrik's wife and assistant. Perhaps Fredrik and I should always accompany you when you go out.

Even that is not acceptable, scowled Prince Oscar, the king's biological father. These assassins appear to have a limitless supply of fools who are more than willing to throw their lives away in an attempt to harm you. Today you had all of the Knights of Alcea available to you, but you cannot afford to keep them in Tagaret. They are needed elsewhere if we are to prepare this nation for war.

He is right, offered General Gregor. While the Red Swords are the finest soldiers in the world, it was the Knights of Alcea who took the brunt of the battle today. It is too dangerous for you to be out and about in Tagaret without a military escort.

So I am to remain in hiding in my palace? growled the king. That is not acceptable to me. I will not be jailed by fear. Surely, they must be running out of assassins by now.

Prince Oscar has the right of it, Lord Clava said softly. The soft-spoken lord had raised King Arik as his son after finding him abandoned at sea. He seldom spoke at meetings, but when he did, it was always worth listening to him, and Arik listened intently. The Zarans have had years to infiltrate our society, and they have used those years wisely. I suspect that their organization is huge, and we will need a lot of resources to rout them all out before the Zaran armies arrive. To do that, you will need the Knights of Alcea out among the people. You know the truth of that as well as I do. Why do you deny it?

King Arik sighed heavily and gazed at the man he had called father for most of his life. So you want me held captive as well? he asked. I never thought I would hear you say that.

And you have not heard me say it, smiled Lord Clava. My suggestion may not be taken well by the rest of your advisors, but I think you and Tanya ought to disappear for a while.

Disappear? asked Queen Tanya.

I like it, smiled Prince Oscar as he slapped Lord Clava on the back. We too often forget that the king and queen are Knights of Alcea in their own right.

You mean we should go on the road? questioned Queen Tanya with a glint of hope in her voice. The queen was not one to enjoy the trappings of royalty, but she agreed with Arik that it was a duty they could not ignore. Am I hearing you correctly?

What of their safety? asked General Gregor. We cannot follow a couple of travelers with a battalion of Red Swords.

Their safety would rest in their anonymity, offered Zack Nolan, Alcea's spymaster. Each of them is quite adept at defending themselves. If no one knows who they are, they should be able to travel freely.

But enough people know what they look like, protested the general.

That can be changed, offered Fredrik. It would only require a fairly minor spell to maintain a facial illusion. The changes do not need to be drastic at all.

I concur, agreed the spymaster. Another illusion will be required for the Sword of Heavens, but you will be able to portray yourself as anyone you want to.

And I am sure that Lord Clava and Lord Markel will aid me in running the kingdom in your absence, smiled Prince Oscar. That is, of course, if you trust us to do so.

Trust you? chuckled King Arik. I could not think of anyone as competent as the three of you. I must say that I am warming to the idea. Now only if I could convince my queen to give up the trapping of royalty for a while.

Everyone in the room laughed, as it was no secret that Queen Tanya yearned to be out and traveling the countryside once more.

Then it is settled, declared Prince Oscar. I see no reason to continue this meeting. Shall we adjourn?

The king nodded his agreement, but he caught the eyes of those he wished to stay behind. The rest of the people filed out of the library, and the festive atmosphere died quickly. Five Knights of Alcea remained in the room with the king, queen, and Prince Oscar.

Does anyone else know about this journey of yours? the king asked Alexander Tork.

As of now, answered the Knight of Alcea, only those present have any idea of what we will attempt, although there was talk of such a journey some time ago.

I have gone to pains to see that the idea was ridiculed, offered Prince Oscar. It is not that I distrust the other advisors or Knights of Alcea, but with the Zarans uncanny ability to hear things best kept unheard, I felt it best if no one was aware of the voyage.

I agree, stated Queen Tanya as she looked at her parents with concern. Are you sure that you two must be the ones to go?

I am positive, answered Alex.

Your gut sense? asked Tanya.

It is more than that, admitted Alex. For the longest time, I have been having dreams about going to Zara.

Jenneva looked queerly at her husband and it was obvious to all that he had never mentioned the dreams to her. He looked at her shyly and shrugged his shoulders. The queen was quite surprised by the unspoken admission.

What kind of dreams? asked Tanya.

An urging, answered Alex. It is hard to explain, but I do not think the idea of capturing one of the Zaran ships was my own thought. It feels as if I am being ordered to go.

Egam? gasped Jenneva. Could he in some way still be influencing our lives?

Jenneva used the name of the Mage that she was most familiar with, as she tutored under him when he was called Egam, but he was also known to other Knights of Alcea as Master Boris Khatama, a traveling merchant. The gods referred to him as Razil, or the Creator, but what he truly was, no one knew. Yet it was accepted by all of the Knights of Alcea that the Mage stood for Light over Darkness, and Good over Evil. He was the opposite and foe of Alutar, the Great Demon, which the Knights were now convinced was also known as Balmak.

Who knows what an eternal being is capable of, the queen pondered out loud. The Mage has not been heard of since he was sucked into the planet's core via the Ocean's Sewer, but surely he must exist on some plane.

