The Call Of Shadows

Chapter One

The elves walked into the clearing in the Black Woods. The air was heavy with dread, as they whispered among themselves trying to dispel their growing fear. The ninth hour had come and gone as Salwein stood atop the misshapen boulder and signaled the meeting had begun. "It is with a heavy heart that I must confirm the rumors to be true..." He paused while the crowd murmured their concerns. "The king of men has decided he no longer needs our protection, and by extension, our friendship." More worry grew among the elves gathered. Caldern, who stood to the right of the First Elder, spoke up. "Will they attack us, or force us into another territory?" Salwein sighed in resignation. "I do not know for certain. The king has agreed to discuss a treaty, but I fear it will not go well." The noise in the earthen stadium grew to a dull roar with concerned voices straining to be heard over one another.

"Quiet! My brothers and sisters, there is much to discuss. I know this is hard news to hear, but we must plan for the worst." He turned to face the Third Elder, Begaeth. "I need you to gather all your warriors and discuss the most effective tactics for both defense and offense in the event of war." Salwein then turned to the Fourth Elder, Vertoss. "You will gather the diplomats and find your three best men and women. Have them prepared to go into the other regions and make sure they are aware of the current situation." With a nod, he and a group of 28 elves from the stadium followed him back into the woods. With the Third and Fourth Elders and their charges gone, the stadium was significantly quieter. "Caldern...you must come with me to Kilrot Castle to discuss the terms of the treaty. Leave your best man in charge and be ready to depart with me by the end of the week."

Caldern nodded grimly and motioned for all but 5 of his men to go back to their homes and await instructions. Now just Salwein and Caldern remained in the clearing. They were old friends, and though they weren't close in recent years the comradery they felt was still there. He turned to face Salwein. "Must we venture so soon into the King's Land? Surely, if we were to go to war, one week would be far too early for anyone to be prepared?"

The First Elder turned to face his second in command. "Caldern...we do not have a choice. I guarantee the discussions will last longer than a few days. We must trust that our people know how to handle the situation here. We have known this day would come for a long time now. Have faith." With that, they parted ways, and Salwein stood alone in the dark. He sighed, closed his eyes, and prayed he was wrong.

A few hours later back in the safety of the Diplomat's Haven, Vertoss and the gathered diplomats began a very heated discussion about who needed to stay, and who would be best to make the long ride to the 3 territories in the rest of the Elven Step. Normally a timid man, Fenwik was growing increasingly upset. "I am telling you!" He shouted, "If you let Kinnar go into the Veiled Forests he will not make it out alive! They have a very deep history and almost none of it is good!" He huffed with angry red eyes. Vertoss tried to keep the peace. "Fenwik, if I let Kinnar outside of the capital ever, people are bound to threaten him. He is a good man, but I am not suggesting he go anywhere." That seemed to satisfy his colleague into his usual demeanor. Vertoss turned to another trusted aid, "What about Hejli? She has always been good with the elves in the Veiled Forests, and she knows the dialect quite well. She grew up in the region did she not?" He thought for a moment and replied carefully. "I believe she would be a good choice. However, that would be putting her dangerously close to The Wall. I would be more comfortable allowing her to go with one of Begaeth's men for safety's sake." Vertoss nodded, and the man went off to inform her.

With significant consideration and much more debate, two more elves from his post were assigned to go into the territories of Kitch Stone and River Forge. Turning back to his second in command, Vertoss addressed Fenwik once more. "I understand you are passionate about keeping the Elven Step safe...however sometimes tact is necessary even among the ranks. Please keep that in mind for the future. You are a valued member of the council, but I would caution restraint." Fenwik looked down, ashamed for the moment. "Understood. Would you like me to go inform Salwein's aid that we have reached a decision?" Vertoss nodded, and returned to the table to begin writing out the orders for when the diplomats gathered in the morning.