The Grey Pearl (Of Caladuin: Volume Two)

16

Caladuin came round to more darkness and a damp, musty smell. He was evidently underground. A line of dim light just below him was the only relief from the utter darkness. Now and then, footsteps passed by, breaking the line with their shadows.

The space felt small but was not uncomfortable. The air was warm and the bed he was lying on was soft. Small comforts against the dry mouth and the thick head and the dizziness. His cheek was numb and felt swollen until he ran his finger-tips over it. He suspected that he had been pricked with a dart like the one he had narrowly avoided in the market square.

"Tathariel," he whispered hoarsely. There was no reply; he hadn't expected one. More footsteps broke the silence and after bolts were thrown and latches lifted, the thin line of light became a wedge before pale yellow light flooded into the room. He squinted and turned away as the heavy oak door swung wide open.

"We apologise for the lack of light," said an elleth's voice. He rolled over and watched three Dark-elf maidens walk into the room. They were prettier than their male counterparts and small. Indeed, they were the shortest Elves he had ever seen. "It is something my people can do without," the leader continued. She held a large but simple table lamp, which she placed beside a small nightstand next to the bed. "Please accept our apologies for not taking your needs into consideration."

Caladuin looked around the room and then at his own half-nakedness. "Where am I?"

"You are invited to dinner, Master Caladuin. Please refresh yourself and dress. We will escort you to the hall shortly." One of the other ellith carried a brass basin of water which she placed on the nightstand. The third stood attentively with fresh clothes and a small towel.

Caladuin rolled and sat upright on the edge of the bed. The floor was carpeted with a woollen rug. "Can you at least tell me the name of my host?"

"Please accept this wine as a gesture of our good will, Master Caladuin." She placed a flagon next to the goblet that was already on the nightstand. She took the clothes from her companion and held them out to him. "These may not fit you very well but at least they are not blood-stained. Again, I apologise for this inconvenience."

Caladuin took the clothes and stood up. He expected the maiden to step backwards but she held her ground and gazed up at him. They stared at each other for a long moment. There was not a single note of fear in her eyes. Rather, there was almost an amused glint, as though she didn't so much think she was better than him as that she knew it.

"Enjoy the wine, Master Caladuin," she said at length, then turned and led the others out of the room. The bolt was thrown back and Caladuin was left standing in the middle of his room in his undergarments.