The Grey Pearl (Of Caladuin: Volume Two)

7

Caladuin walked through the gates of the Governor's Halls and was met by two guards. Unsurprisingly, they reacted strongly to the sight of some stranger hauling a dead Dark-elf over his shoulder.

He didn't feel like listening to their inevitable questions so he decided to save them some time. "I am Caladuin of Ossiriand," he said, holding the taller guard's gaze. "Your master, Condir is expecting me." He tried to pass between them but the shorter one laid a firm hand on his shoulder.

"Hold, stranger. You may speak true. But are you in the habit of walking about the town adorned with the corpse of a Dark-elf?" The guards smirked at each other.

"Let me pass. Unless you want your master to know you were lounging beneath yon tree when you should have been guarding the gates."

The guards glared at him then glanced at each other.

"Very well," the tall one said. "But leave the body here."

Caladuin heaved Gaeruil off his shoulder and lowered him gently onto the gravel path. As he straightened his clothes the taller guard pointed his sword at him.

"And your weapons."

Caladuin hesitated for a moment then decided it was best to comply. As he handed over his bow and quiver to the shorter guard, a finely dressed Elf appeared in the doorway of the Halls and started walking down the stairs towards them. His quiet expression of puzzled concerned became apparent as he drew near.

"You must be Caladuin," he said. "Well met. I am Governor Condir."

"Would that I was well met, Governor." He looked down at the body. "This one met me at the harbour, said he was sent by you to escort me here. Imagine my dismay when he tried to kill me."

Condir crouched and turned Gaeruil's face towards him. "He is not known to me. These times bring many- unsavoury visitors to my town." He sighed, then: "You had better come inside. We can speak privately in my quarters." He rose and curled a silver lock of hair behind his ear. "Take him to the stables," he said to the guards. He beckoned to Caladuin to follow, leaving the guards gawping at the body.

The Halls stood in grounds that occupied the whole flattened top of the northern hill and were easily the grandest buildings in the town. They seemed to have grown steadily, over a long time, along with the prosperity of the town. The main hall, which served as an entrance, was the most handsome. A colonnade, made private with ornate latticework screens, ran along the front of the building. The painted timbers glowed a soft blue in the pale lights of the gardens. White stone stairs rose gracefully to the large oak doors. Tall arched windows ran across the top of the colonnade. And the blue slate roof rose to a single point and was crested with a finial in the shape of a leaping dolphin.

"Have you eaten?" Condir said as they climbed the stairs.

"Not since star-rise."

"I will have something brought. Come." They crossed the entrance hall, in the midst of which stood a white rose bush in full bloom.

When they passed through a second room, Caladuin noticed a small group of Falathrim huddled in the shadows. They stared at him as he passed and he nodded politely. In another hall, Condir led him up a spiral staircase into a small room that overlooked the gardens on all sides. He gestured towards three low chairs and a round table with a silver ewer and a bowl of black grapes.

The bright lights of the lamps hanging in the rafters illuminated Condir's ivory tunic, embossed with many pearls. He leaned forward and picked up a small bell. As he rang it, Caladuin wondered why he hadn't just asked for service when they were downstairs.