Zaphrina had to admit the enigmatic seer intimidated her. Perhaps, it was the way she always seemed to know what was occurring even during the most chaotic of circumstances. She doubted there was little if anything that could unnerve her. For a human to have earned the respect of the elves enough to allow them to enter their kingdom spoke volumes of her strength of character.

     Now she was returning to Elvenrule the land of her birth. Admittedly she was ill prepared for the sight before her. Like the dwarves, the elves had taken advantage of the resources available to them and constructed a vast city of wood, high in the branches of the mighty giant trees that blanketed the land in regal splendor.

     They had appeared on a large platform in what Orisa said was one of the greatest cities in Elvenrule, home of the Council which consisted of ruling nobles of the race. In the sky above them they could see even more levels ascending in tiers as the city expanded upwards. Even farther above floated several of the legendary airships of the elves, their unique crimson sails blowing in the wind.

     Presently, a rather tall silver elf approached them in a fine silken tunic. His face was pale like Zaphrina’s with the same delicate beauty. Behind him two gold hued elves followed respectfully behind, their heads slightly bowed. “I have been granted the honor of meeting you great Seer.” He informed them, bowing respectfully before Orisa. “I am Reianal of the house Ysaria.”

     “A pleasure,” Orisa answered, presenting her hand, which Reianal dutifully kissed. “This is Zaphrina, daughter of Zarlorn of the house Tarlon.” Orisa stated presenting the mage.

     “A once noble house,” Reianal smiled.

     “Once?” Zaphrina inquired.

     “They held a seat on the council till your sire’s departure,” he explained. “I fear your house lost face and their seat at that time.” He turned towards Terrell with a look of disdain at the young man. ”And who is this…human,” he asked with note of disgust in his voice.

     “He is Terrell,” Zaphrina interjected, she was beginning to dislike the snobbish attitude of the male elf. If this is the way all elves acted it was little wonder Zarlorn had left.

     “A priest of Oghan,” Orisa added quickly, “the human patron deity of knowledge.” The revelation did not seem to impress Reianal.

 “I suppose that is quite an achievement.” He replied. Zaphrina wished she could cast at least one spell to teach this snob a lesson in manners.

     “I do not wish, to interrupt this exchange,” Terrell said, “but our schedule is somewhat restrictive.”

     “He is correct,” Orisa agreed. “We have much to do and little time.”

     “Of course,” Reianal nodded. “I have brought servants to take any of your bags to the best quarters in the city. Might I inquire as to the reason we are so honored to have the famed Seer grace us with her presence?”

     “We are here to see the council, about helping to defeat Censor and freeing the elves in Archeon.” Zaphrina replied.

     “I see,” Reianal mused. “I fear the council will not listen to any such requests even from one such as Orisa. As to the elves in Archeon and elsewhere, well they chose to leave the sanctuary of Elvenrule.”

     “I shouldn’t wonder,” Zaphrina retorted as they began their trek through the city high in the trees. She could see the golden elves toiling away at various tasks, in simple cloth attire while the Silver ones strolled around casually in their fine silken garbs. The elves had a very strict caste system based on the tint of ones skin. There was no chance for anyone to rise above his or her assigned station.

     “I will still be granted an audience,” Orisa stated.

     “Naturally,” Reianal informed her. “They may not allow your err entourage to gain access to the chamber however.”

     “These people are my allies and companions,” Orisa retorted with a slight hint of agitation in her normally serene voice. “They will join me.” The arrogant elf’s skin paled even more upon hearing the words of the mage, choosing only to nod in agreement.

     “Tell me do all elves think like you?” Zaphrina snapped.

     “Not at all,” he assured them. “Most silver elves are not as open-minded as myself.”

     “Wonderful,” Zaphrina sighed. She turned to the gold elves still following behind at a respectful distance. “What about you two?” She asked.

     “They are of the golden caste,” Reianal answered for them. “They are workers, they have no opinions on affairs of state.”

     “I never thought I’d say this,” she whispered to Terrell, “but I am beginning to miss Archeon.”

     “Different cultures have different ways, we should always be respectful of that,” Orisa said, apparently overhearing the mage.

     “And oppression is still oppression,” Zaphrina snapped. “Justify it any way you like, it is still wrong.” Orisa flashed her one of those secret smiles. Zaphrina hated when she did that. As if something had been revealed to her that no one else could see.

