“You suck,” Leldeif said.

  “You wish.” Tic smirked and flipped the hot sap on the table to pound in another fold.

  32

  Princess

  “We got a problem,” Juil said when she came out of the shower, barely noticing the bald servant who worked in the kitchen.

  “I can’t bring you to Lilieack with me.”

  “Then let’s not go to Lilieack,” Nigel replied.

  “I have to.”

  “Okay, look. I have just escaped from a city underground where I had been trapped for a long time. I find out that what I lived as a year was over a hundred out here in the real world. I need to find my own people; I need to know what happened to my own line.”

  “Oh, okay…you said something different back in the city, so I had assumed…”

  “Yeah, that was before I knew that it could actually happen. I was humoring you in a way, as well as entertaining myself.”

  “Okay then, no hard feelings and I am glad that we could help each other out.”

  “I am too, thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. I’ll save the goodbyes for after I resupply.” She turned and headed out as Nigel leaned back with a book that looked as if it was pre-cataclysm. The door closed and Leldeif turned around with a couple of steaming mugs and sat down across from the aerial.

  Nigel took a sip from his proffered cup and smiled.

  “Ooooh, that’s good. It reminds me of our southern territories where we used to harvest our own blend and literally roast them in the sun.”

  “Ha, we both know that was your slaves and you actually had very little to do with it.”

  “Of course, such was the way of the world then,” Nigel replied with a smirk.

  “Let’s go back to that point that I found so intriguing in our earlier conversation.”

  “Okay, first tell me why you don’t want our little princess to see your face,” Nigel prodded.

  “I… I will, someday…however, today is not that day,” Leldeif said and waited.

  “Very well then,” Nigel said and began to tell him about how he had become trapped within the underground city for centuries but was to him only a few years.

  “So…” Leldeif paused not really sure if he liked this haughty bastard regardless of how entertaining he was, so he asked, “Do you want to see the races enslaved once again?”

  “Of course, you silly elf. I would be lying if I said I didn’t and so would you be too, however, you can’t even admit it to yourself.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong, aerial.”

  “Call me Nigel, please,” Nigel said and Leldeif laughed.

  “I don’t think I like you much, Nigel,” Leldeif said which made it the aerial’s turn to laugh.

  “It has ever been thus,” he said and held his cup up in a mock toast. “You wouldn’t happen to have anything with a bit more of a kick to put in here would you?” he asked looking at his now empty cup.

  “I do,” Leldeif said with a misshapen smirk.

  * * *

  The northern section of Riverhouse was well known to the princess and she made her way directly to the harbor master’s office who doubled as the magistrate. There was an audible gasp as she entered the building and all of the dwarfs froze in place.

  Juil also froze in place. The concept that she had been missing for almost a month just didn’t seem to register to her. In her mind she had been gone just over three days.

  “Princess, is everything alright?” It was Frodeg, the very same sheriff who had earlier pounded on Tic’s door with the noise complaint that very morning.

  “Yes, of course I am okay, Sheriff, why?”

  “Well, from what I have heard…you have been missing for several weeks now. Were you rescued or did you escape, from…somewhere?”

  “Ah, yes…um, I escaped from a giant that was taking me south,” she said quickly knowing how lame it sounded. Crap.

  “Oh. Well, I do hope that you are well,” the sheriff continued, recognizing that he wouldn’t be getting much more out of her at this point. Better to just stand back and see what came up. “How can we help you on this fine day.”

  “I need to activate my credit so that I can get a horse to get me back to Lilieack,” she said with a smile, happy that they didn’t pursue any more questions.

  “Lilieack? What are you heading there for? All of the fighting is up by Pine Hold,” Levath, the Harbor Coordinator said.

  “Pine Hold…fighting?”

  “If you are here now, then surely you heard the horns and drums yesterday?” the sheriff said.

  “Our whole garrison is mobilizing to go and save the kings now, surely you have noticed that?” Levath pressed.

  “Yes, I did notice that on my way here. Which kings?”

  “Why…all of them. They are under attack by a superior force of meradi.”

  “You mean muridai,” Juil corrected the sheriff who probably had never encountered one.

  “Could be, I got word got back yesterday by sprint that all of Pine Hold was wiped out almost to a man over a week ago. Now the horns have sounded signaling that the kings who were all traveling to Noril and or Pine Hold from your grandfather’s funeral are under attack.”

  “Grandfathers? All the kings? you mean.”

  “Aye, lass, and yer ma too.”

  “I need to get up there as soon as I am supplied,” Juil said, suddenly having a solid destination and trying not to think of her grandfather’s death. She had seen it and the demise of Pine Hold as visions in the chamber Nigel had took her too. This being the reality the other visions could now be discarded, so many lies she had been shown. Somehow, it had readied her for the pain.

  We sent a small force two days ago to help clean up after the first devastation up there. Today the entire garrison. They will point you toward the shortest route. I have a barge leaving in three hours, I can spare room for you and a horse if you’d like to accompany them.”

  “Yes, three hours should be enough. Can you pick me up at the cobbler’s dock?”