Your motivations are secondary to me, interrupted the king. Even if it was just your gut feel, I understand your need to follow it. Have the rest of you freely agreed to this journey?

I am most anxious for the journey to begin, nodded Karl Gree.

We have, Tedi answered for Natia and himself. We realize that my staff will be required if we run across any more K'sans. Only it and the Sword of Heavens are capable of killing such creatures.

Directly, interjected Jenneva. K'san can be killed without a magical weapon, but it sure would be useful to have one along.

I agree, stated Queen Tanya. What else do you need from us?

I need three Rangers, answer Alex. They have particular skills that I think will help us survive the journey.

Ask and they will be yours, offered the king.

There is a Ranger by the name of Clint McFarren, Alex said. He is an expert in charting. The map we have of Zara is a crude thing, and it only shows the waters off the coast. I think we need to map the entire continent.

Done, nodded Prince Oscar. I will have him summoned to the king's office as soon as we are done here.

Another is Shawn Cowen, Alex continued. I have never met anyone who is more skilled in survival techniques. He can look at a plant or animal and tell you whether it is editable or not, and that may come in handy in a land where we are not welcome.

And the third? asked the king.

I don't know, sighed Alex. I need an expert in naval warfare. I want the Remora equipped to do battle at sea, and yet not appear to be a warship. A Ranger may not be the best choice.

I know whom you want, offered Prince Oscar after a moment of thought. There is a Red Sword by the name of Max Caber. He could make a raft into a warship.

Have him see me, stated the king. If he is willing to take on the journey, I will make him a Ranger. What else do you need, Alex?

Fairies, answered Alex. I think six of them should suffice. And I will need to use some unicorns to get everyone to the ship, but I will not be taking any with us.

That is it? asked the king. What about a crew?

That is all that I require of you, smiled Alex. I intend to add others to the voyage, but I will not bother you with the details, nor will you be bothered by their absence from Alcea.

Fair enough, the king said with finality. Prince Oscar will also see that you are given ample provisions and a hefty amount of gold to allow for provisioning once you are there. Go swiftly and come back safely.

The meeting broke up and people filed out of the room, but Queen Tanya dallied so that she would have a few private words with her parents before they left. She embraced Alex and Jenneva silently for several long moments before speaking.

You both had better return from this voyage, she said with a glint of tears in her eyes. If you don't, I will never forgive you.

Alex and Jenneva smiled tightly and hugged their daughter once more, but neither of them uttered any false promises.

Chapter 2

Gathering of the Crew

Three unicorns circled over a hidden valley in the heart of the Boulder Mountains. They spiraled lower, almost lazily, as they waited for the elves below to invite them into the valley.

There is the welcome, Alexander Tork announced to Jenneva and Karl Gree. We're going down.

The unicorns descended to a small clearing where two elves stood alongside a dwarf. Smokey immediately jumped to the ground and began wagging his tail.

Welcome to Glendor, greeted Prince Elgorn as the trio dismounted. It has been a long time since you have graced us with a visit.

Too long, grinned Alex as he embraced the fair elven prince, but Glendor is not known for it fine fishing.

I never believed those stories about you retiring to a life of fishing, laughed Prince Elgorn as he broke the embrace and hugged Jenneva.

The stories are true, smiled Jenneva as she returned the elf's hug. He really is a fine fisherman. May I introduce…

Karl Gree? asked Prince Elgorn as he broke the embrace and faced the Cordonian hunter.

Karl stared at the elf, his face a display of genuine surprise. How could you possibly know who I am? he asked.

Prince Elgorn grinned broadly and grasped the hunter's forearms in welcome. There are precious few humans who are granted the privilege of training with elves, he stated. Prince Garong of Elderal has told us all about you. Welcome to Glendor.

I am deeply honored, smiled Karl Gree.

The darker elf and the dwarf approached the new arrivals, and Prince Elgorn turned and introduced them to Karl.

This is my brother, Prince Rigal, Prince Elgorn declared, and Prince Tergota of Lanto.

I am pleased to meet both of you, Karl said solemnly as bowed to the princes.

It is wonderful to see you here, Prince Tergota, interjected Jenneva. I take it that all past hostilities are forgotten?

Very much so, grinned the dwarf as he embraced Jenneva and Alex. It only took a trip to another Universe to knock some sense into Rigal and me.

All of Glendor and Lanto have much to thank you and Alex for, added Prince Rigal as he also welcomed his old friends. We work very closely with the dwarves now, and it benefits both of our peoples.

I am so very pleased, smiled Jenneva as she thought back to the daring journey to another Universe taken with the two princes over twenty years earlier. The elves and dwarves had hated each other at the time, but their hatred had been based on false premises and a history that had become distorted.

What brings you to Glendor? asked Prince Elgorn.

I actually came to ask a favor of Prince Rigal, Alexander answered seriously. I need an elf to join me on a perilous journey.

There is no shortage of elves in the world who would do whatever you ask, offered Prince Rigal. Why me?

Alexander Tork gazed at the three princes before him for several moments before answering. Those who knew Alex understood that he was concerned about what he was going to say.

I must ask that what I am about to say will not be repeated to anyone not present, Alex said softly.

