Ishan Ibarin looked around the table. They were all there, all ten council members along with General Ismastis and Master Guprix. Beside the centaur stood the soon to be vice-commander, Therion Norkas. He was a robust young man with great intuition for warfare, the general had hand-picked him herself. It would be needed from then on.
"I'm afraid we've failed, Master Ibarin." Caius, the half-elven wizard, rubbed his forehead, "The conversations being held at Biraxia capital are clear, war is on the rise."
"You failed, Caius." Lumtor objected, "You were placed in the capital to steer them away from such ideas."
Wrismov chuckled in his cold, deathly voice and turned to the mage, "The ambitions of humans are not easily quenched, Lord Bakur."
"What of Khazad Veil? Are they on the rise as well?"
Ramena Ashgrain, a dark skinned wood-elf with blonde hair, shook her head. Soon after she became a member of the council she'd been sent away to create good relations with the dwarves of the mountains, which she'd been quite successful with.
"Th' dwarves willny go to war fur the sake of humans. They'll keep to their own."
He sighed in relief, "That's good to hear."
"Why the hostility?" Liluth asked.
"They're anxious about the rise of the golden cities of Kar." Cais answered.
"The new eight cities in Rejuan?"
"Correct."
"Didn't we express our concern ourselves when word of them reached us?" Reeve pointed out, "What do we know of these mages anyway?"
Liluth added, "And why does Rook seek to destroy them?"
Ishan leaned back into his chair and pondered for a moment. He unexpectedly turned to Guprix, "Master Lombard, perhaps you can enlighten us?"
"Master?" The old elf looked confused. He wasn't used to having questions directed towards him.
Ishan fibbled his staff, "I recall some of the names of these mages. You told me about them a long time ago during your service at the Empress."
Guprix swallowed nervously. It was still hard for him to think back on his greatest failure, "I remember them. They all used to be apprentices of Zamadar Belketh, Zoraya's husband."
"Of Belketh?" Lumtor exclaimed, "That filth?"
"He certainly had his unorthodox ways of using magic, but he was talented. However, his students always struck me as being more… sensible."
"What do you mean?"
"They didn't medle with forces they didn't understand."
"We shouldn't leave anything to chance." Aaliyah stood up, "Yvonus, what are the chances you could get in contact with them?"
"Shouldn't be a problem, however my duties keep me from staying there too long. May I suggest we send another emissary? Perhaps a young graduate, who can stay with them over time, become a part of the system?"
"We have plenty of mages who'd be willing to go on this mission, Master Ibarin." Liluth suggested.
"No." Guprix interrupted, "The mages will sense their powers, they've been trained to do so. They'll get suspicious."
"The eight cities are promoted as safe havens for all spell-casters." Ilpherean insisted, "Perhaps one of more common nature would be better?"
"Would Trisphyra be able to?" Vitellia asked curiously.
"Out of the question. She's far too young and nowhere near ready." Guprix hissed.
The faun smiled, "It was just a suggestion."
"A stupid one."
The knight beside Ismastis took a step forward, "Master, if I may come with a suggestion?"
"We are all ears, Norkas."
Therion relaxed a little, "Our forces have plenty of skilled infiltrators. Many are ready for a test like this."
"Sending a soldier to a mage city?" Lumtor scoffed.
"Our soldiers know magic as well, Lumtor. They may not compare to the students of the upper levels, but well enough to come across as humble beginners."
Guprix cleared his throat, "These mages are not easily fooled."
"Then perhaps you could help us pick out a candidate, Lombard? You seem to be the expert, after all."
"I believe that is a good idea." Ishan leaned forward in his chair, meeting the eyes of a very flustered Guprix. The elf wasn't sure how he felt about this, but it was a chance for him to get back on the council's good side. He could see in Ishan's gaze, that was his intention.
"Very well." The elf complied, "I haven't been down there for many years now. It's about time I gave it a visit."
"That also brings us to our own safety." Aaliyah spoke, "Should these cities expand, there might come a time when they turn to our direction."
Lumtor once again laughed at the suggestion, "Unlikely, Arathorn has been hidden from the outside world for two hundered years."
"I won't take any risks." She turned to Ismastis, "How are our borders, General?"
"They remain strong and well guarded, my Lady."
