unwanted elves 29

 

Unwanted Elves

Chapter 29

 

That told us in no uncertain terms. I forbore to point out that my honeymoon had been interrupted by the necessity of stopping a war with the elves. I suppose this sort of thing came with being the Towermaster.

We got down to the business of sorting out the various land boundaries. Unlike the negotiations with the High Fey that Grandfather Castamir had described, ours were cordial and remarkably quick. The elven lands were to be increased from their original extent but now any trespassers on elven lands were to be removed rather than killed and travellers to the half-elven enclave weren’t to be molested. Elves weren’t permitted to hunt on human lands without permission and no human settlements were to be interfered with. While Ezustry administered the human lands, they came within the purview of the Great Forest and excessive settlement was forbidden. Judicious logging was permitted but this must be balanced with suitable replanting.

The lands in-between the elven and human lands, which Silavara suggested be called the Wild Lands were free to all beings who could live off the bounty of the forest, but clearing land for agriculture was forbidden. Cutting down trees for building structures was permitted provided no area was completely cleared of trees. No structure could be more than one story tall plus an attic. Fouling of water supplies was strictly forbidden and any fires must be kept under control. Limited digging of clay and the making of pottery was permitted.

All lands within the Great Forest, an Gwyth Meer to the elves, were under the protection of the priestesses and priests of Silvana who were empowered to settle all disputes.

During a break in the discussions I spoke softly to Silavara.

“I’m concerned about the marker stones. If we place them individually it will take an inordinately long time and some elves might try to violate the borders before we get the stones in place which would complicate things horribly.”

“I have taken my own similar worries to Silvana and I believe I have a solution, if you will work with me.” Silavara replied.

“Gladly.” I responded.

“I think it would also help if Chessina and Tancyfrwys would combine their magic, particularly the latter. This would make the stones partly elvish and thus more acceptable to the elvish people.” Silavara said. “With the power of Silvana and the aid of the Tower, I will extrude fingers of rock up to the surface to form the boundary stones which will remain when the rest of the rock retreats. I thought this method could form the foundation of the palace too, and if we do this at the same time as the stones even other elvish magic users wouldn’t notice the placing of the stones.”

“That sounds a really good idea, Silavara. I’ll help all I can, and I’m sure Chessina will too, and I hope Tancyfrwys agrees.” I replied. “The only thing I worry about is that the boundary stones are spread over such a wide area. Will you be able to move such a quantity of rock simultaneously?

“The quantity should not be a problem with the combined power of the Circle and Tower.” Silavara replied, “The world, the planet, is one thing not many. I will express my desires, and if it be in accordance with the will of Silvana, the planet will grant them.”

 

oOo

 

As we had finished the negotiations so soon and had written the draft treaty for the Queen’s approval, Chessina, Silavara, Tancyfrwys and I spent the rest of the day clearing and preparing the ground so that it was ready for us to make the foundations for the palace. The negotiations being over, the centaurs returned to their village. We wanted to be fresh the next day as we would all be using a lot of magical power. We had discussed what we were each to do. Silavara and I would be the conduits for the power of the Circle and the Tower. Silavara would be directing the rising of the bedrock while I concentrated on maintaining the stability of the combined power. Tancyfrwys would be responsible for ensuring that no extraneous magic affected what we were doing, while Chessina would make sure that no persons or animals got within the area of the foundations. This would be unfortunate for the palace foundation and possibly terminal for any intruders.

 

oOo

 

After breakfast the next day, at which Ariannaith had the smug look common to newlywed brides, and Cyfaill the slightly bemused look common to newlywed husbands, we walked to the site of the palace to be. Blaithamlwg had announced that the foundations were to be constructed and a crowd had gathered to watch. I was glad that Chessina was so good with charms as she might have to effect a lot of people.

Queen Ariannaith walked to the edge of the cleared area and began to speak.

“My subjects, my people, fellow elves. This palace, whose foundation is being made today, I intend to be a symbol, not only that a disaster is not just the end of something, but can also be the beginning of something new. I also intend that it not just be my palace but yours also, as I want our craftspeople to be involved in the construction. Not just those craftspeople who have traditionally worked for the royal family but any who want to contribute, so that it will be your palace too. And when it is completed, apart from the private apartments, the palace will be open to all.

