Elf Business, Human Affairs - CONTINUED The Inn was silent till the late afternoon and Joanathos wondered if Thev had left for the small hut in the woods again to look after Samiel. Well he'd be back in the evening, sporting his green sleeves and it didn't look like the merchant they were waiting for would arrive earlier than that. From outside came the sounds of new travelers arriving and slowly people began to fill into the tavern room. The first few who arrived were very surprised to find two immortals sitting there, but the landlady quickly took charge of the guests, asking them if they wanted rooms to themselves or a sack of straw in the dormitories. She took the fee for them and showed them upstairs, then told them what there would be for a meal. Thus ushering them to a table and bringing mugs filled with ale, while filling the silent tavern room with her loud bustling voice, she tried to make them feel at ease and forget about the pair of elves. Soon the first guests had settled in and a bit hesitantly at first started to chatter. It seemed a stroke of luck to the landlady as a wandering minstrel strode through the door and made a sweeping bow while taking in the situation in the tavern room. "Good evening to everyone." he greeted, his voice carrying to the last table of the inn, making the people look around for him. Then he spotted the two elves and he made another deep bow. "And to thee, Fair Lords and Ladies!" he added smoothly. Calmly Joanathos observed the human. He wore gaudy clothes, though not as colorful and voluminous ones as the mercenaries. Joanathos thought they looked like the sort of garments some of the humans had worn as they had last made a trip down to the borderlands. The jacket fitted tightly, but not as snugly as the one Thev had put on together with his green sleeves, neither did the man's breeches fit as closely. Moreover the belted jacket reached down to his mid-thigh and it had wide, open sleeves. Looking closely, Joanathos noticed that the clothes appeared rather grubby, worn and stained from travel. The man's hair, light brown curls, seemed dusty and greasy as well. Slung over his shoulder and across his back the human carried a rather voluminous bag that seemed to be holding something rectangular. "I am Zoppino and I know the most recent news from all around the kingdom and from the mysterious and dangerous lands beyond" he introduced himself to the listening guests, trying to keep their attention. There showed interest on most faces and some guests urged the minstrel to tell his news. The man strutted through the tables, making a show of it then jumped agilely up on an unoccupied bench. "I come from the high court, where I saw the queen donning on her armor to ride out and confront the ambitious Count of Mailledonc." he said in a suddenly loud voice that slightly turned to a hiss at the name of the count. With a beseeching gesture he then through up his arms. "But alas, beware, o' courageous queen, for I've also been to the east, to Hyrdrazy and further to the lands of the barbarous people who dwell in that vast steppes beyond our realm. Those savages have gathered and cast their greedy eye on our rich cities and our bountiful fields." All the occupants of the tavern room were caught up in the minstrel's performance, some intent on the news, others just enjoying the show and the lively storytelling. With leisurely interest Joanathos observed the human's expressive mimics that seemed full of emotions, exaggerating them, for he didn't sense much fire from him. He just pretended them, played them, the elf realized, with his face, his gestures and his voice. From time to time the minstrel slipped from talking to a sort of singing talk. For that he had pulled a wooden, case like instrument out of his bag, to accompany his voice by the singsong music he produced on it. He sat down on the table, the instrument across his lap and first started a low constant sound by turning a crank on the casks right side. By slightly jerking the crank while turning it he produced a sort of snare that accented the constant low hum with a dum-ta-dum sort of rhythm. Then he started to press some buttons along the front of the instrument and thus played the melody to which he sang along. Afterwards he gave the listeners a taste of the songs of that savage folk of the east too, putting his instrument aside and standing upon the bench again. He stamped the rhythm with his foot and made grim faces, while twisting his body around. The words he used made no sense to Joanathos, nor seemed any of the humans able to understand them, but nevertheless they enjoyed it, some clapping along or jamming their mugs on the tables. While the minstrel told his news some of the