     “Having not been raised and trained up in a proper manner, I can understand your difficulty understanding our culture,” Reianal said in a strained voice. “We of the silver caste have always been the rulers, the mages and priests while those of bronze have been our soldiers and sailors.”

     “While the gold get to work for the rest of you,” Zaphrina added with a note of disgust.

     “A rather simplistic view,” Reianal shot back. “Besides, it is their station and they do not mind it. It is for the good of the society.”

     “Sure that’s why so many gold elves leave for Archeon,” she growled.

     “I hate to break up this conversation concerning cultural diversity,” Orisa interjected, “but have we not arrived near the time for the council meeting?”

     “Yes,” Reianal informed her, apparently thankful for the distraction.

     “Then rather than waste precious time, I suggest we make for the chamber now to present our case.”

     Reianal looked back at the Seer. “Begging your pardon,” he said respectfully, “but to enter the council without first petitioning is unthinkable.”

     “And like you have so wisely observed any petition we make shall be denied. Therefore, I see no reason why we should concern ourselves with such formalities. We will seek an audience with the council now.”

          “But,” Reianal said nervously, “I mean….”

          “Unless you wish to displease me,” Orisa continued staring into the wide violet eyes of the frightened silver elf. Zaphrina notice the two gold elves attempting to hide their own smirking faces. Apparently, they enjoyed watching the high and mighty elf squirm as well.    

     “N-Not at all,” he stammered.

     “Good then take us to the council before they end the session.” Reianal dutifully obeyed Orisa as Terrell and Zaphrina followed closely behind.

***

     Gehron had no need for the teleporting device in the Temple of Velia, though Seric had been more then willing to allow them us of it. The High Priest was obligated to contact the Mother Temple to inform them of Fyre’s recent actions. However, he saw no reason to expedite the task anytime soon. Gasqule could appreciate the quandary the priest found himself in. Even more then Light Warriors, he was bound to obey the edicts of the Tribunal. However, it must have chaffed his conscious to allow such evil to flourish all around him. Seric had saved Ellie when the evil High-Priestess of Malice had poisoned her and had kept silent when he and the others had slipped out of the city, doing what he could within the bounds of his office to aide them. Essentially a good man trapped in a bad situation Gasqule decided.

     “We must move with care,” Gehron cautioned the Light Warrior as they appeared in the private office of the Countess. “I notified Jerald that we would be arriving soon, but there are still a score of forces from the invading noble all about.”

     “Can you disable them?” Gasqule asked.

     “Magik must be used sparingly even now,” Gehron informed him. “We must secure the Keep with as little use of manna as possible. Too much could alert the mages in Censor’s employ as to my presence.

     “And then we would lose what small advantage we have.” Gasqule concluded. “We must do this with stealth and guile.”

     Gasqule was attempting to formulate a plan when he noticed the door to the office opening. Gehron perceived this as well and immediately created a shield to render them invisible.

     Jerald inched cautiously into the office followed by a tall gentleman with the tunic of a Light Warrior trimmed in gold. The two men glanced around the room. “I see no men in here,” Jerald commented to the Light Warrior.

     “Are you certain?” He asked the Chamberlain. “I was certain I heard voices in here.”

     “That you did good Captain,” Gehron smiled as he dropped the shield revealing him and Gasqule to the two men. Jerald was so startled he fell backwards. Only the quick hands of the Captain managed to keep him from falling to the floor.

     “Master Gasqule,” he exclaimed, “Lord Gehron you both gave me a start.”

     “My apologies,” Gehron laughed quietly, “I did not mean to startle you.  We hoped to enter unobserved to take back Tynor Keep.”

     “I understand,” Jerald nodded. “However, when the Countess informed me you would soon be returning I took it upon myself to render our guests harmless.”

     “How so?” Gehron queried.

     “They have a fondness for wine,” Jerald informed them. “I used a powder created by one of the elves, who are currently under our care and placed it in their drink putting them all in a sound sleep.

     “Jerald contacted us soon after,” The Captain added. “We entered the structure and reclaimed it without so much as sword thrust.”

     “Impressive,” Gasqule complimented him. “So where are the soldiers now?”

     “Currently bound and gagged.” Jerald replied. “Though I fear we do not have enough troops to guard so many prisoners when they awaken.”

