| Demoncaller |
|
I come to think that the humans don't live as long as members of my folk, because they get burned out by their emotions. At least with Thev I get that impression. I keep wondering when he is going to collapse. This anger of his looks very exhausting. Or perhaps this is what keeps him going? It was somewhat of a surprise that Thev accused the Fair Folk for having brought around what happened to Samiel. But I guess he came to blame us by some crooked logic. Whatever shattered the little empath's shields must have happened in this mine. Perhaps this is the cause of Thev's anger and disrespect for elves? Well, I have to admit I never troubled myself with how the humans gain the silver we trade from them. That's human business. It's human business too, that some of them seem to have a lot of power over others. Like the mage said that Samiel was his and that Thev belonged to the mines and seems not to be allowed to just leave. We elves never concerned ourselves with this human habit of living together. The whole concept of living together is something that appalls us. For living together always means reducing your freedom. We prefer to live on our own. Perhaps now you, who are reading this, begin to realize what it took to start the Fimbulan movement amongst such a people as the Fair Folk. But I was writing about Thev and the mage Marantar. Despite the fact that I can't understand how Marantar can own Lord Greensleeves and Samiel like this, his words seemed to make sense. What is more, they seemed to make some sense even to Thev. The young human is only too aware of it that he's not able to properly help Samiel despite all his goodwill for that child. Perhaps a mage can handle an empath that lays open for every emotion from those near him. Perhaps he has a way to heal him. After all a human mage knows more about the human elements of Fire and Earth than I do and he knows how to manipulate them. Thev doesn't like to admit this though. He doesn't seem to have a liking for Kaldoren Marantar. On the other hand this young human doesn't seems to have much of a liking for anyone but Samiel. -------- In front off the Borderland Inn waited a train of three packhorses, guarded by three more of Kaldoren Marantar's men. They were clad in breeches and belted jerkins with simple hats on their shortcut hair. Beside them stood Laertessian, a tall slim shadow, glowering coldly at Joanathos, Marantar and Thev, as they finally stepped out off the inn. But the mage didn't notice him for he walked past the group of his men and the horses, taking Thev along. A few steps away from the others he stopped and turned to face the youth. For the moment he paid no attention to Joanathos either who strolled leisurely up to them, curious about what was going to happen between the two humans. Thev glared at the elf but then ignored him for Marantar demanded his attention, by capturing the boy's rounded chin between strong fingers, forcing him to look his way. "Thev, listen to me." The mage told him, his voice sounding not as brisk as before. "I will find Samiel sooner or later, knowing that he is somewhere around here. It doesn't really matter to me if it takes some time, but it might matter for Samiel." Slowly the youth reached up and pushed the mage's hand away from his chin. "I'll show ye where he is." He said calmly, though it sounded slightly pressed. "But I won't let ye send him back to work in the mines." Kaldoren Marantar drew back his hand his voice growing harder again. "That's not for you to decide." "You damn, bastard!" Thev suddenly flared up. "You make it look like I'm a stupid boy, who doesn't know what he's doin' and you're just concerned for everyone's well-bein'. But yer just usin' Samiel!" A slight tremor ran through the mage and Joanathos realized that the man who seemed so controlled for a human was losing a temper that equaled Thev's. "It's not hard to make you look stupid, you impertinent brat." Marantar snapped. "What makes you think you can decide Samiel's fate?" With a short intake of breath the mage tried to regain some of his control. "You're right, that I am using Samiel's powers, but I'm not using him. I am not a charity house. He owes me and will work for me, by using his talents, just like I'm working for Master Jerdel. What happened was an accident, which I regret. I won't let it happen again." His words didn't impress the angry youth for he just sneered with contempt. "Now that sounds so pretty, don't ye think? But this doesn't change what it is truly about. Ye're using Samiel to work yer magic from a safe distance. Ye're sending him into the mine, while ye're sound and safe above ground. Regret yer ass about that accident. It should have been you gettin' blasted up by yer damned magic!" "Indeed, clever outspoken lad? Well, if I'm putting him in danger it is my right to do so. But when we are so keen about putting it all in simple true words, then let's have a look at what you're doing!" Kaldoren Marantar hissed, his steely green eyes catching the light from the tavern windows. "By playing the