Nameless [CURRENTLY BEING EDITED]

8. Life for Life, Blood for Blood

In his study, the elven king tapped his fingers impatiently on the desk. Where was Ciradon? Late, of course. As always.

He groaned in impatience, You would think being King would have some importance with the Elders. But no, because I'm a few thousand years younger than them...

He looked up swiftly as a door clicked open and shut and there was Ciradon bowing low before him, "Your Highness," He began, out of breath and flushed red from running, "I apologize for my lateness, I was delayed."

The king stood, pushing his chair back, "As long as you're here." he said shortly, still a bit upset at his counselor's lateness.

Ciradon smiled apologetically, "Alyan, what was this matter you needed to turn my attention to?

Alyan frowned, not sure how his law-upholding Elder would take this news. However, he was the king, so it had to be done.

"Do you remember the young Outcast...from a few years ago?" he said, staring out of the window with folded arms.

Ciradon's face darkened behind him.

"Yes. I remember."

"I was researching the other day, and I came across a whole section of the library on Outcasts and those who are Nameless."

The Elder coughed slightly, but did not speak.

Alyan sighed and pressed on.

"There is a way to bring them back before their hundred years are up. If they do something selfless--save someone's life, perhaps--their punishment is rendered complete."

"Save what life though?" Ciradon burst out. "In the world of Outcasts there are only mortals whose lives are of no consequence--they're going to die anyway: sooner or later is up to fate! This is outdated material that you found; it's worth nothing. In this day and age--"

"You forget to whom you speak," Alyan said very softly.

Ciradon stopped, "My humblest apologies, my lord." he replied, but he continued frowning.

There was a silence then Ciradon said quietly, "Alyan, why?" His tone was strained. He really did care for Alyan but the king was treading on dangerous terrain.

The king turned towards him, giving him a pained expression. "I - I cant forget her face. She couldn't have been more than fourteen hundred. An elfling. And the crime itself was barely murder."

Ciradon was already shaking his head. "My lord, she was found guilty by the Elders." he paused then whispered, "It perhaps would be better if you learned to leave well enough alone."

Alyan's face flushed bright red. "Ciradon. You don't understand. But please trust me. As king and as your friend, I'm asking you to help convince the rest of the Elders to..." he trailed off then his face lit up, "Someone like an Outcast is bound to make enemies, and as mortals are known for their vulnerability, if she can only save the life of a mortal who wants her gone, then her crime can be absolved."

Ciradon bit his lip and avoided making eye contact, choosing to look out the window instead.

Alyan inhaled through clenched teeth and ran a hand through his hair, messing the perfectly brushed strands. "Ciradon. I want to ask you to do this as a friend, but if I must, I will command you to do this... as your King."

Ciradon looked at him sharply, "My lord, you are asking me to convince the Elders to absolve the crime of an Outcast, who was fairly judged in a trial and banished. Not just any Outcast though, no, of course not, it had to be the one who killed my son." Ciradon's normally pale face flushed in pain.