     “I’ll place them in a stasis,” Gehron suggested. “We can keep them in the tunnels beneath the city where most of the elves of the County have been sequestered.”

     “Good,” Gasqule agreed. He was unsure how he was going to proceed. He wondered what Venom would do in such a situation. He determined she most likely would determine her assets. “Are any of the elves trained warriors or mages?” Gasqule asked.

     “Several are mages,” the Captain answered. “Also those who were used as the border patrol are among their number as well.”

     “Excellent,” Gasqule smiled as he considered the situation. “We should have enough of a force to give them difficulties.”

     “The people will also raise a respectable militia force,” Jerald added. “The current overseer has seen fit to raise taxes to line his coffers, at the expense of the people of course.”

     “Our only problem remaining is when to strike,” The Captain remarked. “We should be able to drive the invaders from the land.”

     “Agreed,” Gehron nodded. “I shall need a cycle to prepare a spell.”

     “We must strike quickly,” Gasqule decided. “We should take over the watch towers and put the County back firmly back under Fyre’s control.”

     “But if we move too quickly,” Gehron argued, “then we may tip our hand before it is time.”

     “We already have by taking over the Keep,” Gasqule countered. “Our best strategy is to catch our foe by surprise. That way, we will have pre-occupied the forces of the nobles and if the elves do invade it will have much more of an impact. Besides, doubtless Censor has been made aware we now hold Midtor.”

     “I must agree,” The Captain answered. “I shall ready the men for a strike at the heart of the occupation force. Duke Frendal only left a small company behind. They should be easy to defeat. The elves can perform sorties on the border guards.”

     “Sounds fine,” Gasqule concurred. “And we take one elf with us to add magik into the mix.” He turned to Jerald. “Send word to the populace to arm themselves. We will drive these invaders out of Tynor.” Jerald bowed respectively in acknowledgement before leaving to carry out the task.

     “I will take care of our guests,” Gehron said. “Then I will begin to work on that spell. If you have need of me, I shall be in the study.”

     “Fine,” Gasqule replied as he followed The Captain to join the elite force of the Paladin Fyre. It was going to be a long night.

***

     The trio stood in front of the large wooden doors leading to the inner chamber of the Council of Five. The structure was so well designed and intricately carved it was difficult to believe it was made of wood. Zaphrina found it be rather ostentatious, like most of the elven structures of the Silver Caste. No wonder her father had fought so long to change it.  She realized while the system worked currently, such a rigid class structure was ultimately doomed to fail. The only way the elves would survive would be to change and adapt.

     Presently, a white-faced Reianal appeared before them from a small entranceway off to the right. He had reluctantly led them to the chamber at the request, or rather the command of the Seer Orisa.

     “The Council has agreed to see you,” he said in a very subdued tone, lacking the haughtiness he had shown previously.”

     “I am pleased,” Orisa replied. “If you will open the chamber door and announce to the five.”

     Heaving a heavy sigh Reianal opened the massive door, which opened into a large oval shaped chamber, painted purple. Perched upon a high tier surrounding the room were the Council of Five, looking down upon those who entered the floor of petition.

     “Your most exalted High Lords,” Reianal proclaimed in a regal manner. “I present to you the Seer Orisa, she who is without equal and her companions, Zaphrina of the house of Tarlon along with Terrell, a priest representing the human god Oghan their god of knowledge and the written word.”

     “My most great and wise sires,” Orisa began as she kneeled respectfully. “I come before you to ask for your aid in a matter of great importance, indeed the existence of Elvenrule may be in jeopardy.”

     “I find that difficult to believe,” One of the Five countered. “The affairs of humans do not affect the People.”

     “They did at one time,” Orisa replied. “And…”

     “We have already taken a vote Seer,” the one on the highest chair announced. “I regret to inform you we have chosen not honor your request.”

     “Just like that!” Zaphrina retorted. “What about the elves who are being mistreated in Archeon?”

     “They chose their fate,” He replied. “Our decision is final.”

     “You haven’t heard what we have to say,” Zaphrina complained. Orisa stood back as the young mage took the center of the floor.

     “Once a decision as been made only a Silver Caste from a High House may contest it.”

     “Fine,” Zaphrina shot back. “I am of the Silver Caste and from a supposed High House and I contest this ruling. You haven’t even heard the reason we are here and who we are facing.”

