The Lightbearer's Gift

The queen and I spent some time discussing the intricacies of matriarchal politics. It bore no resemblance to its human counterpart. The elves had no dukes, barons, viscounts or any real sense of nobility beyond whomever was the reining matriarch. The title of matriarch was usually passed onto the daughter for the sole reason that she would be raised to take her mother’s place. If that child, however, demonstrates incompetence, then it passes unto another, less the entire clan rebels against her.

Sianna herself was pleasant to talk to. She was courteous and clever, with a surprising sense of humor. Though I could never shake the suspicion that she was tailoring her behavior to get me to lower my guard. My armor was placed to once side of the room and now I sat casually on the large cushion in my cotton shirt and pants. I just finished my fourth cup of Guyara and Sianna asked me a question.

“Why do you desire vengeance Moon?”

“My apprentice was murdered, and this demands justice. Is that not obvious?” I had to wonder where this was going.

“Did you love her?” Sianna asked.

“Hm?” I looked at her confused. What does that have to do with anything?

“Benny. Did you love her as a father loves a child.”

Did I love Benny? I cared for her, and she was a good apprentice. I did feel some grief for her death, does that constitute love? Sianna answered before I could formulate an answer.

“It appears you did not. If you did, contemplation would not be necessary. Lilian once said to me the only thing you really love is yourself.”

Ah, so she wants to glean further into my character.

“Perhaps I didn’t love her, after all she wasn’t even my apprentice for a year. But she did assist me in a time of need, and she was unshakably loyal to me. A girl of fifteen could kill dozens in the blink of an eye and not lose a moment of sleep, she held some of my deepest secrets and never betrayed them. All she desired was to stay at my side and grow in power as I did.”

She chuckled and said. “She sounds exceptional.”

“She was. And I’m not likely to find another like her.”

“The air amplifier. Was it hers?” Sianna asked.

I had been staring at it during our conversation. “It was an early name day gift, enchanted by my own hand.”

That actually brought something back to my memory. I went over to my carrying case and pulled out the mage killer.

Sianna’s eyes locked on the blade.

“Is this familiar?” I asked

“Yes, its name translates to mage killer in common. It absorbs ether from magical constructs. It will be useful as evidence since records are kept about magical artifacts.”

I placed it back in the case and returned to where I sat. “Some elf tried to ram it into my heart, fortunately my carapace blocked it.”

Sianna raised an eyebrow, then her eyes focused on me, clearly looking into the ether. “That is an impressive carapace. To condense so much ether and still maintain invisibility would require an absurdly high affinity and control.”

I smiled and said. “They do call me the lightbearer.”

Then I looked at her and wondered about her own affinity. “What kind of mage are you?”

“My primary affinity is fire.” As she said this a small flame sprang to life in her palm. It grew to be about the size of her fist before it morphed into the form of a bird. The fire bird took flight soaring around the room then separated into dozens more. It flew around in a complex swarm before dissipating into nothing.

“I can’t even begin to understand how that works.” I said as the small embers faded into nothing. Spell circuits had a structured nature that I could wrap my mind around.

“I simply summon fire and mold it as a sculptor molds clay.” Then she summoned another small flame and shaped it into a wyvern.

“What are the limitations?” I asked.

She looked at me bemused and with some humor in her voice said. “The only limitation is imagination."

Then she rapidly changed the shape through dozens of different forms, geometric symbols, and animals that ran around the room without burning anything their feet touched. Then she changed the color of the flames, red, green, blue, violet. I watched in silent fascination for several minutes as she displayed a mastery of fire that with all my power I couldn’t hope to comprehend.

“Fascinating. And how long does this take to master.”

“There is no such thing as mastery of one’s primary affinity.”

“What do you mean?”

She slid over to the end of the cushion and dipped her hand into the white stone floor as if it was made of water. Then she explained. “Is there an end to imagination? Is there an end to art? No. each generation creates new techniques and adds to the whole.”

“To say that I have achieved mastery would mean that there is nothing more to learn; no room for innovation or improvement.”

“How do you do it? “I asked.

She paused for a moment thinking of how to answer the question.

“How do you move your hands.”

I stared at her curiously. I began cataloging in my mind the complexity of the mind muscle connection and the contraction of muscle tissue in the forearms before she interrupted me.

“In the end regardless of the complex biological processes. You command you muscles to move. The problem is how do you explain how you command your muscles.”