She nodded, "Alright, for the time being there isn't much else we can do, is there? Not without revealing too much of ourselves."
Ishan sighed, "I'm afraid so." He looked between Caius and Lumtor, "You keep trying, if we can prevent this war from starting we're saving the world a great deal of trouble."
"Yes, Master." They answered in unison.
Next, he turned to Yvonus, "Once Lombard and Norkas have picked out a candidate, you head over to Kar and find out what you can about these mages."
"I'll do my best, Master."
"You're all dismissed."
Therion waved them over, "Come on, then. Let us show you the grounds on which our great schools stand."
Ilpherean waited for them all to leave the hall before he turned to the great wizard. He was still sitting in his chair, almost as if he expected that he had something to talk about.
"I assume this is about the Lathalas."
He nodded, "I have concerns, Master. Lady Elora and her husband are the only two remaining at Arthuria. The children have left them. The town speaks of a great sorrow looming over their castle. We need to let them see their daughter, Master."
"The family has not sent a single letter to Trisphyra ever since she arrived at this school."
"That does not make any sense. Lady Trisphyra told me she has made efforts to contact them for some time now. How come they have not responded?"
"Because her letters were never sent."
Ilpherean's mouth hung open, "What?"
Ishan looked away, almost as if he was ashamed, "I expected the family to reach out soon after she arrived here. Since her family shows no signs of contacting her, Guprix decided it would be best for Trisphyra to not be distracted by old ties, but focus on her connection to Luna'Celesia."
"And the council agreed? I had no prior knowledge of this!"
"I was the only one aware."
Ilpherean was shocked, "With all due respect, Master, how fruitful has that proven to be?"
Ishan answered without taking his eyes off of him, "I understand your disappointment. These are not the circumstances I wished for the girl. I had hoped she would remain accustomed to her life here but she seems to seek other connections."
"Let me take her to Arthuria."
"What good would that do now, Ilpherean?" Ishan asked, "It would only split the girl further. No, as much as it pains me we have to keep moving with our current plan. Time heals all wounds, I know that better than most. She will move on."
"But-"
"That is all I will discuss on this matter. If there was nothing else you wanted to speak of, I suggest you move on. I am sure the ministers have things they want to ask of you."
Ilpherean bowed reluctantly, "Yes, Master." Then he stormed out of the room.
Ishan stood fast, during all his years of leading this school this wasn't the first time he'd have to let down one of his own, but it was like he said, time heals all wounds… mostly.
Ilpherean rounded a corner and stopped in his tracks. Yvonus leaned against a wall with his arms crossed, "You know he's not going to let her go."
"I have to at least try!" He sighed and placed himself beside the half-celestial, "If I do not, then I fear the family might never recover. The Lathalas have contributed so much with their magic and knowledge throughout the years. I can not let it end like this."
Yvonus grunted, "You're too hard on yourself, spirit born."
"I only want to help Trisphyra."
"As do all of us."
"Sometimes I wonder."
The big man chuckled, "I might not have known the Lathalas like you do, but I'm pretty sure I know Trisphyra. If her family hasn't bothered to contact her then perhaps they're not the connection she needs, even if she likes to believe so."
"They are her family! How could you-"
"Family runs deeper than blood, my friend. You and I know that more than most. We didn't have one growing up. We were put here by some otherworldly being we don't even know, to figure out why they put us here in the first place. Maybe Trisphyra has to walk a similar path?"
"But she was not just put here. She was brought into this world by a mother and a father who loves her."
Yvonus patted his friend's shoulder, "All I'm saying is, maybe we shouldn't try so hard to make her what we want her to be. Maybe she needs to take it at her own pace without any distractions?"
Ilpherean removed his hand, "You think that is what Lombard is doing?"
"No, he's too eager, but I trust Trisphyra. She will know what to do. She just has to figure it out on her own."
"I wish I could have your confidence."
Guprix, Therion and Ismastis were heading down the wide staircase that led to the lower grounds. The sunlight pierced the waterfall and gave the old stone walls a beautiful shine. The elf was used to seeing the top of the buildings and it was strange to suddenly be on the opposite end. The pillars were a lot more rugged and the tall slender trees that reached the upper levels apparently had thick and stumpy roots that crawled all over the structures.
"How long has it been since you visited the training grounds, Master Lombard?" Therion asked.