  “The cobbler’s dock, of course,” Levath said with only a slight side eye to Frodeg and then allowed her to activate her account before she skipped out, probably up to the stables that specialized in Lilieackean steeds.

  “The cobbler’s shop,” the sheriff said to the air and the harbor master gave an understanding nod before replying.

  “It seems that there are many curious things happening around the cobbler’s shop and its new arrival.”

  “What happened to Enson? He was a good sort.”

  “He’ll be back. Those two and the girl are all cousins. When he gets back from visiting Lemure they will work together, though this one is going to be in charge. He’s a smart one he is and has already more than quadrupled their production. Maybe smarter than he should be and there have been whispers of magical lights at night since he arrived.”

  “More than whispers, harbor master. I have been contacted by more than one mage claiming that the traces are interfering with their ability to enact replacement on the present weaves,” the sheriff said and Levath nodded as he wondered.

  “I think that you are going to have to have a conference with the young cobbler. You might want to bring a mage with you.”

  “Yes, eventually. I think that I will watch him for a bit first though and maybe have a serious conversation with the lad. He does seem amiable at least.”

  “Oh yes, he is very amiable and not an unreasonable sort at all,” the harbor coordinator replied, then thought about it for a second before coming to some obscure realization. “Say, aren’t you one of the wizards on the council?”

  “Aye, that I am…though a minor one at best,” Frodeg replied.

  * * *

  Juil picked up a roan who was more blue than gray, a younger mare of steady disposition. She outfitted her kit and tack at the farrier’s, she also had the horse, who was named Ginny, checked out and given new shoes. She rode it to the cobbler’s shop, marveling how much she missed the saddle even though it had only been a few days. She still had all of her weapons as the witch who had imprisoned her didn’t deem them as enough of a threat to take from her, a point that started a subtle rage within her that seemed to be building.

  She didn’t see Tic when she returned, but there was food on the table and Nigel was there being his annoying self as well as the bald servant who always seemed to be busy with something.

  “I wish that you were coming with me.”

  “It’s not in the cards, princess,” Nigel replied.

  “No, I guess I know that. Well…if I never see you again, good luck.”

  “Well, for what it’s worth, thank you. Our paths will cross in the future, of that I am sure.

  “Yeah, but…where will we stand?”

  “You and I? We’ll always be good. Our people, however, may be a different story but we’ll have to see how that plays out won’t we.”

  “We will.” She smiled and looked at the back of the bald servant as she slung her satchel over her shoulder and in a soft voice said, “If you see my uncle…tell him that he is needed.”

  Nigel looked at her with a confused expression. The servant turned and looked at her as she headed toward the door.

  “Of course I recognize my own family,” she said to Leldeif, her tone accusing.

  “Take care, Juil, my path is not what it was.”

  “That’s just stupid.” She stopped and squared off against her uncle. She had twenty some years of experience in the world and she would use it to teach him a lesson… if she could.

  “You still have family, I suggest that you get to them and see what you can do to help them.”

  “You know that your brother is under attack right now up at Pine Hold, don’t you?” Juil pressed, half hoping that he would drop what he was doing and come with her.

  “My brother. Do you know why they never came to my aid when the trolls and goblins attacked Northomme? They burned it to the ground, you know? My children were cooked and feasted upon in front of my very eyes by goblins and trolls alike until piners came upon the scene where only I remained alive, strapped to crossed staves, awaiting my own death,” Leldeif said causing Juil to look at him in shocked horror. “Do you know what my father and brother said to me when I came around in Lilieack?”

  “No, I don’t,” Juil said, fearing that she didn’t want to hear the truth.

  “They said, that it was probably for the best, give me a chance to start over with one of my own kind. Probably for the best, let that sink in a bit Juil, just let that sink in a good long while before you judge me.” He finished, his one eye locked on her, but not with hate. It was filled with a coldness that said he held no remorse for those who had forsaken him and his in the past.

  “I don’t know what to say to that,” Juil replied.

  “You have business elsewhere, girl, please make haste in getting to it,” Leldeif said, his eyes cold and stance hostile. “My fight is not with you.” He didn’t want this confrontation, but the cuts ran too deep for a simple mending. He had seen his whole family tortured and butchered and Lilieack sent no one because he didn’t play by the rules. When his own father backed him up, Leldeif had no other choice but the one he took and there were no regrets. He left that family over twenty years prior; he would not be going back. He turned and stepped into the light so she could get the full-on view of the damage.

  Juil gasped when she finally saw his face. Missing an eye, part of his nose shaved off, no ears, and the long black scar from forehead to neck were just the obvious tracks of the horrors that had hacked upon his flesh. She took a step closer wanting to go and hold him, but his raised hand stopped her.

  “Leave me be,” was all he said before pointing toward the door.

  “Goodbye, Uncle Lindeif.”

  “That name is dead, girl, I am Leldeif now. Do not call me anything else,” he said with finality and with a huff she turned and ran out the door.

  “Holy crap, you are cold blooded.”

  “Yeah, you’ve obviously never been a part of elven hierarchy.”

