Sons of Ironstorm - Book 3: New Alliance

An Uncertain Journey

Somebody must've been listening to Shawn's verbalized desires because, thankfully, he received a missive from Elvenfast the very next day that the selection was complete and that his presence in Elvenfast was being requested. Still unsure of whether he liked how the Covenant was presented or what it represented, symbolic or not, Shawn was somewhat relieved to find Dezi missing while he waited. While he wanted to talk to somebody about it, he was secretly glad it wasn't her. How could he explain to the woman he was falling in love with, that he was about to marry several women, symbolically or otherwise, but not her?

"I'm sure she would've understood, Shawn," Shiana commented as the two of them made their way the next morning towards a portal Shawn had opened to distant Elvenfast, the city of the High King. This morning she, as was her twin brother, was dressed in Redeemed blue, heavy traveling cloak as protection against the rain and several days' worth of clothing and effects in a backpack slung by one strap over her left shoulder. As always, her sword was hunter style and available over her right.

Glancing over at his sister, both strangely like him yet not, Shawn grimaced.

"I hope so," he said, also in Taren. "As the daughter of the Master of the Silver Flame, she has seen more than her fair share of politics and decisions made with state in mind. Still ..."

"Still you care for her and you don't want her hurt in any way," Shiana finished for him with a sad smile. She reached out to give Shawn's upper arm a squeeze. "I know what you're trying to say. And I'm saying don't worry, my brother. Her feelings for you will more than make up any difference."

Shawn nodded with a sigh then looked over with a smile at his twin.

"Thanks, Shiana, for coming with me. I appreciate the support."

"My pleasure," Shiana quickly returned before her eyes began to sparkle. "Besides, did you really think I'd give up a chance to see a place such as Elvenfast? Dezi told me all about it. The city sounds amazing!"

"That accurately describes it." Shawn laughed at his sister's unbridled enthusiasm. "I just hope we won't get lost!"

Stepping through the sa'anish portal Shawn had opened to the front gates of the ancient elven city, just big enough for the two of them to step through, there was a slight pause while they went from windy and raining fresh water, to gusting and raining salt-tinged water, the smell of the sea thick on the air. Ignoring the rain, the two continued to pass through the portal to come to a halt on the far side, stepping across thousands of leagues in an instant. There they paused while Shawn let the portal iris close. Then together the two siblings were striding unerringly towards the main gates, dimly seen through the downpour. The Home Guard standing there were already at attention by the time they arrived, having been forewarned of the Lord Wielder's arrival, eyes forward and backs straight.

Cloaked against the rain, Larengor smiled at Shawn and Shiana's approach.

<<My Lord Wielder, your Highness,>> he greeted them warmly, taking first Shawn's hand then Shiana's in an elven style forearm grasp. <<Welcome to the city of the elven high kings, Elvenfast!>>

<<Thank you, Master Larengor,>> Shawn said with a wry smile, Shiana adding her thanks beside him. <<I wish I could say it was for a better reason.>>

<<Perhaps you will, by the time it's all done, my lord,>> Larengor said reassuringly. <<Please, let us get out of this fall weather and inside. We'll get you changed and to the council chambers as quickly as possible!>>

Escorted by a company of Ben'havid paladin, Larengor and the two siblings were whisked away to the top of the great hill overlooking the rest of the city, where the council chambers and headquarters for the Var Ethisdil were located. Much to her disappointment, Shiana found the heavy rain marring the view and robbing her the chance of seeing the great city stretching out before them. But catching sight of the massive council chambers, the Var Ethisdil cathedral and various other buildings at the hill's crown was enough to re-infuse her with enthusiasm for the trip.