guests passed remarks to one another or murmured to themselves. His jokes were answered by general laughter, or some retorts shouted back by one of the other guests, causing still more laughter. Joanathos saw the little maid lingering by the bar and listening with open-mouthed astonishment at all the tales the minstrel bestowed on his audience. Searching, the silver haired elf scanned the room for Thev but he couldn't find him anywhere, but it wasn't that late yet. Finally the minstrel told the people his throat had gone all-dry, though not for lack of further news, from which he still had plenty, but from lack of ale. Immediately one or two of the guests shouted that they'd buy him a drink if he came to join their table, which seemed to be the desired effect for the human smiled broadly and walked over to a company of three men and two women. The people started to talk amongst themselves again and Seri had to scurry from table to table to the bar and bring new mugs with ale. Joanathos turned to Laertessian, who had retreated on his bench during the minstrel's performance a faint expression of disgust on his sculptured features, probably fighting the urge to stuff his fingers into his ears or leave the inn altogether. "That was... curious." Joanathos remarked softly in the tongue of the Fair Folk, but he only got a level gaze from the other elf, who clearly didn't share his opinion. New guests drifted in through the door of the Inn that stood still open, letting the last warmth of the day seep into the room and the beginning twilight of dusk. As the landlady at last walked over to close the door, she arrived there just in time to hold it open for another man entering the Inn. The man thanked her with a nod and then stood beside the door absently padding the dust from his bright red robes, looking around the room searchingly. Suddenly he caught Joanathos' eye and a small, relieved smile touched his thin lips. Purposefully he strode towards the elves' table. "Laertessian." Joanathos made the other elf look up, while he continued to observe the man coming closer. He was quite tall and slender for a human, the robe fitting tightly to his lean chest. A row of round gold buttons closed it from the small standing collar all the way down to the feet. Also the sleeves were cut tight and closed at the lower arm by identical gold buttons. Down from the man's hips the robe fell in voluminous heavy folds that swept around his ankles as he walked with long strides and brushed against the legs of chairs, benches, and customers as he passed them by on his way to the immortals. In front of the elves' table he stopped and gave a quick sharp bow, his gaze meeting Joanathos' then Laertessian's. "Fair Lords, " he addressed them after he had looked at both of them. His voice was clear and sounded slightly brittle. "I think it is right to assume that you are here expecting to meet Gander Jerdel, merchant from Free Trenton, in order to trade with him." It sounded more like a statement than a question, but Laertessian slightly inclined his head in answer, while Joanathos continued to observe the human calmly. "I am sorry if you have been kept waiting, Fair Lords, but Gander Jerdel won't be able to appear himself." The man continued without any further preamble. "I am Kaldoren Marantar, an associate of Master Jerdel. I will make the trade in his behalf, which is quite suitable anyway, for I am in charge of the nearby silver mine that belongs for most parts to Master Jerdel." The two immortals didn't let themselves be rushed in the least by this swift explanation, but answered it with cool gazes from their slanting eyes, taking their time to react. If this unsettled Kaldoren Marantar, he didn't let it show, for he waited quite patiently for the elves to take their turn in the conversation. His features had a sharpness to them that suited his whole appearance of controlled efficiency, striking grey-green eyes, pronounced cheekbones and a firm set to his clean-shaven jaw. Joanathos judged that he couldn't be too old by human standards, but being all grown up for some years already. As the silence between them stretched for quite long by the mortal's sense of time, Kaldoren Marantar slightly moved his head. His dark brown-auburn hair brushed over his shoulders making a whispering sound against the thick fabric of his robe. With some amused fascination Joanathos realized that the human wore his hair in a fashion that was the exact contrary to the most common way of hairdo amongst his own folk. While the elves tended to pull back the strands of hair from both sides of their faces to let their temples be seen, this man had left the hair in front of his ears hanging down freely, while the rest was confined by