Elves of Falldron

Chapter 2: Intent

Areach banked, tilting their wings to follow the carriage ahead as the driver turned left, making for the large, open field a short distance from what seemed to be a small mansion. They were glad to be landing. They had been flying since early morning, with only a short stop for lunch at midday, and their muscles were beginning to cramp.  'I am far too out of shape,' they mused.  While life in court had many advantages, it often left little time for them to maintain the stamina expected of their species. 

They supposed they could have ridden in the carriage with General Honnon and Duke Farleigh.  As the king's emissary, they would have been tolerated. But they had never felt too comfortable in the presence of the elite. Well, if they were being honest, they never felt at ease in the presence of any elf, not even the king. Areach felt a stab of guilt at that thought. The king had been nothing but kind to them, giving them a place and a purpose, despite the lowly background they came from.  To be recognized by any noble as useful; now that was an honor many dracumai could only dream of.  It was shameful of them not to be more grateful.

But these are thoughts to ponder on another time.  Right now, their benevolent ruler had a mission for them. They must focus. The king always praised their focus. "It is the sole reason you remember everything so exactly, and learn so quickly." That's what the king always told them.

They shook their head, returning their attention to the task at hand; landing.  They slowed, beat the air three times in the opposite direction, and reached for the ground with their feet.  Once their balance had returned, they folded their wings neatly and breathed deeply.  In an instant, almost too quick for most creatures to see, Areach pulled their dragon skin into themself, exchanging it for their more useful humanoid form.  Of course, they'd never pass for an elf without some major disguising.  A dracuma was roughly a foot too short for that, and the scale-like markings around their face and down their arms were an obvious giveaway.  But trying to pass for an elf, a superior race, was a horrible thought anyway.  Unless, of course, it was what the king needed.  And later that evening, it would be. 

A cloak had been tied around their neck that morning, and now they fastened it shut around them, sliding their arms through the slits along the side.  They wouldn't have a chance to put on proper clothes for a few minutes yet, and elves had a strange aversion to seeing creatures like the dracumai in their natural skin.  Areach had never understood this concept; any creature resembling the elves closely in form was considered indecent without clothing.  Although, as far as Areach could tell, elves were the only creatures who didn't find this custom of clothing themselves stifling and pointless. 

"Unacceptable!" Areach turned at the high pitched voice to see the young duke exiting the carriage. "Completely unacceptable! That has got to be one of the most terrible trips through air I have ever taken! I must find a new driver at once. Of course, air travel in general is unacceptable, it glorifies the abilities of the dracumai and is, therefore, a disgrace to any respectable elf! That is why I make a point to never travel through the air if possible! Don't you think so too, general?"

The general merely grunted in response. Unfazed, the duke continued. 

"I can't understand why we had to bring one along, either. Such disgusting creatures; though I suppose they come in handy for menial labor. But why on earth does our dear king and savior keep one so close to him? It makes him look weak, to rely so much on such a thing. Honestly, he'd be much better off with someone like me close to his side. He must not be thinking right-"

"Enough." General Honnon's strong, low voice cut through Duke Farleigh's rambling. "The king has his reasons. Careful of what you say to the contrary; some might think you hold treasonous thoughts in your heart."

Areach could not help feeling gratified at the duke's sudden paleness. Although they knew all elves where superior and to be respected, they had never been able to feel that towards Duke Farleigh. The man reminded them too much of a Vulture; he pretended to be fierce, yet he was only able to grasp at scraps left behind by those who actually held influence in the king's court. Also, his constant complaint on the king's lack of interest in him could not be forgiven. As far as Areach was concerned, anyone who even looked like they would question the great lord deserved even more scorn than the dracumai did.

A shout of greeting caused the three travelers to turn. Another carriage, this one drawn by normal horses, quickly moved towards them. This one would take them the rest of the way to the Orlaid estate. 

Quietly, Areach moved to stand close behind the other two, causing the duke to shift from foot to foot uncomfortably. They fixed their eyes ahead as if to watch the approaching carriage, yet a part of them was carefully observing the two elves in front of them. That was, after all, their purpose in being there. 

It took only another ten minutes for the carriage to pull up alongside them. The driver nimbly jumped to the ground, opening the door and lowering the steps. Duke Farleigh quickly moved forward, anxious to leave the awkward silence behind, followed by the general. Areach instead moved to the empty space on the back where a footman normally would have sat. It felt unnecessary to endure an awkward ride when they could easily overhear any conversation from the perch on the back. 

However, Duke Farleigh seemed uninclined to continue any conversation with the general, resulting in a very boring ride. With nothing to focus their interest on, Areach let their mind wander. They wondered briefly at what their king might be doing, and if he'd be alright without them by his side. Yet, even as they worried over their king's wellbeing, Areach felt another rush of gratitude and amazement; they had been trusted with such an important mission. They were physically far from their king, yet they were close because they were helping to fulfill his great plan to bring eternal peace, no matter how small their part was. 

"Be alert, Areach," the king had told them. Nobody else ever addressed them by name. That alone was enough to cause tears of gratitude.  But there was more. Their king had use for them. "I need to know," he had continued, "if there is even the slightest amount of hesitation during this negotiation. You must be my eyes, ears, and voice. Watch not only Lord Orlaid but everyone connected to him. Give them my will. Solidify the arrangement. Bring back their loyalty." 

They had a purpose. Areach smiled joyfully at the thought. As the carriage drew closer to the estate, Areach resolved once again to do everything in his power to insure King Joran's wishes were carried out exactly.