Ah, I see where she was going. I don’t consciously activate the neurons to send specific signals to muscles. I can’t really define that specific process any more than I can explain how the brain generates consciousness.

“So, you command the ether to follow your conscious desires?”

“Close, but not inaccurate. I am but a humble guide to the ether. When you open yourself to its currents there are no limits. It is similar to your unique abilities. Is there any real limitation to how you shape flesh?"

“Some, but I can understand your point.”

I can literally summon a fire tornado and heal fatal injuries within moments, but her explanation still sounded like metaphysical nonsense to me. The structure of spell circuits made much more sense in comparison.

“How long does this take to learn.”

She gave me a smile as she said. “For you? You would need to unlearn all you know about magic and start anew, so years most likely, even with all of your knowledge.”

Strange; I would have assumed she would try enticing me with elven magic, yet she is doing the opposite. Has she abandoned the aspirations of an elven renaissance? Or is she playing another game?

Eight hour later.

I was alone in a guest room within the central tower of Sianna’s castle. It was similar to Sianna’s own room, large, almost a perfect circle with little furniture. There was a small table, chairs and a large circular cushion to sleep on. In another attached room appeared to be a wardrobe so that is where I stored my armor. I didn’t carry many suits of clothes with me, so the elves were more than willing to provide me with a well-made white robe.

I spent some time going over the conversation I had with Sianna and the deal I made. The ritual was foreign magic to me. I was quite apprehensive to the idea that there could me magic that could affect the mind. This necessitates my condition on our deal. That they must prove to me that this ritual would do as she stated and nothing else. Perhaps I was underestimating the extent of Sianna's planning; most likely she had been preparing for this moment since I saw her in the forest.

Sitting on my bed were three books, that after eight hours of reading I had just completed. These books were translated to imperial common. Inside the first book was the history of the ritual dating back to over 2000 years, the second book was a detailed description of the ritual and the third was personal anecdotes from dozens of royal elves who had performed it.

What was most shocking was how the ritual is performed. No elven magic up until this point had any structure that I could identify with the exception of this ritual. It involved the construction of what was to my eyes an enormously complex spell circuit using mithrite laced paint. On one of the pages was a complete diagram of the ritual circle. Not even my most powerful master level spells could compare to the complexity of the ritual circle. It even needed powerful etheric gems of every attenuation placed at specific points in the ritual circle.

Like circuits the entire ritual circle had to be fueled with ether. The will behind, and the over one thousand sigil like symbols, which also had been translated for me, would guide the ritual. This gave me some assurance that there is no malicious intent behind the spell, but not enough. I would need a demonstration, and I could carefully examine both the ether and the subjects brain to see how it would react. Though I wouldn’t ask them yet, I’ll wait until they finish preparing the ritual, then I would choose a few people at random.

Leithani, Lilian and Sianna herself would serve as viable test subjects first. Even this wasn’t enough to completely assuage my worries over the spell. I suppose I could spend years unlearning all I knew about magic to fully understand the ritual, but I don’t have that kind of time. There were no mathematical formulae, or structured scientific principles that governed the ritual.

It was all metaphysical nonsense; the text essentially denies that memories exists within any form in the material plane. All memories exist within the soul and our minds only interact with it. Perhaps there is some truth to this nonsense since I know that souls exist and even after my body was destroyed, I retained my memories while in the sea of souls. All elven magic was like this in some form. One would think understanding thermodynamics would be useful in casting fire spells, but for the elves many scientific principles were only a limitation.

The only law they seem to recognize is the first law. That energy cannot be created or destroyed. Gravity, fluid dynamics, pressure, electromagnetism. It was all useless when it came to elven magic.

These books only served to stroke my interest in learning elven magic even more. But the problem was the time period it would take to learn. I had my ambitions in Moriah to think about. It would take some time to properly conquer the country then to stabilize my rule, stablish trade, law, order and eliminate any rebellion will take years. Then I had to consider the eventual fracturing of the Vendalian empire and the secession of the southern duchies. How would that affect my kingdom? I can’t afford to make the Vendalian empire an enemy just yet.

I still intend to end the prince but the fallout of it would affect my allies and therefor my plans with Moriah. Threats could work I suppose but my brief interaction with Morianne gave me the impression that she would break before she bent. Besides I can’t rely on threats forever. No, I can wait. Revenge is good but not at the cost of everything I intend on working on.