courageous knight who protects the weak and weary, you will be responsible if he now is beyond help. This could have well ended with a demon running wild and killing everyone and everything in this part of the Borderlands, it still can! I am at least aware of the danger I put others and myself in, and I am weighing it. But you, stupid boy, aren't aware of what risks you take and you never did think about it before you acted, did you!" Thev swayed slightly his hands clenched into fists. "By what I gather about Samiel's situation I think it would be wise to continue this discussion sometime later." The immortal's wry remark startled both humans, making them stare at Joanathos as he added. "Especially since Lord Greensleeves already agreed to show you where he keeps the little empath." After a short moment Kaldoren Marantar recovered his composure. "I'm sorry, Fair Lord, you must be annoyed that this is delaying our trading..." "No." Joanathos' lips curved in a small smile. "But it's annoying my companion." Strangely enough the mage got the impression that the immortal seemed to appreciate this, but it was hard to read the elf's expression even with the strange small smile. "Perhaps you would like to fetch your trading goods, Fair Lord, while I sort this business out?" he suggested carefully. "I will tell my leader." Joanathos turned, feeling Thev's sullen gaze rest on his back. He walked over to Laertessian, who shot him a questioning glance. "It seems the humans have to sort this out first." the silver haired immortal told him in the elfin tongue. "They have to go and look for the empath. In the meantime you could fetch our trading goods, so we can complete the bargain after they return." Laertessian gave him a level gaze. "And you intend to accompany the mage and the boy?" "Well, someone has to remind them not to take too long." Joanathos answered smoothly. "And should there be troubles and further delays, I will know it." For a moment Laertessian observed the other elf, then he turned and left in the direction of their camp without another word. The lack of any resistance or any annoyed comments disappointed Joanathos. He hoped it would be more interesting to observe the humans. -------- Joanathos followed the mage and Thev along the small path that led to the cabin at the clearing. Kaldoren Marantar was surprised to find the immortal coming along and for a moment he seemed reluctant and not altogether happy about it, but then he accepted it politely. With a rather less polite sneer and a glowering dark look, Thev commented the elf's company. But the boy clearly had already expected that the Fair Lord would go on pestering him and for now he seemed to lack the energy for more vehement protests. The magical attack must have worn him out somewhat, mused Joanathos. He observed how the youth once carefully put his fingers against his cheeks, which were tender and hot from the slight burn. It didn't take them long to reach the hut, despite Marantar's robes getting caught on twigs a few times in the wood. The mage quickly and deftly jerked them free each time. A look of worry creased Marantar's sharp features while he waited for Thev to open the door to the dark inside of the hut. It was silent, the only sounds coming from the nightly forest outside and it smelled of damp earth and smoke. Blindly Thev found his way to the fireplace first and started to work on lightning it with the tinderbox. But the mage stepped beside him, murmuring some words. Suddenly a small flame sprang up on the tip of his fingers. He crouched down and touched the twigs and logs in the fireplace with it. Quickly the flame ran along the wood, spreading, coating it in an orange-blue cloak of Fire. Soon it caught on the wood and it started to burn by itself. The dim, unsteady light from the fireplace didn't do much to illuminate the small hut, but it was enough to show the crude partitioned area with the blanket on it that served as a bed. The small, curled up shape beneath the blanket was barely visible. Thev got up and took a step towards the sleeping place, but then stopped himself from reaching out for the other boy. "He's here." he told Marantar softly, his voice sounding harsh though. The mage nodded and walked over to the makeshift bed, kneeling down beside it. For a moment he just stayed like that, unmoving, breathing calmly and controlled. Joanathos watched him closely and sensed that the human tried to contain his element of Fire, to tame it and dim it down, thus tuning down his emotions as well. The air of control that had surrounded the mage earlier intensified. Finally Kaldoren Marantar reached out and pulled back the blanket, revealing the pale, small human underneath. Samiel's eyes were open, but he stared through Marantar, reacting in no way to the withdrawal of the protective cover. He had his thin arms tightly wrapped around himself, his fingers digging rigidly into his own shoulders. Spots of dried brown blood stained the linen shirt beneath his fingernails. Out of the corner of his eyes Joanathos saw Thev move like he wanted to