a red ribbon at the nape of his neck. Kaldoren Marantar gazed at a free chair by the elves' table than back at the immortals. "May I take a seat, Fair Lords or will you rather decide to have a look outside at the silver we brought with us?" he asked politely his voice not betraying impatience. Laertessian thought for a moment, then finally talked to the man. "We will go outside to inspect the silver and then we will bring you the furs, leathers, and carvings." he decided and slowly got up. "As it pleases you, Fair Lords." Joanathos reluctantly made to follow Laertessian's decision, sending another searching gaze throughout the tavern room as he stood. By now Thev should have shown up or, he thought, perhaps he wouldn't come altogether this evening. But then Joanathos caught sight of the black haired, green sleeved youth hovering beside the bar. Thev was staring in the direction of the elves, his eyes sparkling with rage. He couldn't have been standing there for long, for Joanathos felt certain that he would have sensed that glare. Still glaring the youth slowly took a step back towards the door that led to the kitchen. Somewhat puzzled Joanathos noticed that the young human trembled with tension, while he tried to sneak away... and he too noticed that Thev seemed not at all aware that the elf was watching him. He wasn't staring at him, Joanathos realized with interest and turned to see what had owned the boy's anger. Laertessian already walked towards the door assuming the others to follow him, while Kaldoren Marantar had taken a few steps but now he stopped missing the second immortal and looking around for him. Inquiringly he gazed at Joanathos. "Fair Lord?" Then suddenly the man's eyes focused on something behind the elf and his face grew hard. Joanathos turned back to the bar and to Thev, who had frozen to the spot his hands clenched to fists. There was quick movement at the elf's side and he felt something brush against his knees, before he saw Kaldoren Marantar stride towards the bar. There came a low growl from Thev and suddenly the youth made a dash for the kitchen door, shoving the astonished landlady aside. "Eld Innesluta!" Kaldoren Marantar's voice rang out clearly and Joanathos sensed a surge of the element of Fire being used and directed. With a strangled cry Thev doubled over as he was closely confined by a swirling barrier of Fire elemental that flickered a translucent orange around him, crackling and hissing softly. There had been shouts of surprise from the people in the tavern room and many of them jumped up, a chair being tipped over and hitting the reed strewn floor with a dull thump. But then all fell silent and the humans stared at what had happened, mesmerized by the sight of magic flickering around the green sleeved youth. Laertessian had turned around as well and slightly confused watched the scene, then gazed questing at Joanathos. The silver haired dancer was somewhat astonished that he hadn't felt that Kaldoren Marantar possessed the ability to use the elements, but the man obviously was what the humans called a mage. Though Joanathos had no clue about what was going on between him and Thev. Neither had anyone else he decided after a look at the landlady's shocked expression. Kaldoren Marantar seemed aware of the general confusion and quickly took control of the situation. "I'm sorry for this mayhem." he explained so everyone could hear him, while keeping up the confining Fire around Thev. "But this lad is a runaway from the Tamsway Mine four days west from here." There was some excited muttering from the people, but the mage continued calmly. "I am sure the landlady will tell us that he hasn't been working here as a harlot for more than three months, has he?" The landlady swallowed, thinking about it, then nodded. "Aye, he cam 'ere jus' about three months ago. I took 'im in 'cause wi' the war brewin' up an' all, there're a lot o' mercs passin' by an' many o' 'em likes lads fer sports. But I didn't know 'im was a runaway!" she added quickly. "Well obviously he wouldn't tell" Kaldoren Marantar remarked a bit wryly. "Was there another boy with him?" he inquired. "Nay, 'im's cam alone." answered the landlady clearly surprised by that question. It didn't surprise Joanathos though. He gazed at Thev, who crouched within the magical confinement, having to strive hard to get enough air to breath. Still the youth glared at the mage and strained against the elemental that bound him. Kaldoren Marantar turned his attention back to Thev as well. "Where have you taken my empath?" he asked evenly, though his grey-green eyes sparkled dangerously. "I know he can't be far away." "I won't let you kill Samiel." Thev snarled, his voice sounding half strangled, betraying