"Oh, I don't know. Fifteen years, maybe? I've been busy since I became Trisphyra's instructor."
"I see, how's it going in that regard?"
"Slow." He answered sternly.
"And why is that?" Ismastis teased with a smirk. Guprix gave her a cold stare, "Most students have already discovered their magic in some aspects when they come here but it was the opposite for her. Instead of simply guiding the magic forward, I have to find a way to help her awaken it, which is easier said than done."
Therion laughed, "Some people are simply slower at learning than others, that's just how it is. I can't tell you how many recruits I've had to repeat the basics with."
Gurpix raised an eyebrow, "Is that so?"
He nodded, "It's true it can be frustrating, but as long as you don't give up on them, they'll find a way to make it work."
"Or you just knock them down until they can't stand losing anymore." Ismastis chuckled.
"I know that tactic all too well, General." Therion laughed with her.
"Well, you were a slow learner, Norkas."
As they kept descending, sounds of clashing metal and shouting voices became more and more loud. Ismastis led them across a stone bridge across the running water and through a giant hallway. At the end of it opened a big hall held up by a vast amount of giant pillars. In the middle of the room stood a group of young recruits, dressed in Arathorn's darker blue colors. There were stands above the high walls where other students and instructors sat and observed. The structures weren't as well decorated as those on the higher levels but Guprix could clearly see the influence of Hulibela and Mikozio, the two members of the Sapphire hands that were in charge of building this area upon the school's foundation. It was… impressive.
"Lombard!" Therion urged him onward, "We need to keep moving. This area is only for the youngsters. Our higher tiers are out on the field."
The elf followed along. They soon left the base of the castle and came outside. The stone floor was replaced by flat grass and dirt. Cobbled stone was placed out to show some kind of pathways but it was difficult to see, at least to Guprix. Pillars were replaced by trees and large rocks. The area around him started to look more and more like a war settlement. Tiny huts and tents were placed around certain areas. Wooden bridges and pathways had been placed above the ground to make easier access between the different camps whilst the soldiers worked and trained. There were a lot more people around compared to the upper levels and a lot more rough in its atmosphere.
"How many do you have, General?" He asked.
"I have eight thousand soldiers ready to fight if need be. Two thousand who have just started their training and let's not forget the graduates who are serving outside our borders at the time which would add another… seven hundred."
"I'm amazed it isn't cramped down here."
She chuckled, "You can thank our founders for that."
They came to a large open field with a giant statue at the far end, resembling the four founders responsible for the lower grounds, Mikozio, Hulibela, Shalei and Lyndis.
On each side of the field stood a group of soldiers. One group wore red while the other wore blue. Half of each group sat on horses and they all looked ready to charge. Observing the whole thing at the side were three people Guprix recognized. A large orc by the name of Orgoth, a black minotaur named Wanrag and a winged devil-kin called Zark. All of them belonged to the six commanders of the lower grounds, serving under Ismastis.
Even though they bowed as their general approached, it didn't diminish their massive height, even towering over the centaur.
"What did I miss?" She asked.
Wanrag with his black coat and sharp horns, spoke with a deep voice, "Cavalry charge, General. Delize is just about to set them off."
"What group is being tested?" Therion continued.
The minotaur patted him on the back and the mere human choked out some air. Wanrag laughed, "Congratulations, Norkas. You are now one of the tree toppers."
Therion caught his breath and stood straight, "I'm honored to serve Arathorn as a member of the Elder Council."
"Talking like a pretentious white cloak as well."
"Charming." Guprix muttered.
The three giants turned to him. Orgoth's eyes narrowed, "Haven't seen you down here in a while, elf."
"That's Master to you, orc."
Wanrag snorted, "You're no master down here, Lombard."
Ismastis cleared her throat in annoyance and both the orc and the minotaur lowered their heads, "Apologies, General."
They all turned to the battlefield. A dark human went up to the middle, holding a horn in her hand. She looked between the two groups. Taunts and insults were being traded back and forth. The horses were digging the ground in excitement and the riders had to work hard to keep them at bay. Delize smiled, this was what she loved.
"In a world of peace, this is as real as it gets, recruits!" She shouted. They all cheered in response. "You all know the drill. You fight with blunt weapons but if you get hit in a critical area, you're out. Understood?"