Now there were elves. I didn’t want to completely burn my bridges here, there was so much knowledge to be had. nor could I not exact justice. What to do? Sianna! I could use her. I need to make her believe that there is still a possible future alliance. If I ruled Moriah, the cabal ruled the south and Sianna controlled the elves. Then the empire would be completely surrounded. Elven subtly and espionage. Human ground troops and resources. And my forces controlling the sky and trade by sea.

I smiled as I considered the possibilities in such an alliance. Then there were the eastern kingdoms all ripe for the taking. Timing would be paramount and even a year spent with the elves would be time wasted. As much as I hated the idea, I would have to wait to learn elven magic until at the very least my rule has been stabilized. All this was predicated on whether the ritual would work.

Not all my worry was from my fears of there being something malicious hidden from me. It was the memories themselves. Would I be the same person if they truly did return to me. If I was under this geas and the being I met in the sea of souls was lying. Then who would I be then. Would I still call myself Moon Solaris or would I take my human name. Would my goals remain the same? A part of me was hoping that the spell would simply fail, and my memories were gone forever.

Sighing I exited my rooms and was immediately met with Leithani. Endali’s daughter seemed to be waiting for me.

“Good morning, Moon I have been assigned as your escort. If you wish You can break your fast with my mother and explore clan Noct’hrum as you wish. Queen Sianna is currently in the middle of preparing the ritual and has asked if you can join her for supper.”

I didn’t actually feel hungry, but I was curious about the daily lives of clan Noct’hrum.

“I’m not hungry but do show me around.” I said.

Leithani led me out of the castle into the garden. Elves were eyeing me as I walked by. The garden served as an area for communal gathering. Elves talked, laughed and children ran around freely. Some elves practiced magic, weaving their hands and channeling the ether in strange ways. I watched a child manipulate water with more precision that I could ever achieve. It boiled, turned into steam then she shaped it into a rabbit which then dissolved into the wind. She giggled and started over. Another older elven man was shaping plants into intricate symbols which were similar to the sigils used in the ritual.

Then she led me out of the gardens into the forest.

“Most of us live around the castle.”

Their homes were rather strange. It was as If someone took a wide cylinder of stone then had a tree grow under it. The tree lifted these stone homes dozens of feet into the air. The homes seemed to grow in proportion to the size of the tree. The homes had windows, and I could see elves looking down at us as we walked by. I wondered how they entered the homes until I realized that at the base of the tree was an entrance. I assume that they could climb up through the core of the tree.

“How are these homes constructed? I have seen this smooth white stone many times.” I asked.

We stopped at a particularly large tree which featured a two-story home lifted nearly a hundred feet into the air.

“Each home is grown from slatestones. Then a tree seed is placed beneath the dwelling. Over time the trees roots grow around the home and lift it into the air. Our earth and water mages aid the plants growth. The larger the tree becomes the more rooms and levels can be added.” She explained.

I couldn’t really comprehend how it worked but it was fascinating regardless. Most of the surrounding forest on the left side of the castle was comprised of these homes. Based on the number of homes I had to assume that the clan numbered around 2000 to 3000.

“Do you know where Lilian lives?” I asked.

“Yes” she replied tersely. “Do you wish to see her?”

“Indeed, do show me the way.”

Leithani made a left and we continued through the forest of homes. There were no paved roads, just paths carved to bare dirt. Occasionally I could sense pulses within the ether. There were a few elves following us while being stealthed. No doubt there here to ensure our safety so there was no point in bringing it up.

Eventually the number of homes began to decrease as we walked further into the forest and finally, we stopped outside a relatively small dwelling raised around 30 feet off of the ground.

Through one of the windows Lilian looked down at me in surprise. I gave her a small wave and said.

“Are you going to invite me up?”

She looked from me to Leithani for a few moments then said.

“Yes, you may enter.”

I wanted to have a relatively private conversation with Lilian. “I’ll speak with her privately.”

“Very well I will wait until you have finished” Leithani said.

At the base of her tree was a similar entrance. Elves didn’t seem worried about things like thieves so none of their homes with the exception of the castle had any locks. I climbed up the central passage using rungs seemingly carved into the wood itself. Once I reached the top Lilian offered me a hand and pulled me into the room. It was a relatively small space, though comfortable. There was a similar circular cushion to one side of the room in front of a window. A hearth to one side burning with magical fire. There was a small table with several chairs near a window. Next to the cushion were chests likely where she kept her clothes. One thing that was interesting was the large number of plants that littered the room, some in pots and planters. Herbs, flowers, even fruit was growing in her home.

“Welcome to my home, would you like some tea.”

