Jack Hawkins and the Faery Prophecies

Dark Deeds

- Dark Deeds

"As soon as the Captain returns, summon him to see me boy. And tell him to bring twenty of his best guards, we must go to the King tonight and tell him that 'their' bloody war is on hold for the moment. Thank the Gods." Said Lanndar as he frantically paced the floor of the study in his living quarters. The study was filled from floor to ceiling with shelves, upon which there were crammed stacks of very old books, some covered in such dust that it was clear, they had not been touched in quite some time.

"Yes my Lord." Replied Ebra the boy squire, who was now tired at the nights proceedings and secretly hoping that this demand would surely be his Lord's last for the night. He didn't mind serving Lanndar, he was treated very well after all and as a human in an Elf city he could not expect better treatment elsewhere, certainly not in the kitchens or taverns, he had worked in those types of places before and had vowed never to again. Lanndar had thankfully given him an opportunity to rise slightly in the accepted social order of the city, an opportunity that few lads from Ebra's background were lucky to get and Ebra was very grateful towards the old Elf for it!

"And fetch my Sword too, for this news will surely not be welcomed by Kraktinn and his lapdogs on the council, we must put on a show of strength . . . a show of strength that has long been over due." Continued Lord Lanndar, still optimistic of the truce he had just struck with his friend the General, but very much wary of the threats that still lingered in the great corridors of power in the King's city. The King was reasonable he thought, but the others around him, constantly advising him on matters of state and war, long had their hands dipped in mischief.

Lanndar knew that he would have to convince the King of the folly of their desires, he was nervous but confident that if the King would just but see him and listen to what he had to say, then he was sure he could make him see things the right way again. That would be the easy part, getting an audience with the King however; especially at this late hour, would very much be the hard part.

The squire boy looked at his Lord, briefly wondering why 'The Great Grey Elf was sharing such important matters and thoughts with a mere servant lad such as he, but he knew not to question it, even if it was rather odd and against normal behaviour.

"Yes Sir." Said the boy before being interrupted by loud heavy knocks on the door.

"Thud" "Thud" "Thud" travelled the noise from the door, getting louder and louder each time, as an eerie silence filled the room while the Old Elf and young squire looked towards the door precariously. It definitely wasn't the Captain, who would not have come to Grey Elf's chambers through that door and since no one else was expected at such a late hour, the feelings of alarm and fear quickly fixed themselves into minds of Lanndar and Ebra alike.

"Don't make a noise boy!" Said the Lord.

"It is no friend behind that door."

"Thud "Thud" "Thud" again came the knocks on the door, quickly followed by:

"Lord Lanndar, by order of the King, we demand that this door be opened immediately."

"It is Kraktinn's men." Whispered Lanndar to the boy, whose heart was sinking into his stomach and whose mind was racing intensely.

"You must run boy! Take the secret passage tunnel though the walls, find the Captain and warn my family, get them out of this city, the Captain will help you, he will know what to do. Go! Now!"

"But what about you my Lord?" Replied the squire, every bone in his body shaking with fear.

"The Grey Elf does not run boy. I'll be alright, the King will have to hear my case, and he will listen to me, there is wisdom in him still, I know it. Now go boy, there is no time for this. Do what your Lord Commands." Said Lanndar determinedly and without fear, realising that time was fast running out.