     “And we wont,” The senior glared at her. “Your branch of the house as fallen from grace. Therefore you have no say in this matter. We respect the Seer, but she is still a human and thus has no right to overturn a ruling.”

     “If I may be so bold to interject with a minor observation,” Terrell spoke up, after remaining silent during the entire exchange and most of their visit. “It is my understanding that the reason Zaphrina has lost her right of challenge is because her House lost face.”

     “Yes human,” the senior sneered. “That is obvious to even the most dense.”

     “I meant no offense to your intelligence,” Terrell assured. “I am merely establishing the basis for my next supposition.”

     “And that is?”

     “If she were to regain the honor of her family name. Then one might assume that she would regain the right to challenge the ruling, thereby allowing Orisa to present our case. If memory serves, one may regain their honor back through a challenge.”

     “You are well versed in our ways human,” The Senior conceded. “She may regain her name through a contest of magik.”

     “Or of knowledge.” Terrell added.

     “Or knowledge,” The Senior concurred reluctantly. “Only with that challenge she would need to face Silvanus’s own chosen guardian of knowledge. Considered to be the wisest of our kind.”

     “A most daunting task,” Terrell admitted.

     “What are you doing?” Zaphrina whispered to Terrell. The young priest ignored her as he continued to concentrate on the matter at hand.

     “I believe one might also choose a champion to represent them in their quest to place their name back in a place of honor.”

     “That is true as well. However, the champion must offer something of great value to prove they are worthy of defending a member of the Silver Caste.”

     “I am but a humble priest of knowledge,” Terrell informed him. “Therefore I offer the only thing I have to secure my right to defend her honor, my body for study to further your knowledge of anatomy.”

     “Do you realize what you are saying human?” The Senior asked incredulously. “It is well-known your sect has no granted spells.”

     “My life would have little value if I offered only that,” Terrell confessed. “As to magik, you are quite correct, therefore, my challenge shall be that of knowledge.”

     “Are you insane!” Zaphrina exclaimed. “If you lose they wont just kill you. They will cut you open while you are still breathing to study how your insides work, keeping you alive with magiks.”

     “She is correct human,” The Senior cautioned. “I would caution you in making such a rash action.”

     Zaphrena turned desperately to Orisa. “You are the almighty Seer, can’t you do something?”

     “Such as?” Orisa asked. “I attempted to petition for help and was refused. If Terrell wishes to pursue the matter who am I to deny him?”

     “I appreciate your concern,” Terrell said. “However like Venom surmised, and quite correctly I might add, we should make every possible effort to succor their aide. Besides, in this endeavor I shall also restore your family name and rank. A worthy goal I believe.”

     “I don’t care about that!” Zaphrina cried. “I don’t want to see you hurt. No one has ever defeated an elven sage in a battle of knowledge.”

     “And no human had ever defeated an orc prior to Venom,” Terrell countered. He turned to face The Senior Councilman. “I have made my challenge will it be honored or denied in which case I should be declared victor by default.”

     “You shall be granted the challenge human,” The elf sighed. “We shall summon the sage for the contest.”

     Zaphrina reluctantly took a seat next to Orisa in the upper level, as Terrell remained to await the arrival of the sage.

     “He is a brave one for a human,” Reianal admitted as he took a seat next to his charges. “Very foolish, but quite brave.”

     “Tell me Reianal, have you heard of the small tree cat who by outside appearances seems the most harmless and playful creature in all creation?” Orisa asked.

     “Of, course they are quite common here.”

     “Then you must surely realize when they are disturbed they can become quite dangerous, striking with incredible speed, using hidden claws of remarkable sharpness.”

     “I don’t understand,” he said confused by her remarks.

     “I thought you might not,” Orisa smiled.

     “I still don’t see why you don’t do something,” Zaphrina grumbled. “You are the great and mighty Seer.”

     “It’s because I am the Seer I can not act in such an overt fashion,” Orisa explained. “Even now, I am stretching the boundaries of where I can become directly involved. Someday you will understand.”

     “I doubt it,” Zaphrena fumed crossing her arms watching Terrell, as he stood alone in the circle.

     A small green door with intricately carved trees creaked open as a wizened Silver Elf in a forest green robe decorated with gold leaves entered the chamber. His long hair hung loosely past his shoulders, nearly the length of his arms. In his right hand he held a gnarled staff. “Is this the human pup who dares to issue a challenge?” The sage pointed a long tapered finger at Terrell.”