“Certainly, but must you be so formal. I do recall meeting you stark-naked in the forest.”

She chuckled under her breath then she cast what I recognize was the sound barrier that Endali used. “I must watch myself while Leithani is present. I am on thin ice as it is.”

“Yes, she does seem to dislike you. Why is that?”

Lilian conjured some water into an ornate ceramic pot and placed it above the fire while I took a seat at the small table. After adding a few leaves to the steaming water, she answered.

“The matriarchs allowed me to return from exile, Leithani however does not believe that I had been punished sufficiently.”

“As I recall I was a viable path for your return, so that begs the question. What did you offer them.”

She stared at me for a few moments debating if she should tell me. Then she sighed then answered.

“I offered them you. Their spies had learned of your existence. This caused massive upheaval amongst the matriarchs. They were desperate for information and would have spent thousands of gelding for even the smallest sliver. So, I seized the opportunity. I knew your name, abilities, temperament, relative age. This is usually not enough to absolve someone from their exile but their desperation and with help from Endali was enough to convince the matriarchs to rescind the exile.”

I thought of Lilian’s sudden departure then the first attempt at my life.

“I suppose I can now answer why assassins came when they did.”

Lilian flinched as if I had struck her. I suppose I could be angry with her but in truth all she did was accelerate something that would have happened eventually. Besides, there was nothing to gain.

“Don’t worry yourself over it. I survived in the end, and it would have happened regardless.”

She gave me a searching look before nodding. Lilian poured two cups of tea and joined me at the table.

“Why did you get exiled?”

I purposely asked while she was in the middle of sipping the tea. Her eyes darted around as she debated whether to tell me or not.

“Might as well tell me. Is there any reason to hold it a secret.” I said.

Lilian stared into her cup for a few moments before she started to speak.

“Seven years ago, there was a gathering of the matriarchs to discuss ongoing hostilities with humans on the border of Isran. Usually, a matriarch attends the closed meeting with a second, which is almost always the heir. It is a largely ceremonial position but is still of high honor. Leithani was away on a mission, so I was chosen to be Endali’s second not her brother. You know how elves are.”

Of course, elves are a matriarchal society, so I suppose a second wouldn’t be a male. I nodded for her to continue.

“The meeting went as expected. The matriarchs discussed how to handle the humans, what clans should participate and what resources would be needed. Throughout the meeting some of the matriarchs repeatedly insulted Endali, but never directly. Her continuing to be in service to the Queen Sianna after all this time is something the matriarchs despised. Sianna was there at my birth, and I was personally trained by Endali since childhood. Hearing such insults directed towards them enraged me and I spoke out of turn.”

“Why is speaking out of turn significant.” I asked.

“A second represents the future of the clan. Strict poise and deference are required at all times. In anger I protested their insults. Boriel was particularly pleased since she despises Sianna. In speaking out I disrespected, Endali, all the matriarchs, and the entire clan Noct'hrum.”

I thought back to my conversation with Xalia and the bloodlust that radiated off of her due to my irreverence.

“They desired a duel I presume.” I asked.

“Yes, it would have meant my death and there is nothing Endali could do to stop it. To refuse the duel would heap even greater shame upon our clan. Endali instead asked for my exile, which in some ways is even more shameful since no one has been exiled in over a century. According to our laws the only way to recover from an exile is to offer a service to the clans.”

“The information you had on me. was it so valuable to wash away your dishonor.” Lilian spoke as if she regrated that day down to her very soul. “No, but the matriarchs were desperate. Endali offered an ultimatum, rule that the information was enough to rescind the exile or do nothing and allow the information to slip past their fingers.”

I thought about it for a moment and realized why that ploy worked. “They would have started plotting against each other, all desperate to get their hands on the information you had. The one who succeeds would have the most leverage to act. Knowledge is power after all.”

Lilian nodded. “Indeed. Now everyone can act with equal information. Though that meant that I had to tell them practically everything about you. The interrogation went on for days until everything was compiled and my exile officially rescinded.”

I deeply disliked that so much information was given to those whose intentions I did not know. Did she realize that it could be used against me or did she just not care. I suppose we were never really trusted allies. It’s not as if I wouldn’t have sold away information about her if there was a great enough benefit for me. But there was one thing I wanted to know first before I decided how to react to this.

“Do they know about Lori and Garette?” I asked.

There are very few people on this planet who’s existence mattered to me. So, I would need to ensure their safety if that was the case.