There was no hesitation from the three princes. Each of them nodded their agreement.

We are embarking on a journey to a land far away, explained Alex. It is a land from which armies will flow in an effort to destroy Alcea. I want to learn more about our enemy and do whatever we can to halt the invasion. In this unknown land are humans and elves. I think it is important to have an elf in our party so that we are not seen as just another group of humans trying to manipulate the elves.

That makes sense, frowned Prince Rigal, but why Glendor, and why me? You have the allegiance of thousands of elves from Elderal and Sorelderal.

Both Elderal and Sorelderal were heavily involved in the quest to restore the Sword of Heavens, answered Alex. The enemy has had spies in Alcea for a fair number of years, and I cannot take the chance that either group might have been infiltrated. Glendor has remained well hidden and is small enough to know every member of the community.

But why Rigal instead of me? asked Prince Elgorn. I am the heir to the throne of Glendor. Did you think that I would not grant your request?

Certainly not, replied Alex. Prince Rigal has journeyed with Jenneva and I before. He will well understand the qualities that we are looking for in an elf, and those qualities are more than mere skill. They also require a certain temperament.

We also require a darker-skinned elf, interjected Jenneva.

I can think of several good candidates, offered Prince Rigal. Certainly Lyron and Gerant would fill your need perfectly. Why do you need a darker-skinned elf?

The elves in this far away land are the Dielderal, answered Alex.

The Dielderal? snarled Prince Rigal. Those same creatures that waged war against their brothers and slaughtered unicorns? You really expect to talk with them?

I think we must try, Alexander nodded. While I do not hold much hope for making allies out of the Dielderal, it would be nice to make their alliance with the Zarans more tenuous. If we can succeed at that, we may be able to find a way to drive a wedge between them.

Prince Rigal's face was a dark mask of hatred and his hands curled into fists at his side. During the journey to the other Universe, he had seen what the Dielderal were capable of, and it sickened him to think that elves could be so heartless and cruel. He had been ashamed to share a race with such a despicable people.

I see why your requirements include a certain temperament, Prince Elgorn said softly. It will be hard to find an elf in Glendor who does not feel as Prince Rigal does about the Dielderal.

Yet Prince Rigal once felt the same fury towards dwarves, Jenneva stated. Hatred by itself is a weakening influence. Do not allow it to cripple you.

Prince Rigal glowered at Jenneva, but his fury subsided as she returned his glare with a comforting smile.

Perhaps I was wrong to bring my troubles into your home, Alexander sighed. I apologize.

No, Prince Elgorn shook his head. Your reasoning is sound. It is we who are unappreciative of what you are trying to do. We will select an elf to accompany you on the journey.

Not exactly, Prince Rigal said abruptly.

Everyone looked at the dark prince and waited for the biting words that were sure to follow.

We will send three dark elves with you on this journey, Alexander Tork, the dark prince declared.

Three? frowned Alex. Why three?

Because only one elf will do nothing to make the Dielderal believe that they are truly speaking for elves, explained Prince Rigal. They will assume that you have groomed a misfit as a puppet to speak words you want heard. It must be at least three, or they will not be heard.

I had not thought of that, nodded Alex, but your reasoning makes sense.

Then who besides Lyron and Gerant? asked Prince Elgorn.

Me, declared Prince Rigal. If someone from Glendor must confront our evil brothers, then it should be someone who speaks with authority. I will be one of the three elves to go to this far away land.

Alex's mouth opened to argue, but the dwarf's laughter caused him to stop.

I don't suppose there is room in your party for a wee dwarf, is there? asked Prince Tergota. I so much enjoyed my last journey with Prince Rigal.

We do not know of any dwarves in Zara, Jenneva shook her head. If there are no dwarves in that land, you would immediately be attacked as a spy. I do not think it would be wise.

I agree, stated Alex. That is the very reason we seek dark elves for the trip. We are going to have to blend in to survive.

If we are to join you now, Prince Rigal said, I will need to get the others ready for the trip.

Alexander stared at the dark elf for several long moments before speaking. You will have time to prepare, he said, finally accepting the dark prince and his companions as members of the team. I will send unicorns in a few days to pick you up. Plan on a journey of at least a year.

And do not feel obligated to join us, Prince Rigal, Jenneva added. This journey is fraught with danger. There is more than a fair chance that none of us will ever return. We did not plan on taking an elven prince with us. Your king and queen might object strongly to your participation.

That is a matter for King Gondoral to decide, stated Prince Elgorn. Send three unicorns, and they will be mounted with dark elves.

* * *

Kalamaar was the second largest city in the province of Cordonia and one of the largest seaports in the known world. By the time the three riders passed through the city gates, the sun had set and the stars had come out to shine. Dark as it was, the fairy found the riders without a problem.

I have located him, chirped Bitsy, but he is not alone. His mate is with him.

I did not know that Captain Gomery was married, commented Jenneva.

Not that kind of mate, frowned the little blue woman. I mean his second in command.

Chanz? asked Alexander Tork.

That is the one, nodded the fairy. They are in the common room of an inn.

Alex frowned heavily. The message that