A Queen's Messenger caught up with Thalon, as he was walking home.
"Your Highness, Her Majesty wishes to speak with you immediately!"
"Lead the way."
What now?
Like all of the Elves, Queen Leadrya, and her Consort Dellan, lived in a house built around a tree.
"Good Day, my Son," she greeted him as he entered. Most unusually there were no other people in the room and as he entered Thalon glimpsed a soundproofing spell.
"Mother, how are you?"
"I have news for you, but first I want to congratulate you on passing your final test, I just got a message form Head Master Debrone!" The Queen smiled proudly and continued, "I know I wasn't fond of the idea, but I am proud of you?"
"What? I don't understand!"
"Here," said Leadrya, handing him the message, "I received it this morning."
To her Majesty, Queen Leadrya
Greetings from Debrone, Head Master
It is my pleasure to inform you that, following an in-depth interview; I have decided
to grant your son, Prince Thalon, the title of Teacher. He is a fine man, and it is
my hope that he will continue teaching.
On a more serious note I would like to bring to your attention again the matter of
Student Jhenna, whom I fear I will have to expel. I would like to discuss this matter
in person, at you Majesty's convenience.
By my own hand,
Debrone, Master of the Magic Academy.
"I passed,” said Thalon, handing back the note. Fraka screeched. "Yes, my friend, I am surprised too."
"You weren't told? Do be quiet Fraka, or I’ll feed you to Lytria."
The Queen's companion, a large she-wolf, growled at the bird.
"Fraka please," said Thalon, Fraka bobbed her head. "That's correct I was not told, Mother."
"I apologise for spoiling the surprise, and will you continue to teach?"
The question was somewhat double edged, for despite her pride in his achievement the Queen would have much preferred her son to concentrate on royal duties.
"I am not sure yet, Mother."
"I Know you are... not fond of the idea of being King," she said diplomatically, Thalon winced inwardly in his experience a comment like that from his mother usually preceded a lecture.
"No, not in anyway," Thalon replied carefully, Leadrya smiled and stood up.
"Prince Thalon, It is my duty, and great joy, to inform you that in six months you no longer be the only direct Heir to the Throne."
"What?"
“You are going to be someone’s older brother,” she reiterated, bothered by her son’s seeming lack of interest.
“I know you are not that old mother, but I don’t...”
The falcon screeched softly.
“Later, Fraka,” Thalon scolded.
“Don’t what?” asked the Queen, when he didn’t continue.
“Visions of the future, Mother, that’s all,” said Thalon sounding worried.
“There is other news, my... contact in Queen Caliana’s Court reports that an unidentified Forest Elf has been the Queen’s guest for the last month. Judging from the description, I believe it is... Vyran.”
“Great, just great,” said Thalon, Fraka screeched in agreement, Lytria growled again but not at the bird.
“Calm down, dearest” she said patting the wolf soothingly, “I have to wonder why a solitary man, like your brother would seek an alliance with Caliana. Have you any thoughts on the matter?”
“There are many reasons, Mother, I have seen many things that have started to take place,” replied Thalon, pointing to her stomach, Leadrya smiled faintly.
“I have not your range, but I can foresee future events in my own land. I have seen you leave, though I cannot see the reason. Before you leave, today, there are things which I want to tell you, first my contact in Caliana’s Court is her son, Prince Calin.”
“Calin? Why would he help us?”
“He... disapproves of his mother, and grandmother’s, policy of separation between our two peoples. However, his sister, Corinna, is the one who will inherit the throne. I do not see how he can assist us in any great way, but the information he has passed on is useful.”
“I see he will be helpful...”
“The second thing I wanted to say is this: I was very young when your brother was born, still Princess in fact. My Consort of the time was Kahlen, and I broke the arrangement when I became Queen.”
The Queen took a deep breath, to gather her courage to speak out loud.
“Kahlen was not Vyran’s father.”
“That I knew,” said Thalon, “but go on.”
“My mother pressured me into accepting Kahlen’s suit. My response was rebellion; I ran away, not quite to the Wild Lands but close. I met a man there who called himself Seoren. I learned later that his name means ‘Shadow’, in another language. The place I had run to was a borderland between this Realm and the Realm of the Shadow Lords - the servants of Chaos.
I don’t know if it was love, or curiosity on my part that made me stay with him but I did, for several months. A short time after I returned I discovered I was carrying a child. I sought out Seoren again, he told me to get rid of the child before it was born, but I refused, perhaps he was right to say it.