“No, I only mentioned that there was a light mage that owed Sten a favor. They didn’t really care who it was since they consider all human magic to be inferior.

Thats good to hear but I’ll still drop by before I make my move on Moriah. Allyssia would take them in as a favor to me. Who knows, maybe I can convince Garett to move to Moriah with Lori after I have solidified my rule. It would be good to have another trusted light mage at my side and who knows what Lori could grow into with my influence.

“I see.” The conversation trailed off as we took a few sips of the earthy tea.

“Did you really bed Breala?” Lilian asked.

I laughed at the sudden question. “Yes, it was before the first battle in the war with Suncrest.”

She shook her head as if she couldn’t believe it. “I can’t even imagine. Were you injured during…” she trailed off.

“No. She was rather gentle and besides I’m a healer.”

“I would not have thought one of her blood would be a gentle lover.” Lilian said.

“Looks can be deceiving.” I said.

Lilian gazed into the ether while looking at me. “You have grown even more powerful Moon; I imagine you and Queen Sianna are the two most powerful mages on the continent.”

“I intend to face the guilty alone since you have seen Matriarch Xalia and Boriel in person how do you estimate my chances.”

“I would place it in your favor by virtue of your power, though be cautious of Xalia, her water magic is some of the most powerful we have seen.”

Lilian bit her lower lips as if she wanted to ask a question.

“Just ask Lilian.”

“After your victory, would you not consider staying.” She asked.

I held her eyes for long moments before I answered.

“No.”

“But why? If you and Sianna joined there would be no force in the world that could stand against you. I have seen Baelathor’s power. Every clan would fall in line and bow to your rule.”

Indeed, her proposal wasn’t terrible. If I did marry Sianna or whatever the elven equivalent is. I certainly could use my abilities to empower them. My abilities would become invaluable, and I could freely pursue any desire I wanted. But there was one problem.

“They would fall under Sianna’s rule, while I remain the supporter of her reign. I would be king consort in this case. Not a terrible fate in truth, but it wouldn’t be much different than what I do with any other nobles that I have dealings with.”

Lilian like always couldn't understand why I thought the way I do. “If I am to rule it must be me and me alone. I have no interest in sharing power or being the support of another. The elven matriarchs will never bow to a sole king.”

In truth even if their society wasn’t matriarchal, I wouldn’t have agreed either. Their culture was too foreign, at least with humans I understood them.

“But you have been doing such with every noble so far why would Sianna be any different.” Lilian asked.

“She isn’t but I have grown tired of being the tool others wield and you know how I feel about whatever significance our joining would mean of the elven people. Even Sianna seems to have resigned herself.”

Lilian shook her head and said. “Matrix can have plans that span decades. Perhaps she has decided to change her approach.”

Its possible I suppose, we will have to see.

We talked for another few minutes before I remember that Leithani was still waiting for me. Lilian and I said our goodbyes. And I was about to climb down the entrance before I asked.

“Would you like to go flying later.”

Her eyes widened in excitement, but she quickly recovered.

“Yes, I am interested to see the world as a bird does.”

“I’ll find you tonight.”

I climbed down with an impatient Leithani waiting near the base of the tree. “Shall we continue.”

“Very well, what are you interested in seeing.” Leithani asked.

“Guyara I was curious about the plant.”

Leithani shrugged and sad. “I will show you the fields.”

We walked through the forest until the collection of tree homes ended. It did take very long as Lilian seemed to leave near the edge of what was the residential area of the forest.

“What are your thoughts on clan Noct’hrum” Leithani asked as we walked.

“Strange, though that is likely because I have spent significant time with humans.”

“I imagine so. You look at us with the same astonished bewilderment most humans do.”

In an open clearing to my left I watched a group of elves practice sword fighting. Their movements seem to prioritize speed and dexterity augmented by ether. Strikes would be accented by a rush of flame or a spire of ice. Weaponry weaving together in a complex dance. It was mesmerizing.

“A person is shaped by their upbringing. Even without my memories humans customs were familiar to me. Though you are my kind you remain as alien as ever.” I said as I returned my attention back to the conversation.

Leithani’s tone changed more serious as she said. “That is perhaps the greatest mystery about you. Where did you come from and why were you in that forest.”

“The question never stops plaguing me and the more I learn the more confusing it becomes. What theories have the elves divined?” I asked.