get a hold on Samiel, but then he seemed to fight down the urge, clenching his hands into fists. Meanwhile Marantar had put one hand over Samiel's, just resting it there, his thumb brushing lightly over the boy's fingers. "Samiel..." The mage spoke softly. There was no reaction from the little empath. For some time he tried to get Samiel's attention by talking calmly to him and saying his name-without any success. The mage gently took the boy's shoulders and shook him. Nothing. Suddenly Marantar drew back a hand and slapped Samiel sharply across the face. It didn't even bring a whimper from the boy, but Joanathos saw how anger flared up in Thev's black eyes. The youth snarled a curse and grabbed the mage's arm. "You bastard! Leave him alone!" "Don't!" Kaldoren hissed in a tense voice, then gasped as Samiel suddenly gave a husky outraged cry and started to blindly attack him. Sweat broke out on the mage's forehead as he struggled to remain calm and contain his element of Fire, while he gripped Samiel's flailing arms and pinned them down to the bed. Thev jerked roughly at the mage's robe, trying to pull him away from Samiel. Marantar shot him a warning glance. "No!" he pressed out "Get away from him with your anger!" A cool hand lay down on the youth's shoulder. As Thev tried to shake it off, Joanathos slipped his arms around the young mortal, pulling him into a tight grip. "Let go, bloody elf!" Thev struggled against the immortal, who whirled him around in a dance like motion that was somewhat hampered by the stumbling youth. The elf's long silver hair whipped through the air in a sweeping arch, drawing a circle of Air and Water around them that shimmered like ice crystals. Joanathos surrounded Thev with the soothing, cool wall of elfin elements, containing the young human's wildly flaring element of Fire. Slowly Thev's struggles grew weaker and Joanathos felt the sturdy body in his arms go limp, the dark head sinking against his chest. The elf tightened his grip around Thev and with a graceful flip of his hair dispelled the circle of Water and Air again. In a silent shower the sparkling crystals tumbled to the ground and disappeared like melting snow. Samiel's screeching subsided slowly after Thev went limp. Joanathos turned, coaxing the dazed and slightly trembling Thev along, to look at the mage and the empath. There was no longer a struggle going on. Samiel lay on the bed, a still, small form; only his chest raising and falling quite fast. The boy's eyes were open and suddenly Joanathos realized Samiel was staring at him, with awareness in his hazel eyes. But then that awareness was sucked away, consumed, leaving the empath an empty shell. Kaldoren Marantar looked up at the immortal, his face pale and strained. There was an expression of calculation and distrust on the mage's gaunt face that made Joanathos prick up his ears. Then Marantar slightly inclined his head. "Thank you for handling Thev, Fair Lord. Will it take long for him to regain consciousness or do you still have him wrapped in a spell?" "When I let go of him, he will recover again in a few moments." Joanathos told him calmly. "He seems not to trust you to help the little empath." The elf's remark was completely noncommittal. With an ironically raised eyebrow the mage wiped a droplet of sweat from his upper lip. "Indeed? How did you guess?" he muttered, but then grew more reverent again "You shouldn't bother yourself with this, Fair Lord. I'm very sorry that you got caught up in it at all." This was, Joanathos realized with wry amusement, a polite way of telling him to leave matters alone. The immortal's lips curved in a small smile. "I am not bothered. So tell me, what will you do with the empath?" Kaldoren Marantar's gaze darkened slightly. "I cannot help him here. I need to take him back to the mines, where I have the equipment to aid my spells. There I can build a stable protective shield around him so he can recover his strength." To the elf this didn't sound like the mage could do much more for the empath than he himself had done last night. "He is supposed to have some kind of shield of his own, is he not?" "Yes." "And you destroyed that with your magic?" inquired Joanathos without any inflection to his words. Kaldoren Marantar tried to read the immortal's icy-blue eyes, but he failed utterly. "So I did, by accident." he said carefully "The shields of an untrained empath are very weak. When I found Samiel he was almost as bad as he is now. They need mages to protect them and control their powers, otherwise they are very prone to get possessed by demons." "But none such demon has attached itself to Samiel yet?" the elf asked calmly, his unreadable gaze resting levelly at the mage. He observed how the human took a short moment to think, to weigh his words. "This is hard to tell. It can happen at any moment with his mind being wide open. He is an ideal vessel." A small musing smile turned up a corner of Joanathos' mouth, though his eyes were cold as winter frost. Kaldoren Marantar's brow furrowed, cracking his carefully kept neutral