"YES, COMMANDER!"
"Good!" She put the horn to her lips and blew. The familiar battletone of Arathorn filled everyone's ears. The recruits roared and set off in a sprint towards one another. The horses tossed their heads and snorted. Guprix felt his heart race, it had been a while since he observed a battle like this. The riders had their blunt spears at the ready.
Zark, the commander who'd remained silent up to this point, now roared, "Hold formation!"
The blue team's cavalry had gone off at an uneven pace and were starting to split, creating gaps in their formation which was meant to protect their foot soldiers attacking from behind. One of the riders from the red team noticed and threw his spear at one of them. The recruit immediately fell to his feet from the impact. The other riders proceed to try and knock each of their horses. Some succeeded while others didn't. The spearless rider was able to dodge the blue team and come out the other side of them, now facing the foot soldiers. He charged his horse into one of them and with perfect timing, jumped out of the saddle, gaining momentum and flew up in the air, landing on top of another, taking him out of the fight as well.
"He's doing it again." Orgoth muttered.
Chaos had broken loose. Horses were running all around as the recruits battled one another. Guprix kept his eyes on that one soldier. He moved with an incredible speed, almost as if he knew where his opponents were at all times. The blue team's riders did their best to try and pierce him but he was always able to dodge out of the way. Suddenly, he grabbed hold of one of the spears and pulled it out of the rider's grip. He swung it around and hit the recruits face, causing him to lose his balance and fall off.
"Who is that recruit?" Guprix asked, "The one who makes the rest seem useless."
Wanrag smirked, "It's the eldest son of Hecrosi Krisric."
Guprix's mouth hung open, "Krisric? As in the youngling you knighted when he was, what, thirty five?"
"Truly lives up to his family name, doesn't he?"
"If you're thinking about choosing him, that's out of the question." Ismastis declared.
"Choose him for what?" Orgoth asked.
"We need a graduate for the field. Someone who's good at infiltrating. As of now, Krisric is anything but discreet." She hissed.
"He's certainly a show-off." Guprix commented as he watched the soldier they were talking about disarm one of his opponents only to give it back to him with a shrug.
"To think I'd get to see another from the Krisric bloodline."
"I'm surprised you've heard of them, Lombard." The orc commented.
"I actually knew Hecrosi as a youngin, back when his father had pretty much destroyed the family name. We studied history here for a time, until we parted ways when he got sent here."
Zark turned to Ismastis, "Why do we need to send out a graduate, General?"
"Trouble in the east. I'll fill you in on the details with other commanders later today. Right now I need to know if we have any candidates." Her eyes suddenly peeked out on the battlefield, "Oh, for fuck's sake!"
All eyes turned to the recruits. The battle was pretty much over but it had seemed as if some people from the blue team were frustrated with the Krisric soldier. His red teammates did what they could to hold them but backed off when they realized they would get hurt in the process. Krisric fended off most of them but not without taking a hit or two. He was suddenly tackled to the ground and received a heavy punch to the face, knocking off his helmet. The recruit was about to go in for another hit but Ismastis grabbed him by the belt and lifted him up on his feet, "Enough!" She ordered.
Gurpix watched with awe as all the soldiers immediately backed away. Ismastis trotted around Krisric, kicking her legs warningly to anyone who didn't keep their distance.
"Is this a way for Silver Knights to behave?! You disappoint me, all of you!"
"On your feet, Krisric." Orgoth walked up and lifted the dark-elf back on his feet. The soldier dried off some of the blood from his nose, glaring at his opponents. One of them removed his helmet, revealing his bruised face. He was a high-elf, breathing heavily as he looked at the general, "He's the one who isn't taking this seriously!"
Ismastis grabbed him by the collar, lifting up off his feet, "On the battlefield you never know what enemies you might face! A good soldier is prepared for everything and anything, but ganging up on a single opponent during a training exercise? I expected better from you, Daro."
Krisric chuckled at his classmates' expense. Orgoth punched his shoulder.
"Ow!" He exclaimed.
"And you." The general turned to him, "During a training exercise you're expected to stick with the training plan, there are other times where you can improvise, Krisric."
"But General, there was a clear opening in their charge, I couldn't just ignore it!" He sputtered.