the effort speaking took him. Interested Joanathos listened for it seemed there'd be some answers for him out of this line of events. The mage clearly was part of the story about what had happened to that little pathetic empath. "Kill him? Quite on the contrary." accused Kaldoren Marantar sharply. "I hope he is not beyond help now because of your stupid action. You aren't a mage and cannot shield him. Moreover the way he is now he is a great danger to everyone around. I am surprised he hasn't called or been taken over by a demon yet." This caused quite a few people in the tavern to pale and some shocked intakes of breath could be heard. It didn't make sense to the elves, not having heard about demons before. But then Joanathos remembered that something had been connected to Samiel. This perhaps could be what the mage was referring to and what so obviously scared the humans in the tavern room. Joanathos noticed that some turned rather unpleasant or angry faces at the confined lad. Soft muttering rose amongst them and the elf picked out some disgustedly hissed 'empaths' and 'stupid whore'. Thev trembled with impotent rage. "You damned mage! Damned bastard!" he whispered hoarsely and suddenly threw himself against the magical barrier, thrusting his fists against it. The mage watched mercilessly as the youth strove to break free, the crackling of the Fire elemental growing louder and the translucent orange glow licking over Thev's arms and face, starting to smolder and burn green sleeves, skin and hair. After some moments of struggle the boy slumped down, almost fainting while he had to painfully fight for breath. "He will suffocate. There is almost no air left within the barrier. "Joanathos pointed out calmly. The unaffected remark of the immortal surprised the mage and he looked shortly up at him. "I'm aware of that. But I don't intend to let him suffocate." With that he dissolved the confining Fire elemental, using a few murmured words. Thev remained laying curled up on the floor. "But he is somewhat calmed now. For I'm not going to struggle with this foolish hot-tempered boy." Kaldoren Marantar explained his actions with some emphasis, then turned to the landlady. "I reckon he is not living here at the Inn. Do you know where he is going after he has done his work?" The Landlady looked uneasy. "Some 'ere up in the woods to the east. 'e ne'er really told where." she answered in a small voice, not knowing what to make of all this. "Has 'e really got an empath with 'im?" "Yes. The empath is-or better was-under my charge and that boy took him along as he ran away." The mage told her then caught sight of the little maid. Seri had moved silently to where Thev lay half unconscious and kneeled down beside him on the floor. Carefully she looked at his face to see if he was still breathing. She looked sick as she saw the youth's reddened and slightly blistered cheeks and heard his rasping intakes of air. As Kaldoren Marantar suddenly addressed her she jumped with fright and stared wide-eyed up at him. "You girl. Do you know where he lives?" the mage asked her, slightly softening his voice. Seri hesitated then quickly shook her head. For a moment Kaldoren Marantar's gaze rested at her, then he dismissed her as a source of further information. "Get something to take care for the blisters on his face and hands, will you." Uncertainly the little maid backed off, glancing questing up at the landlady. "Go on, lass." Mistress Mally told her and Seri fled into the kitchen after another shocked gaze at Thev. The mage shortly turned around, his gaze swiftly sizing up the people who had gathered around the scene at the bar. It stopped at a man of about his own age. "Would you please be so kind and tell my men that are waiting outside by the stables, that one of them should come in with some rope. Tell them I found the boy who ran away three months ago." The man nodded and left the tavern room. Then Kaldoren Marantar turned to Joanathos and Laertessian. "I am sorry this incident has further delayed our trading business, Fair Lords. After I have the boy safely tied up I will see to it that you can inspect the silver." With a condescending inclination of his head Laertessian accepted the apology. It was very obvious that he had not the least interest for this human business. "We will wait outside." he told Kaldoren Marantar evenly and left for the tavern door, the crowd parting for him. But the other immortal didn't follow his companion. Joanathos walked over to the bar where Thev lay still curled up. No one made any attempt to move near the youth after the little maid had left. Only confused or hostile gazes were directed towards him. The elf stopped, the tip of his soft fair-leather boots