A Brother's Bargain

Elven Magic

Father awoke in his childhood home, smelling his adopted elven mother cooking him breakfast. He smiled to himself, despite the sadness and hopelessness that was taking control of his heart. He hadn't realized how much he missed her and his home.

"Good morning Elyris," he said when he walked into the kitchen, kissing her cheek. The smells were making his stomach growl.

"My love, I have fed Kinox and made sure he is comfortable. Alanna is going to groom him this morning and take him for a ride if that is ok with you. I think we need to talk,"  Elyris said.

"Yes, will be fine. Kinox will enjoy being pampered," Father replied.

"Your heart is carrying a heavy burden. I can feel it. I want to help you. Before you tell me your tale, I am sending for two of our most powerful healers. I feel that you need help, and Elven magic is strong. We can help you if you will let us in," Elyris told him.

Father nodded slowly. Can it counter demon magic, he thought to himself. "I feel like my cause is hopeless and my burden is too large. I am feeling like giving up," he said.

"I raised you better than that Durham. You will not give up. Eat your breakfast and keep up your strength. Nadya is bringing you a gift this morning as well. She has something of Ragnar's that should stay with the family," she replied.

"Ragnar's? What will I do with something of his?" Father asked, though he was curious what it could be.

"You will take it home and keep it like family is supposed to do. Don't forget who you are and what you believe in because you are burdened. Allow us to help you and stop this sorrow," she scolded him.

He ate his breakfast in silence, wondering to himself why Nadya didn't just tell him about it yesterday. He had no idea what of Ragnar's could be left. Maybe a spell book? A family history? Ragnar was a great warlock. If it was something that needed to be in the family, maybe it could help with Lanaya and the baby in her womb.

After breakfast Alanna came. He watched from the window as she groomed Kinox. She was very good with him. Kinox seemed to really like her. As he watched Alanna, he saw a carriage pull up in front of the little house. He could clearly see three people inside, and behind it a massive beast like he had never seen before. It was a tiger like creature with horns on its sides and a flowing mane that trailed all the way to it's tail. The beast walked with it's head held high, clearly full of confidence and pride.

First to exit the carriage was Nadya, squirrel crawling around her neck on her shoulders. Next was an Elf like he had never laid eyes on--old. He walked with a staff in his hand that had a glowing yellow fire floating above it. He was clearly one of the healers.