Ismastis stared into his golden eyes, the biggest signature of the Krisric bloodline. She sighed. The dark-elf had been one of her greatest challenges to teach. It wasn't that he was untalented, quite the opposite in fact. However, his hot-headedness could prove difficult to control and in a way Ismastis admired him for it. He had great intuition on the battlefield which was important for a soldier but there were times she couldn't award him for it as his superior skills ticked off many other soldiers and teachers amongst Arathorn. She needed him to understand that they weren't going to ease off on him until he proved he could stay in line. So, in this instance when he wasn't wrong, she still had to assert some sort of punishment, not showing her soft spot for the elf.
"Very well then. Since you're all so eager to prove yourself we'll switch out this evening's sword practice with dueling instead."
There was a cheerful mutter amongst the recruits. She smirked and continued, "However, instead of dueling each other, you'll be sparring with Senjumon."
Her satisfaction grew as the cheers instantly turned into groans of disappointment, "I'm sure he's eager to knock some sense into all of you after his long absence."
She looked back at Krisric. Unlike his fellow recruits, he was keeping his expressions in check and simply let out a smirk.
"Now clean yourselves up and those of you who rode, take care of your horses. They worked just as hard as you if not harder."
They began to reluctantly get all their things up from the ground and the riders called for their horses. Ismastis looked at Orgoth, he nodded in approval. They turned back to Guprix and the other commanders.
"All in a day's work?" The old elf asked in amusement.
"Those men are silver knights. They're good but far from ready to wear the golden armor of Arathorn, that's for sure." She answered.
"It's certainly different keeping five hundred knights in check compared to one young elf girl. Although I hear you're struggling with that still, Lombard." Wanrag teased. Guprix simply rolled his eyes in response.
"I've been thinking about potential candidates for the mission, General. I think we have just the one." Zark spoke, "How about Khalla?"
The general thought about his suggestion, "That actually not a bad idea, Commander."
Gurpix leaned forward, "Care to fill me in?"
"He's a bird-folk. Young yet with a very calm demeanor." Therion answered, "I think he'd be perfect."
"Well then, let me have a word with him."
"Follow me, Master Lombard." Zark took the lead and the rest followed.
As they walked away, Krisric observed them from a distance as he calmed his horse.
"So, what are they saying?" A voice spoke behind him and he flinched. His friend Duncan, a half-elf, peeked from the other side of his horse. The dark-elf shook his head, "You think I'd be stupid enough to eavesdrop on our superiours?" He tried to play it cool and pretended to check the harness on his black stallion. Duncan slowly walked up around the horse towards him, giving the face of someone who didn't believe a word he said, "It's like you forgot that I have known you for twenty years."
A smirk appeared on his face, "Leave it alone, Duncan." He turned his horse around and headed to the stables.
"Come on, Helon!" He ran after him, grabbing his shoulder, "That was Guprix Lombard, wasn't it? The Master of magic from the upper levels?"
"So? I'm surprised you even remember him."
"How often does anyone from the upper levels visit us? This has to mean something!" He leaned in closer, "Maybe they're finally sending us out on a mission?"
Helon scoffed, "They're sending Khalla out for a job to the east. Happy?"
"Khalla? But he just graduated!"
"I think that's the reason, they want someone new."
"Huh.." Duncan frowned and looked in the direction of the Masters, "Can't be that exciting then."
They arrived at the stable and Helon led his horse inside its stall, removing the bridle and the saddle, "Let's be honest, my friend. Anything is more exciting than being cooped inside the lower grounds."
"You know what?" Duncan leaned his arms on the stall frame, "You need a hobby."
Helon looked at him in confusion, "What?"
"You need to find something that you're good at."
"I am good at something!" He exclaimed, slightly offended.
"Besides fighting, I mean."
"Aw!" He pouted, "But shoving your face in the dirt is so much fun."
Duncan snorted, "Charming, but no. I'm talking about something a bit more craftsy. What about sewing?"
Helon glared at his friend in disbelief, starting to believe that he was joking, "Now who's being charming?"
"Come on, help me out here!"
"Alright then, what do you do when you're not training or roaming after me?"
The half-elf took a deep breath, "First of all; Ouch. Secondly, I love to read."
Helon lifted an eyebrow, "Really?"
"Yes."
"Reading?"