“Many, but none feel close to the truth. Some believe there is a small group of royal elves that survived the fall, and you are their progeny. But your lack of even the basic understanding of your own people contradicts this. Others believe that you were perhaps a bastard of impure blood that was owned by some noble in Braken. But that is also false your blood is pure, and you have all the Arrogance and self-importance of a human noble. You are the only one who can answer this question. Though I do believe you know more than your pretend.” She finished her long explanation stopping and holding my gaze.

“You’re not entirely wrong but what I know is far less that you suspect. Perhaps the ritual will shed some light.”

Leithani raised an eyebrow. “Ah, so you agreed in the end. No wonder Queen Sianna has been occupied. She has been preparing the ritual.”

I began to fish for her thoughts on the ritual. “Have you undergone it?” I asked.

“No, I am far too young for it to have any use. I know my mother has. Our minds tent to discard old information as we begin to reach over a century or two of life.” Then she paused for a moment then a smirk came across her face which was quickly hidden. It was so slight I almost didn’t notice it.

“What amuses you so?” I asked. that smirk did not sit well with me.

She sighed and murmured to herself. “Mother will be cross that I have let slip her game.”

“You know that the elves desire you for both your power and the potential benefit.” She said.

“Clearly.”

“Well, there is another theory that you are under a Geas. Which would mean that the true personality is hidden under this one. If the true personality is that of a traditional royal, then……”

I finished her thought. “I would fall in line and bend to the desires of Sianna and Endali? Perhaps even abandon my vengeance.”

“It is a possibility. Though the ability to place someone under a geas has be lost for millennia.” She said.

“Why was it lost?” I asked.

“Can you imagine the destruction such an ability would cause. Once the Writ of rejuvenation was developed the practitioners of the geas were systematically killed and all texts burned. The threat of it was too great. The royals, as obsessed as they were with power couldn’t allow its existence.”

“What was the betrayal?” I asked.

“There were at any time only a few hundred royals in existence. They ruled through their great magical power. The clans were servants under them. Noct’hrum were their intelligence network. Others served as warriors, farmers and intermediates with the western kingdoms. We were slaves in all but name selectively, bred to suit a certain task. And clan Lum'nar were servants and that extended to serving the royals in bed.”

“So, a rebellion happened but where does the betrayal come in.” I asked.

A slave rebellion makes sense. “Clan Noct’hrum was the most loyal. The first-born son of the reigning matriarch was regarded to be as beautiful as any royal male. He was commanded to serve one of the royals in bed. he refused as he was mated and very much loved his wife.”

“What happened to him?”

“He was killed for his insolence, by his own mother. Endali’s mother. Disobedience was not tolerated. The one he refused was the reigning queen. Sianna’s own mother. It is said that she wept at her sons grave for days, refusing to eat or drink, resolving herself to die. That is when the other matriarchs began to spread poison into her ear. Rebellion, vengeance, atonement for the sin of murdering her only son. Grief curdled into hate as they chipped away at the loyalty she once held. Her hate was all consuming. The matriarchs used her to plot the downfall of the royals.”

“The royals were the greatest magical power in the world. how did you overcome them?” I asked.

“The same way the humans overcame us. greater numbers and centuries of complacency. The royals enjoyed endless luxury. Feasts, balls and of course carnal pleasure at the expense of their servants. Matriarch Cyntha developed a slow acting poison. Colorless, odorless, and tasteless, that would simulate intoxication, the royals loved their wine after all. When the royals were thoroughly inebriated the clans attacked. The same servants that served them in their beds pulled leth’lans, mage killers. And over a hundred royals nearly half the population died. Once they realized what was happening the fight began. For every dead royal hundreds of elves died.”

“In that case how did Sianna survive.”

“Their numbers won out in the end. Eventually the queen fell to Matriarch Cyntha’s blade. Leaving only the child remaining. It took almost 400 elves to kill the queen. All that was left was Sianna and even through all her hate and grief she couldn’t bring herself to kill the child. She was the only royal born in three centuries. Some wanted her dead to permanently end the royals forever, but most couldn’t bring themselves to kill a child. So, a compromise was made. She was officially exiled and forced to live in this castle. Watched by the same clan that betrayed them.”

I thought back to the elves and how they interacted with Sianna. There was no hate there, most seemed to treat her with great respect.

“Clan Noct’hrum Does’nt seem to hate Sianna and what happened to Cythna in the end?”

“Even though Cyntha killed her mother, Sianna never held it against her. Cyntha found no peace after getting her vengeance and took her life after passing the title of Matriarch on to Endali around fifty years later. Many elves suffered under the rule of the royals and deaths like Cyntha’s son were common. Sianna never bore hatred for Cyntha, perhaps she understood the grief that drove the vengeance and refused to continue the cycle.”

