The Heir of Kings

Chapter Seventeen: A Life Cut Short

They found Aren along the side of the road, blowing smoke rings. The old man was sitting on a rock, his staff at his feet while admiring the clouds above. He glanced up as they approached and stood smiling, removing his pipe. "So you're back with our errant cub, are we? And with some new company."

"This is Ajax. The favored son of Telix," said Pandora. "I judged that he would be of more use to us alive."

"A hostage then and-" Aren blinked. "Why is Relma holding Lightning Trail?"

"I drew it," said Relma.

"Right, well, you had best put that away," said Aren, taking out his pipe. "Actually, let me see it."

"No way. It's mine," said Relma.

"My dear girl, there is a time and a place for everything. Unfortunately, it is neither for Lightning Trail," Aren exasperatedly said. "Let me disguise it, at least, so no one will know what it is."

Relma hesitated for a moment. Then she gave it to Aren, who raised it. He probably did know best.

"That's all you have to say, Father?" asked Aunt Pan.

"Pandora, if Relma drew the sword, it means Elranor has accepted her," said Aren. "I've spent my whole life serving Elranor, and mine has been much longer than yours. So, I have no intention of questioning him now just because his plan doesn't fit my plan.

"Besides, these things have a way of working themselves out." He closed his eyes. Before their eyes, the reflections on the sword became dull. The blade became scratched and beaten. The grip, guard, and pommel became simple and ordinary-looking. The blade was now wholly unremarkable.

"There. That is a good deal less impressive," said Aren. "At the very least, no one will shout to high heavens that Lightning Trail has been found." He tossed the sword into the air, then caught it by the blade between gloved fingertips. Then, with a smile, he offered it to her. "Here you go, Relma. Keep your hands on that."

Relma took it, and Aren walked past. "Now, what about the wolf demon?"

"He will make an excellent hostage," said Pandora. "I believe I said that before."

"Yes, yes," said Aren, "How did you capture him? How did all this happen?"

"It is a long story," admitted Relma.

"Well, you can tell it on the way," said Aren. "I've set up as many wards as possible on the border. But even Telix will have a hard time sending raids through.

"At any rate, let's get back to the village."

The village was a welcome sight when they got to it. Pandora broke off with Ajax to speak with Lord Argath as they reached the gate. Aren led Relma and the others into the town, which was bustling with activity. There were many more soldiers here now.

"Why is everyone here?" asked Relma.

"This village has the best defenses of the lot," said Argath. "Pandora and I have established wards all along the forest except here. Telix can either attack here or try to break the wards. "That will take time. Time enough for us to get our troops there."

"Arengeth," said a soldier, approaching, "what is happening? Why did the clouds over the black mountain disappear? And what were all those flashes?"

"Nothing we need concern ourselves with now," said Aren. "Elranor makes things clear to all men when the time is right. Now-"

"Lightning Trail!" cried a man, standing upon a wagon of firewood.

"What?" said someone.

All eyes turned to him. He was about forty and wore the robes of a monk. "Lightning Trail has been drawn! The Heir of Kings has returned!"