I have asked my friends, and they have become my friends in helping foil a plot from an evil person which would have brought disaster on us, to make the foundations of the palace. I have asked them to do this, not because we elves cannot do so, but to mark the start of a new era of co-operation with other peoples. We have reached agreement to prevent encroachment on elven lands in a spirit of friendship not hostility. Circle Guardian, Towermaster, you have our permission. Begin your spells.”

 

All the group held each other’s hands and Silavara and I began to concentrate on our sources of power. Once we were solidly connected to them the magic began in earnest. Silavara began extending her mind deep under the earth, perceiving what was there in a way I was totally unfamiliar with. I could sense, through her the layers under the surface, that were somewhat jumbled together at the boundaries, not at all like the diagrams I had seen explaining the composition of the land.

I knew that Tancyfrwys was with us, her thoughts probing outwards searching for outside magical influences. Chessina was slightly apart from Silavara and Tancyfrwys, although the link between Chessina and me was very noticeable.

Now Silavara was feeling for bedrock while I made sure the power flowed smoothly and evenly from the Circle and the Tower. At the moment this wasn’t a problem. Ah, Silavara had just found the rock layer, fortunately not very deep. She then started singing to the rock in a language I had never heard before.

Silavara had a beautiful singing voice and I knew that the song was one of invitation and request because of my connection with Silavara, not knowledge of the words. An interesting difference in approach, as wizard spells tend to summon and command, not entreat. As Silavara sang I began to feel an increase in the power flow as she began to pull the rock upwards in finger like structures that began to rise through the earth lengthening as they went. Tancyfrwys’ attention was suddenly drawn to one of the pieces of rock that were scattered throughout the earthen layers. This one had a magical emanation of power that caused some turbulence in the flow of magic that I was monitoring. Tancyfrwys surrounded the rock in a sphere of protection which calmed the turbulence. Silavara and I both expressed our gratitude in our shared thoughts, words being unnecessary within the link. Through the link Tancyfrwys expressed interest in this rock, and Silavara altered her song very slightly to begin drawing this rock to the surface.

The area in which Silavara was using her magic was very large and the power flow started to increase. The power of the Circle was distributed throughout the land and distance did not seem to be an issue. What was an issue was time. From what I could perceive in Silavara’s mind the Circle preferred to do things slowly, working with the rhythm of the seasons and the slow cycles of the world. This would take far too long, and the Circle’s power need to be complemented by the way the Tower preferred to operate, which liked to do things immediately if not sooner. Combining the two approaches I found required intense concentration if the magical energies were not to become separated.

The rock fingers were getting closer to the surface now and the resistance of the rock to being shaped in this way was increasing. The power needed was much greater and I began to feel the two power sources slipping out of synchronisation. I struggled to hold on but then felt outpourings of support from the others in the link, Chessina, Silavara and even Tancyfrwys. I calmed down and concentrated and the flow stabilised.

The rock was now very close to the surface and Chessina now came to the fore in the link. It was quite possible that spectators could come forward into the area of the foundations and disrupt the magic. I hated to think what might happen if such energy were released prematurely. Chessina concentrated on projecting a feeling of unease among the crowd, so they didn’t want to approach too closely.

This was none too soon as the rocks that were to form the foundations of the palace broke though the surface of the ground, pushing aside the earth. At this there was a collective gasp from the crowd, but thanks to Chessina no one entered the prepared area. The rock that was of interest to Tancyfrwys popped up beside her.

Silavara’s song now changed. With a piercing note the stones were severed from the fingers that had produced them. She continued singing but the song now was of thanks and gratitude, and of returning and shrinking as the rock fingers retreated back into the bedrock. This was a much easier task than before as the rock wanted to return to its natural shape as it was, before we had begun. When this was completed, Silavara brought her song to an end, and all of us sank to the ground, overcome with tiredness.

 

Queen Ariannaith stepped forward to the edge of the prepared area and spoke,

“The first step towards building the palace has been completed. My friends have drawn these foundations up from the depths of the earth, bringing these stones into the light. Let this be a symbol that a new dawn of co-operation will shine its light on the elven lands free now from the threat of war. I thank these workers of magic who are tired from their efforts and go now to rest.