“With my arrival and the possibility of reinstating the royal line I’m certain old scars have been irritated.”

"Yes, but it is a complex thing. Not every clan suffered under their rule, and some were afforded great luxuries and privilege. So, some elves don't have such a harsh view of the royals."

“After the humans arrived instead of one person ruling there were twelve.” I said.

Leithani gave me a solemn glance and said “Yes. We gained freedom and was no longer under the rule of the royals, but now we had no unity and lost a massive amount of magical power. The humans came from the east and bread like locusts, for every one child we had they birthed a dozen. We couldn’t hope to hold out against their numbers so in shame we had to abandon Arlathan and flee to Isran. Now we fight amongst ourselves as human nobles do and any hope to reclaim our past glory is now gone.”

“So now some see me as the chance to reclaim that glory while others see me as a threat that could return their tyranny.” I said.

“Indeed, but you hold no reverence for your ancestors and considers both the royals and the matriarchs failures. You would build something new. This is what Xalia feared. Change is one of the most difficult things for a species whose lives are measured in centuries.”

I thought that this story could be linked with what the creature in the sea of souls called me but it doesn’t seem the case.

We reached the edge of the forest to a large clearing of plants. Unlike the neat rows of human agriculture. The elves had dozens of different species of fruit and vegetables growing together. The tall plants showed different fruits for which I could not name. Several elven males were walking through the forest of agriculture picking produce and filling baskets. We walked through as I examined the forest of food.

Eventually we reached the far eastern edge to a group of trees bearing a bright purple fruit. A few elves were wandering around picking the fallen fruit off the ground. It was about the size of a egg with a hard exterior.

“This is Guyara. Once it falls the pods are collected. After a weeks they pop open revealing around the ten to fifteen brown seeds that are then roasted and grounded. This ground seeds can then be boiled and drank.”

She tossed the unopen pod to an elf that caught it and added it to his basket. I had to hide a dumfounded expression. They had a plant that was rich in caffeine and didn’t sell the grounds. This was a literal goldmine.

“I think I can do for a meal. All this talking has me hungry.” Leithani smiled, nodded and led me back to the castle.

As she walked away, I discretely picked up one of the unopened pods and snuck It into a pocket, a small smile coming over my face.

Leithani made a different route back to the castle. This time we passed a field of Sur'an. They were large white deer with massive antlers that appeared almost metallic. After shifting my gaze to the ether, I realized that they were weak etheric beasts. As the herd of dear scampered in the large field I realized that I could hear no sound coming from the animals. Leithani explained that they were not tamed. Each deer chooses a single rider in their lifetime and will accept no other. Some were being ridden bareback by elves, the hooves not making a sound as they trot along the grass. Those large sharp antlers would make for great decoration above a fireplace. I wonder if their entire skeleton had that metallic sheen. Another interesting fact was that even females grew them.

Eventually we returned to the castle where Sianna invited me for supper in her rooms. We sat together at a small table near her hearth. It was mid-day and the large window was enough to light the room. There were several dishes one looked to be pasta which immediately brought the word ravioli to my mind. Others were small salads, a bowl of rice and several strips of what looked to be barely cooked meat. It smelled delicious, especially the pasta. We didn’t really have placements as humans do. Just a two-pronged fork.

“Do enjoy your meal. We do not stand on ceremony as humans do.” Sianna said.

Most of the fruit and vegetables I could recognize. “I’m just curious about what everything was.”

“The meat is Tal’run, similar to geese.”

Then she pointed to the pasta “That is Lailan. Made from Yuma flour and full filled with goat cheese.”

She pointed to each of the ingredients naming all of them. They all had strange elven names that had no translation to common. I would have to add learning the elven language to the list of things I need to do.

I dug into the food savoring the strange flavors. Everything was delicious. I have eaten at the best restaurants the empire had to offer and this meal was an excellent contender for some of the best I have ever had.

“Let’s assume that you get your vengeance. What will you do then?” Sianna asked.

“I’m not sure yet. My life has ever been traveling from one place to another gathering power. Perhaps I will settle for a while.” I said cryptically.

“Why did you gather such power. While human magic has many limitations it is no less destructive.”

“At first it was for safety then just because I wanted it. But I do have an unending curiosity about this world. And magic is one of the most interesting things about it.”

“What about you? What do you intent to do?”