nearly touching Thev's arm and gazed down at the human to see if he was still unconscious. Curiously the people observed the tall silver haired elf standing above the boy with his head slightly tilted sideways. "Fair Lord?" Kaldoren inquired politely. "He should be all right." His gaze grew thoughtful for a moment and he suddenly added. "Do you know this boy, Fair Lord?" The mages sharp eyes rested on the immortal. Joanathos didn't look up." I have met Lord Greensleeves the previous night." He told Marantar calmly, while he noticed that Thev's arm moved slightly and a tremor was running through the youth's body. It seemed Thev tried to push himself up, gathering his strength; or was it rage again that caused this trembling? "You've met him here at the inn?" the mage tried to get a more specific answer from the immortal. "Yes." Thev's snarl interrupted Joanathos. "Damn ye, elf!" he got out between clenched teeth, glaring up at the silver haired immortal. Suddenly he launched himself towards Joanathos, trying to tackle his legs as the elf just took a smooth step backwards. The attempt failed and the boy landed on his elbows and knees, panting. "It's all ye fault, elf..." Thev hauled his rage against Joanathos in a verb assault. "Ai'tike?" The elf looked taken aback. "He wouldn't be 'ere but fer ye bloody elves! And it's 'cause of ye greed fer the silver that got Samiel hurt!" "Thev!" Marantar's hard voice cut through the boy's wild accusations. It stopped Thev though his glare still was directed on Joanathos, puzzling the elf with its intensity. The young human's words had quite confused him, making no sense, at least none that he could see. "You get blind and stupid with your rage, Thev." The mage continued firmly, but Joanathos noticed the impatience at the edges of his voice. It made him turn towards Marantar to observe the mage. "I won't hold with your overt rudeness. It gets tiring." This last remark almost came out in a snap, then the mage shut his mouth firmly, the muscles at his jaw tightening. Uncomfortable silence filled the tavern room, the crowd of people staring at the mage, the Fair Lord, and the green-sleeved youth, too stunned or frightened to speak or move. As the strained moment stretched further one man took a hesitant step towards Kaldoren Marantar and tentatively lifted a rope. "Master Marantar? The rope... You've sent for it..." The mage took a small breath. "Should have sent for a gag as well." he remarked wryly. "Well Rielen, tie the boy up and get him outside. He gave enough of a show throwing around insults." Rielen made to follow the orders, walking over to Thev. A bit uncertain he stopped a step away from the boy, staring at the immortal standing behind him. "Fair Lord..." he mumbled, then after a reassuring glance back at Marantar got down on his knees. Joanathos saw how Thev tensed up and turned, ready to attack the man when he reached for him. Suddenly the elf crouched down in one fluid graceful motion and put a cool hand on the youth's shoulder. "You know your little Samiel needs help that you can't give him." Joanathos said softly by the youth's ear. For a moment Thev froze but the elf felt the human's tension reverberating through his touch. "Bloody elf..." With a jerk he shook off Joanathos' hand and got up, swaying slightly. He turned to face Kaldoren Marantar, swallowing hard. The mage had observed the exchange between the Fair Lord and the boy and now answered Thev's gaze sharply. "Master Marantar?" Rielen inquired still holding the rope. "It's all right, Rielen." Kaldoren Marantar told him shortly, not taking his attention of Thev. "We will go outside. There is no need to upset the other guests any longer." The people let them pass, a few seeming to intend to follow them outside to watch what was going to happen. At the door Marantar stopped, turning back. "I am sorry for this unpleasant interruption. The landlady will give you all a mug of ale on my account. Rielen, see to it that everyone gets his pint and pay the landlady." He announced in a loud voice. Some of the guests eagerly returned to their tables, starting to chatter again. Others looked thoughtfully, being aware of the steely command in the mages words behind the friendly gesture. One of those approached the mage. "I hope ye'll see ta it that this empath o' yers gets caught. We don't need no demon whores 'ere... nor demons!" A jerk ran through Thev's body and he glared at the man. But Marantar forestalled any outbreak from the youth. "You don't need to worry." he told the man coldly, then just turned and trooped Thev outside. Joanathos followed them silently, sorting through what he had learned. End of Chapter Four | Part 5 | | Tavernroom | Tales | Hosted by www.Geocities.ws