Legacy

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Forts plain white walls seemed to glow in the sunlight as Mae, Ashar and Lartisme slowly made their way up the long straight road leading to the main gates.

"Once we pass the Bailey, you will be taken to the main court under heavy guard." Said Lartisme as the great stone archway passed over them.

"We understand. We won't attempt to cause trouble." Replied Ashar.

Mae remained silent and continued to fight the urge to run as far from this place as she could.

Ashar clasped her hand, which caused her to jump slightly, but as she looked up into his coal-black eyes, she saw the same fears and desires that gripped her so firmly. Mae forced a small smile of reassurance as she turned her head back to their direction of travel.

Four heavily armed guards dressed in blue and green tunics stepped forward to great the three.

"My lord, are these the two?" Asked the oldest.

"Yes Sergeant Major, they are, please escort them to court, I will be along shortly after I have informed one of my rangers to spread the word that they have arrived."

"Yes my Lord, right you two, come with us, look lively now! Make no trouble and receive no bruises." He barked to Mae and Ashar.

The two complied, but only after Mae smiled with the comeback "I do hope that this isn't the way they normally treat guests."

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the grizzled old soldier smirking at the comment and relaxed slightly.

Lartisme slinked off into one of the myriad of doors that made up the main courtyard they were now walking through. Dozens of people rushed too and throe on various errands. Guards patrolled the walls, some looking out, some looking in, but always present.

Through a great door the seven went through, up some steep winding staircases and again through another great door, they were into the court. Two large chairs dominated the far end of the room, but several richly dressed people stood against the wall as the two travellers with their escorts slowly made their way toward the chairs.

An ancient looking man stepped forward, clearing his throat announced "His most Gracious Earl Grishar, Lord of Fort and her lands bids welcome to the Leander and her escort." At that, a giant of a man stepped out from behind the curtains that hid part of the back wall from view and sat himself gently down on his thrown.

Both Mae and Ashar bowed deeply in the custom of the elves.

"Well met Leander, I see you have brought a Dark Elf to amuse me, how very kind." Said the elder lord, without even a suggestion of friendliness. Clearly relations between Human and Dark Elf had not improved in the years since her previous visit.

Mae tensed slightly at that. "He is my companion and friend, as such he is under my protection. He serves me and me alone." Her tone made it clear that the chuckles that had followed Grishar's droll comments were not welcome.

"I beg your forgiveness Lady, I meant no disrespect I assure you. " He could see by the expression on her face that she was still not amused.

"My Lord, I have come to this place in a time of need. I also bring bad tidings. A new enemy calling themselves Darkmass are gathering. I know not their ultimate goal, only that where they go, destruction and death follow close behind. As part of the oath given by my grandfather to Fort and its keepers, I am honour bound to lend aid where I can. " And if necessary even to sacrifice my life in its defence if things goes wrong.