     “I am he,” Terrell bowed. “It is indeed a pleasure to meet you.”

     “You may still back out lad. You shall lose no face.”

     “Thank you for the kind offer,” Terrell replied respectfully. “I might proffer the same opportunity to you as well.” Zaphrina couldn’t help but smile.

     The sage slammed the butt of the staff down on the floor. “Very well, I accept the challenge,” he scowled.

     The Senior Elf stood up from his seat and raised his hands. A green glowing disc soon formed above the heads of the contestants. “This is the sphere of truth and knowledge,” he told them. “It will ensure that the answers are truthful and correct. We of the Five shall be asking a series of questions to the challengers. If the light flashes it will inform us that answer is correct.” He turned to Terrell. “Do you understand?”

     Zaphrina could barely breath as she watched the rapid fire of questions from the Five to the two men. She glanced over at the complacent face of Orisa. She wondered how she could seem so unconcerned. Terrell was fighting a battle as difficult as any contest of arms, and if he failed his life or what remained of it would be filled with unimagined pain and misery.

     After what seemed to be hours, she could see signs of perspiration appearing upon the wise sage. Terrell didn’t seem to be affected in the slightest. In fact, he appeared to be enjoying the contest, able to expound on a myriad points of knowledge without worry of being cut short. She glanced over at the slack-jawed face of Reianal as he witnessed the display.

     Finally as they began to enter into more and more obscure trivia, the great sage paused, unable to answer.

     Terrell turned to The Senior elf that was staring with amazement at the young priest. “Might I answer this elementary question,” He inquired. The elf silently acknowledged his request. “Good,” Terrell smile. “Now there are many schools of thought in this matter, but I believe the most widely accepted is…”

     Terrell droned on with his explanation though Zaphrina admittedly never heard the words. Terrell had won. The sage threw down his staff signaling defeat.

     “You mean the contest is at an end?” Terrell almost sounded disappointed.

     No longer able to contain herself, Zaphrina leaped from her chair to embrace the priest. “You did it!” She exclaimed. “You are the most aggravating, amazing human I have I ever known.” She jumped up and kissed him on the cheek.

     “Your admiration is most appreciated,” Terrell smiled. “Though I expected the competition to be much more difficult. I feel I should remind you your house is now restored.”

     “Thanks to you,” she beamed.

     “Yes,” Terrell acknowledged. “However, I believe I should remind you the reason we regained your name was to challenge the ruling of Council of Five.”

     Zaphrina turned to face The Senior with hands on her hips. “What about it?” she demanded. “I contest the decision of the Council of Five.”

     “Actually,” he cleared his throat. “With your house restored you have the right to take a seat with Council now being a member of the five senior houses.”

     “Or anyone else of my family?”

     “Yes.”

     “Fine,” Zaphrina smiled. “My father will take his place on the Council upon his return. For now, as acting member of the Council I demand Orisa be heard.”

     As you wish,” The Senior acknowledged. He motioned to Orisa to take the center.

     Orisa glanced over at the stunned face of Reianal. “Remember the tree cat,” she patted him on the knee as she rose to her feet.

     Orisa explained to all what had occurred previously. How the archenemy of Elvenrule now possessed the dreaded Fire Ruby and had launched his campaign. She referenced the plan crafted by Venom to put an end to the threat before it truly blossomed.

     “This is a grave matter,” The Senior Conceded. “I vote we change our opinion and aid them in this worthy endeavor.”

     “I vote we do to,” Zaphrina piped in. “I can vote now.”

     “Yes,” The Senior replied dryly. “You have that right, the junior houses vote is nullified.” One house voted in favor of launching an assault while one voted against, the other abstained.

     “It is decided,” The Senior proclaimed. “We will launch an assault on Archeon to aid the alliance. As for you,” He looked directly at Terrell. “You have proven yourself through your willingness to sacrifice all for your cause and your great knowledge. Therefore, I offer you a gift. Whatever you desire oh wise human sage is yours.”

     “My thanks,” Terrell kneeled mimicking Orisa. “If it is not a great inconvenience I would much like to spend the time prior to the assault in your library of knowledge, which I understand is most impressive.”

Chapter 20

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