  “No, I haven’t,” Nigel said in confirmation, but then whispered to himself, “I bet aerial hierarchy could give it a run for its money.”

  “Doubtful,” Leldeif responded.

  “Damn those elven ears.”

  * * *

  Juil threw her satchel over the rump of her horse and secured it, making sure that it wouldn’t bind on the bed roll or her other gear when Tic approached her.

  “Hi,” Tic said casually with his hands behind his back.

  “Hi, yourself. It sounds pretty bad up north so I have to go. I would guess by your demeanor that you are not rushing to the elves rescue?”

  “No, I am not. I have too many things here to take care of.”

  “Too bad, your magic could be useful where I am headed.”

  “Yeah, I don’t know that magic is supposed to work like that. Besides, I have a lot more to do before I take that act on the road if you know what I mean.”

  “Well, good luck with that and thanks for helping me to escape wherever I was.”

  “Sure, it was my pleasure. I want to give you something.”

  “Really? What?” she asked not accustomed to getting gifts from humans.

  “These,” he said and held up a pair of boots.

  “Boots? Elves don’t wear human footwear, friend. Thank you though,” she said politely.

  “Really? My employee Leldeif swears by this design. I am a master cobbler, madam, trust me when I say that these will work and work well for you.”

  “Okay, I’ll give them a try.” She agreed not wanting to argue.

  “Sit, and I will put them on for you and make sure that everything fits properly.”

  It was less than an hour later when his second satisfied, elven customer boarded the barge for her journey north, marveling at the comfort and fit of her new footwear.

  Tic looked across the lane only to see the sheriff who had pounded on his door earlier this morning sitting calmly at a patio table eating lunch. He indicated the seat across from himself and Tic walked over to join him. It had been a very strange twenty-four hours and he had a feeling that it was not over yet.

  “Sheriff Frodeg, nice to see you again so soon.”

  “The pleasure is all mine, Master Rowe, please sit and have lunch with me.”

  “I really should be getting back to the shop and fill some of the orders that this war has inspired.”

  “I understand that you have increased the business there by more than tenfold, that is very impressive, Master Rowe.”

  “Please, call me Tic. Yes, things have fallen together nicely, however, that is the reason why I was sent here to work with my cousin Enson.”

  “Yes…so I have heard. Please bear with me for a moment as I do have a few questions for you concerning our discussion this morning,” he said and Tic reluctantly pulled out the chair and sat down. A waitress came and brought him some coffee

  “What can I help you with, Sheriff?” Tic asked, knowing that this was a sheriff who was not in the pocket of some politician like most were. The dwarfs didn’t operate like that and instead worked for their race as a whole as opposed to a specific family or belief.

  “Well, Tic…I have been playing this game for a long time and what I heard about happening last night in your abode and what I have seen myself spoke of only one thing.” He paused to let that sink in before he continued, “So, keeping that in mind, I am going to ask you one question.” He paused again and set down his eating utensils and looked Tic square in the eye.

  “Are you, Mattic Rowe, a sorcerer?”

  “Are you asking me if I draw runes and such?” Tic asked, trying very poorly to play dumb.

  “Let me start again and I repeat that it is critical that you are completely open and honest with me, your future within Riverhouse hinges upon your honesty,” the sheriff said sending a rush of nerves through the cobblers entire being.

  “Are you…a witch, warlock, wizard, or sorcerer?”

  The dwarf’s manner was so straight to the point as his eyes penetrated the young human that Tic didn’t really think that he could lie even if he wanted to. The fact was, he didn’t want to. There was a lot going on in the world right now and he couldn’t help but feel that a lot of it hinged on Riverhouse and he had to be here to handle it whatever ‘it’ may be.

  “Yes.”

  “Yes? Well…thank you for your candor, sir, I appreciate it. May I ask why you didn’t report yourself as such when you first arrived here in Riverhouse?”

  “Because I was not familiar with the rules here in Riverhouse to do so and…” He paused not knowing how he should continue or even if he should continue. How much did he want them to truly know about him and what he could do?

  “Go on, sir, please…you are not in trouble as long as you are being honest with me,” Frodeg pressed.

  “Well, I see what people are doing over here to use magic and that is something I am not capable of. I think that it is different for me and I am too new at using it to really know the difference. Is what I do actually magic? I don’t know, but I think it is or at least I think that most people would think it is.”

  “Could you explain that for me, please?”

  “I will try. I have seen your sorcerers here drawing runes and inciting incantations and I can’t do any of that. I don’t see or talk to spirits or draw on the planets’ energies or anything like that.”

  “Okay, what is it that you do that makes you think that you may be a sorcerer?”

  “Well, I am not a sorcerer or a wizard. I don’t really know what I am to be honest. I could show you…but I would have to reveal something that I am not sure how you will take, so I am afraid.”

  “I see,” the sheriff said and sat there very still as he studied the newly arrived cobbler. So much was happening right now and a lot of it seemed to be swirling around this young man. Frodeg couldn’t afford not to know what this boy was capable of.