Now that the foundations have been brought forth, the area is no longer dangerous and you may freely examine them. I thank you, my people.

With this, the queen turned and went back towards the Royal Tower of Wizardry which had become the new Royal Palace pro tem. It was fortunate that the Queen walked at a stately pace, as I couldn’t manage much more than a slow walk and I don’t think the others could either.

 

Back in the tower all of us involved in the spells managed to eat a little and then retired to our rooms to rest. The moment my head touched the pillow I was out like a light and slept a deep dreamless sleep. At least if I had any dreams I didn’t remember them.

 

oOo

 

When I awoke the light from the window told me that it was early evening which meant I had slept for many hours. I looked around for Chessina to discover that she was sitting on a chair beside the bed embroidering a dress for Elizelle. Despite her initial protestations of disliking children, Chessina had become very maternal towards our adopted daughter. For a little while I enjoyed the sight of my wife combining ordinary needlework with her particular magic with cloth to produce such an exquisite garment.

“How are you feeling love?” Chessina asked.

“Not bad,” I replied, “In fact, marvellously rested. Have you been awake long?”

“A while.” Said Chessina. “Are you hungry?”

“Yes.” I answered shortly, “What’s for dinner?”

“That depends,” Chessina remarked cryptically, “Blaithamlwg and Tancyfrwys want to show us a little of the city life by taking us to an eating place”

“Won’t having to eat with ‘unevolved ones’ put the delicate elven digestions off their food?”

“Tancyfrwys told me that the ordinary elves aren’t quite such snobs as the nobility.” Chessina explained. “Besides, she will use a spell that will make us seem unremarkable to others.”

“A useful spell, I wonder if Tancyfrwys will teach it to us?” I pondered.

As I was washing and dressing a thought struck me.

“Chessina, I don’t want to leave my staff behind in case I need to cast serious magic and let the elves know I don’t need it, but it really is an unwieldy nuisance at times.” I said.

“You’re building up to something love.” She replied.

“You know me so well.” I said, pleased that this was true. “I seem to remember once when I was a new apprentice, Harman wasn’t holding his staff, and then suddenly he was.”

“Hmm, as clear as mud.” Said Chessina.

“I want to try something,” I said, and then I picked up and spoke to the staff, “Staff, please shrink.”

To my gratified surprise, it did so, reducing from its normal almost six feet tall to just over a foot long. The crystal at its top, did not shrink however. I slipped it into the internal wand pocket of my robe. I smiled to myself, remembering how I had had to insist on such a pocket in the formal robe made by that fatuous idiot of a tailor who condescended to do so. I took great delight in forgetting his name of which he was so inordinately proud. One more thing I wished to try, I visualised the staff in my hand, as I had practiced with Demonslicer and there the staff was in my hand at full size.

“Very impressive, Castamir.” Chessina said, “You’re impressive at other things too, but we don’t have the time now.”

I grinned, blushing.

 

Tancyfrwys and Blaithamlwg led us into the city now lit wonderfully by many lamps of an almost infinite variety of colour and shades, hung from various places on the trees. It was a breathtaking sight and outshone the restrained finery that we wore, not wishing to use the clothes we wore to the royal dinner gathering.

The tree we approached was lit particularly extravagantly, and as we climbed the stair spiralling about the trunk we could hear music and laughter. I didn’t like the sound of the laughter, there was something... unpleasant about it. I could see from their expressions that Chessina and Silavara had similar impressions, although Tancyfrwys and Blaithamlwg seemed oblivious to it.

 

Reaching the wide doorway we entered a large room, brightly lit. There were many tables with elves seated, eating and drinking. At one end there was a cleared space, to one side of which were musicians playing a merry dance tune. In the middle of this open space a figure was dancing clumsily, they were quite short and dressed in outrageously exaggerated costume. Her, I could see now, hair was whirling as she danced, the clumsiness explained by the outsized wooden clogs on her feet. From the short stature and green tinged skin I thought she was a goblin. A people I knew of, but had never met one. Tears of shame and mortification ran down her face as the crowd roared with mocking laughter. How dare these elves mock another for their cruel amusement. I felt my rage building and my staff flew, full sized unbidden to my hand blazing blue white light from its crystal top.