I believe that, despite his half-elven parentage, Vyran has bred true to his father’s blood. The true reason he was exiled is not the one we told the people. When you were just a toddler, he... killed a woman, you see now why his motives concern me.”
Thalon didn’t speak for a long moment, the very idea of a half-blood shadow child repulsed him; but he could not, and did not, blame his mother for it. As she said she had been very young and rebellious.
“You had a demon child,” he said slowly. “I don’t blame you for that, but there are more things going on here than the shadows. The Gods are what concern me at the moment.”
“The affairs of the Gods are matters for the Priests” rebuked Leadrya, bristling slightly at the implications he made; that her past actions were of no importance. “And I intend to speak to them next.”
“Mother I know, but it is more,” said Thalon. “Now I will go, so you can speak with the Priests.”
“There was a final thing I wished to tell you, your father was not a Forest Elf.”
Leadrya had intended to deliver the news more tactfully, but Thalon’s attitude had irked her.
“I suspected that,” he replied calmly, “I believe he is a Wild Elf.”
“You are very perceptive, son, and correct. His name was Thoransen, he is the Wild Elves... not King exactly, but Leader. I did not tell you before because I am selfish I suppose, I do not wish to lose another son.” She smiled hopefully. “Please do not think too badly of me for it.”
“No, Mother, I do not, you know that. I was going to say, if there is a need I will become Leader of the Forest Elves, when I am done with what I have to do.”
“Hopefully, your expected sibling will not be so averse to the position.”
“S... the person won’t,” reassured Thalon with a smile.
“I think you are right, now you had best get home, I’m sure you need lots of energy to deal with your new pupil.”
“I don’t need much sleep anymore, Mother,” protested Thalon.
“All the same, rest while you can, you never know when you’ll need it.”
“Yes, Mother.”
“I’ll see you on the seventh day, for Formal Court. You are still required to attend, of course, as the living Heir you need to know what I and the council discuss.”
Before Thalon could protest, and Leadrya knew he would, she continued in her Queen voice.
“I know you do not like attending Court, but it was an order, not an invitation.”
“I know.”
“Good, make sure you remember.”
“Yes, Good Day, Mother,” said Thalon, turning to leave, a loud knocking prevented Leadrya’s reply, and she opened the door with a gesture.
“I gave orders not to be disturbed.”
“Your pardon, Highness,” stammered the servant. “There is a messenger from the Priests.”
“Show the messenger in then. Prince Thalon, you have our permission to leave.”
“Yes, your Highness,” he replied formally, letting Fraka resettle on his shoulder before he left.
The Queen sealed the doors again, and faced the Priest-messenger.
“Good day to you Lord Priest.”
The Priest lowered the hood of his white robe and bowed.
“And to you, Lady Leadrya, and congratulations on your recent blessing.”
“My child has been part of an omen?”
“Many things were Seen, I will tell them to you.”
“I thank you for the privilege.”
“Hear now the Prophecy given by the Goddess Rishana to her humble servants.
Ancient Evil threatens the world
Chaos’ servant walks the land-seeking power
Six Amulets, Twelve Goddesses
Bell, Staff, Sword, and Bow
Wake the Temple Guardians
Twelve together, Six Chosen
Trials of Fire, Water, Earth, and Air
Goddess’ choice, coincidence?
Dreams of strange lands, reveal
Enemy gone, but not destroyed
Companion taken, but not lost
An alliance of races
Chosen Companions;
Daughter of Light
Prince of the Forest
Sky Daughter
Mortal Prince
And Wild Maid.
Wild Maid guides the Fire Master
Chosen Ones:
Lord of Earth
Lady of the Sea
Eldest’ Servant
Star Watcher
Princess of Air
Fire Master
Chaos’ servant aided by the Poison Queen
And the Demons’ Maid
Two lands become one
Forest Princess, Fire Master
A long journey awaits, not all complete it
Sky Daughter, Light Daughter; return
Be wary of unpredictable allies
All are not what they seem
Peace is fleeting, Chaos’ servant returns
The Amulets reside in the Temple of the Father-God”
“That was very... cryptic,” remarked Leadrya, trying to make sense of his words.
“Rishana works in mysterious ways, I but do her bidding.”
“My thanks again for this news.”
“I will speak again at Formal Court, if you require it.”
The Priest bowed and raised his hood.
“Good day, Lady.”
“Good day, Lord Priest.”
Leadrya unsealed the doors, the priest turned to face her just before he passed the threshold.
“A daughter.”
Leadrya smiled as he left. A little princess for my kingdom, how wonderful, she thought.