expression. "I hope you excuse me, Fair Lord, if I speak frankly. All this is none of your concern. I want to return to the mines as soon as possible, while I am sure, that your companions don't want to be kept waiting any longer. So if you'd be so kind as to put Thev down on the bed, Fair Lord." With that Marantar picked up the motionless Samiel to make room for the other boy. Behind the mage's controlled politeness and efficiency Joanathos sensed something else. Urgency and hostility. Deliberately taking his time the elf picked up Thev and put him down on the rumpled blanket. Thev gave a soft whimper, struggling to shake off his dazed state. "I think young Lord Greensleeves is right not to trust you with Samiel." Joanathos remarked in a by-the-way kind of comment. To his surprise this drew short laughter from the mage. "And I think you don't quite see what is going on here. Pardon me, Fair Lord, but I think you won't be likely to understand what motivates a passionate young human." Carefully the mage settled Samiel down against the wall beside the bed. Then he reached up to where Thev's plainclothes hung on the protruding twig and snatched the strip of cloth from it, which the youth had used to tie the breeches around his waist. With that Marantar took a step towards the elf waiting for him to make room so he could bend over Thev. Joanathos had to admit that the mage had him slightly puzzled, even though he knew it was an attempt to distract him from his other assumptions. "Are you implying that Thev and Samiel are lovers? Or that Thev is hoping for it?" he guessed. Kaldoren Marantar smiled slightly amused. "No." Slowly Joanathos got up from his crouching position so he could gaze down on the mage, who still wore an expression of superior amusement. This was a sentiment no human had ever shown towards him before. A strange experience, the Fair Lord had to admit, but still he kept his calm and indifferent expression. After a moment he gracefully took a step back, so Marantar could reach the youth. The mage rolled Thev onto his belly and pulled his arms behind his back. With relentless efficiency he tied them together tightly at the wrists. It made Joanathos wince inwardly just watching it, even though he knew humans' wrists weren't as sensitive as elves'. For a moment the mage hesitated, then reached out and ran a hand through the youth's heavy dark locks. "This young human is driven far more by wounded pride than real concern for Samiel." Marantar remarked. Not reacting to that deliberate hint Joanathos watched how the mage pulled his robe up from one leg. Out of his calf-high boot he drew a slender dagger, of which the hilt was inlaid with ornamental flames of copper. Holding the dagger in his right hand he closed his left hand around the two edged blade and intoned a few softly spoken words. Joanathos couldn't understand them, but he felt how the mage focused on the element of Fire. Swiftly he drew the blade along his left palm and a few drops of blood quelled out of the shallow cut. He let them fall on the strip of cloth that bound Thev's wrists and it suddenly glowed red in the dim light. "Eld Fj�ttra!" the mage commanded and glowing, flickering vines snaked out from the bond, wrapping tightly around Thev's torso and arms and further around his legs. They crackled and hissed softly and the youth's eyes suddenly flew open with a gasp. The glowing ropes flickered as they had Thev all wrapped up, then dimmed out. Kaldoren Marantar whipped his dagger clean on the blanket and slid it back into his boot. "I'll send one of my men to fetch you, Thev. This will be the least troubling way to get both you and Samiel back to the inn, I suppose. For I'm not going to struggle with another fit of temper from you." he told the youth, while he opened a pouch at his belt and pulled a small strip of clean linen out of it. Deftly he tied it around his left hand using his teeth and his right hand to knot it. Thev was panting, straining against his bonds, to no avail. "No!" Unmoved the mage got up and turned to Samiel, gathering the boy in his arms. He shifted the thin, limp body into a halfway comfortable carrying position, then addressed the immortal, who stood quietly in the middle of the gloomy hut. "Will you be so kind as to walk back to the inn with me, Fair Lord." he suggested politely. "We'll soon have finished our delayed business there and you and your companions can return to your own land." The elf's cold gaze held Kaldoren Marantar for a long moment, till the mage grew very uncomfortable. Finally Joanathos gave a slight condescending nod and with a graceful gesture of his slender hand motioned Kaldoren Marantar to the door. After the mage turned reluctantly and walked out, Joanathos looked at the bed and the green sleeved young human, who struggled in vain against his bonds. Dark eyes, half hidden by unruly black hair flashed at the elf. Anger burned in them. But the immortal also saw the worry and despair behind the anger. Joanathos left Thev, following the mage. End of Chapter Five | Part 6 | |
| Tavernroom | Tales | |