She gave me a searching glance before she answered my question with a question. “What do you know of the betrayal?”

“Leithani informed me of Cyntha, the death of her son and the ensuing betrayal and conflict that occurred.”

She gave me a small nod and glanced into her cup. “We were powerful Moon. The royals were the greatest source of magic in the world. With that came arrogance and complacency. It is easy to fail to see your own flaws when you become so powerful that most are afraid to voice them.”

Then she held my gaze and continued. “I see this arrogance in you as well. Be careful that you do not become blinded by it. I have worked to evaluate the failings of the royals through years of contemplation. I spoke with many who suffered under our reign to gain insight. I wish to rid us of the constant infighting among the clans and work towards building something new. Something that can last beyond both our lifetimes.”

“Is me recovering my memories going to assist you, if it even works or do you have another intent behind the ritual?”

“I imagine the question of your origins plagues you endlessly. It was the only thing I believed could stop from you from committing wanton slaughter. Hearing you speak so casually about slaughtering the defenseless only served to remind me of the attitude of the old royals.”

I scoffed and said. “If not for my willingness to destroy then you may have tried to deny me justice. Since me killing a matriarch would be politically inconvenient to you and your plans. Fear is a tool like anything else and I will wield it if I have to.”

A small smile came over her face as she said. “Yet you capitulated with the prince so quickly. Someone of your personality wouldn’t hesitate yet the prince is still alive, and the capitol isn’t a burnt ruin. I can only guess that killing him would be politically inconvenient for you and your plans.”

My eye twitched as she threw my words back at me. “Yes, you are correct. But the fact remains he was mostly involved because of his foolish plan to acquire knowledge. I will end him in time but not yet. The matriarchs plotted my death directly, using my apprentice as a way to get past my barriers. Then killing Noire. It was a good plan they just never realized how powerful my barriers really were. That mage killer would have killed almost anyone.”

“This action will have consequences. What if some elves decide to take vengeance on you for killing the matriarchs.” Sianna asked.

I gave it some thought before I answered. “Then I would have to find allies, probably ones from within the empire. If pushed I would give them what they want. Flying mounts for their mages. So far, I have kept that power for myself, but I assure you if I must, then I will.”

She closed her eyes and nodded as if she was expecting this answer. “Fortunately for the both of us elves are not the same as humans. Once the duels are officially sanctioned then none will have the right to take vengeance. Doing so would mean death or exile. No elf wants humans in control of gigantic wyverns.”

“Nor do I. Give me justice and I will seek no quarrel with the elves. And besides most people are so focused with what I can do with flying creatures, they never asked about others.”

Sianna blinked as if she herself hasn’t thought about it. “What about Sur’an?”

“Of course. My abilities manifest in strange ways but in the end, it is always an improvement. The Sur’an will just become more powerful. Stronger, faster with enhanced etheric abilities. You could command it with just a thought”

“What is the price for this?” she asked.

“It’s hard to place it in terms of coin.” I mused.

“I meant to you. What kind of ether do you control to perform this miracle.”

I chuckled. “You know most people don’t seem interested in the answer. None of my clients ever asked.”

“More than likely they do not want the answer. You somehow control life itself do you not?” Sianna asked.

“Indeed. You may think of me as the opposite of argon the defiler.”

“So, you draw power from the living and give to others. And with your power you can control the living tissue.”

I nodded as she deduced the correct answer. “Yes, and the more living ether the more powerful the body becomes.”

“I suppose you can give and take as argon did with the dead.” Sianna had a more serious expression.

“Not to worry I’m not drunk on power as he was.” That wasn’t completely true, since I tend to lose myself when I start consuming large amounts of living ether.

She held my gaze for long moments before she spoke. “What price would you offer for a Sur’an.”

In the end that was what I wanted. More elves will want enhanced beasts or other things with my abilities. Sure, they would lose two matriarchs and a few dozen elves, but they stood to gain so much more. When the empire fractures, I want them firmly on my side. It would take time but eventually I can bargain for elven magic and enchanting. Sianna would serve as excellent advertisement.

“For you I’ll do it free of charge. As an offer of good faith. We can go over the details later. For now, would you like to meet Baelathor?” I said.

“Very well” she said with suspicion clearly in her eyes.

“Good, let’s go after we have finished. I brought something I wanted to ask you about.” Maybe she knew more about the sword and the enchantments placed upon it. And most importantly It would be excellent if she could explain the purple Mithrite. Rings and other kinds of jewelry made of the material would be quite fetching.