"Yes!"
"About what?"
Duncan beamed, "Well, I read about history and of our gods."
Helon exited the stall, "I've never seen you pray."
"You don't have to be devoted to a god just because you want to know about them."
The dark-elf didn't answer as he put all the equipment back to its proper place. Duncan dared to imply, "I've seen you pray a few times though." No answer. He pushed a little further, "Who do you pray to, if I may ask?"
Helon turned to him and Duncan flinched, ready to receive a slap, but his friend just looked at him for a moment and then answered, "Elynastre."
Duncan smiled, "Of course, the goddess of the dark-elves. Can I ask why specifically?"
The elf shrugged, "Don't know, my family did it and I just tagged along. My mother used to say it was important to pay our respects."
"I feel like I'm learning so much about you right now." Duncan teased with a smile.
Helon responded by punching him in the shoulder, "Stop it. To be perfectly honest I don't think the gods care two shits about what we mortals are doing."
"Interesting. Then how do you explain the moons?"
"Come again?"
"You know, how the moons just started to be seen all day around, night and day."
"Who knows what Principal Ibarin is up to?"
Duncan twirled around his friend, "There's a rumor."
"And you're about to tell me." He sighed. His friend could be a bit over-dramatic at times.
"I heard Cailu speaking of a girl he'd been assigned to escort. Apparently this student is very special, favored by the moon gods."
Helon scoffed, looking at his friend, "I think I know why you're not getting better at training, Duncan. You're too focused on things that don't matter to you."
"I'm just saying."
"Well, say less."
"Widen your horizon and you just might pick up a new thing or two."
Helon rolled his eyes, "Wise words. I'll be sure to keep that in mind." He reached for some treats in a pouch hanging by the wall and gave them to his horse, "Good boy, Keldoron. You did great work today."
The horse snorted in content as he munched on the treats.
A group of recruits approached them, led by a high-elf, the same one who'd gotten a scolding from Ismastis. They chuckled as they got closer and Duncan immediately backed up behind his friend. The high-elf, Erolith Daro, stepped forward.
"I'm sad I don't get to beat you up in sparring today, Helon."
"Oh, seeing you get your ass kicked by commander Senjumon will bring me just as much joy as I get by mauling you myself, I assure you."
"Always so arrogant, it's going to be your downfall one day."
Helon smirked, "Well, maybe it would've happened sooner if you just knew when to pick your moments. Try not to do it in the middle of training next time, okay?"
"I still can't believe they let a filthy cave crawling drow like you enter this school."
Helon took a step forward, his jaw tightening.
"Hey, guys!" Duncan tried to ease them down, "Maybe this one time we can just-"
Erolith punched Duncan in his gut, "Don't you dare intervene, half-blood. The grown-ups are talking."
Duncan coughed and fell to his knees, gasping for air. Helon pushed Erolith backwards, his expression hardened, "Always the big man."
Erolith grinned and pushed back his sleek blonde hair, "Scum need to know their place."
"Indeed they do." He scowled. As fast as lightning, Helon punched his fist into Erolith's torso and then with his other, struck him in the jaw. The high-elf fell to the ground and his comrades came to help him back up. The two stared at one another, Helon more composed than Erolith, who was breathing heavily, blood running down from his nose. Helon stood firm, ready to counter whatever move the high-elf might pull, but Erolith was no fool. He knew this wasn't the time. As a last resort, he pointed at Helon, "One day, drow."
"There will be plenty of those, Erolith. Go clean yourself."
The group backed away reluctantly. Helon only dared to look away once they were out of sight and helped Duncan up.
"I've told you not to do that." Helon hissed.
Duncan took a deep breath, "What? Can't a man help his friend?"
"What good does it do if you only end up getting hurt? I'm used to this, you should be too."
"It's not fair for him to treat you like that. What does he have against dark-elves? What did you ever do to him?"
Helon sighed heavily, "It's more complicated than that. Please, leave Erolith to me. Okay? Can you stand?"
He let go of his friend and Duncan stood straight with wobbly legs, "I'm fine."
Helon smiled, "At ease, soldier. Let's get something to eat."
Duncan stumbled after him, giggling, "Can't wait to see the commander's face when he lays eyes on Erolith's red nose."
They both laughed, "Me too, my friend. Me too."