Ciandurn's Fall

Resting in a chair, his legs sprawled in a careless fashion, arm draped along the next chair�s back and a relaxed distance away from his good friend, Ciandurn Araid discussed deeply the matters of war against the Dark Forces.
�Her numbers must be great if she can launch an attack on Vyann and Brtyl, and send Plagues to Kinglyfort, Dunidine and Lorven.� Axon reflected.
�We know, though it comes to a small advantage, that she operates secretly. It is like she is playing a game � each strategic move after another.� Ciandurn responded wisely.
�Strategic? Who is she? A Light Elf?� Axon asked, echoing the thoughts of Ciandurn himself.
�I do not know. Who does? But I must admit we need more of the Light Elves for alliance. Their love for knowledge and wisdom is above all else.� Ciandurn answered
�Pity they are such corruptible swine.� Axon retorted. �Besides, the folk of Alipe Equus are all the wiser, and the most reliable. Has not King Edwars pleaded alliance with them?�
�He has. And Kinglyfort has accepted alliance � I suppose, as closely the two realms are allied, Alipe Equus will follow suit. But, they are currently working on the cure for the Plague in Kinglyfort.� Ciandurn sipped his drink thoughtfully.
�Their people are loyal. And the Seltorike, for all their barbaric appearance, have taught us much about order.�
�Hey you!� Axon suddenly called out to a barmaid clearing a table. �Another mug of Vyann Light Brew please.� The waiter nodded, and brought him a regular mug frothed at the top, the beloved liquid sloshing over the edge as it was placed on the table in front of Axon.
�Thank you.� He handed the barmaid a large silver coin. Ciandurn watched the transaction with a smile on his face.

The world had been in disarray, desperate to survive the wintering evil of a terrible lady, hailing from the distant, wild north that most in Vyann knew naught of. Wearied by travel, the Lord of the small and warm province of Claec watched the crackling of the fires, beyond his wooden table. His realm of Vyann, one of several in the world of Ko�, was in trouble, struggling in its attempt to resist the dark forces. Their king was so old, and no longer rode out to battle. The last time, before Ciandurn�s summons, it had been he who led their realm�s army to victory at the Hills of Brtyl. He could only thank the heavens that Claec was too small to be of any use to the Dark. Some nights, hearing soft voices beckoning and tempting his attention, he was not so sure. But he was not the only one the Dark sought to call, for his honest, bearded friend admitted to hearing the serpent hisses of cold whispers � the clever, nightly tempting.

The door swung open, and a huff of rain blew in with the newcomer. He closed the door quickly; a cloak wrapped tightly around him with a hood, so that no one could see his face. But, as many had arrived dressed like this, no one took notice, only wishing to have chosen a seat closer to the roaring fires as the chilling wind reminded them of the dreadful weather they would be forced to walk home in when the pub finally closed. He approached Ciandurn and Axon quickly. They did not object when he sat down at their table. As was the custom, he placed two large silver coins for their acceptance.
�I am Hedron.� He nodded his head, once at Ciandurn and once at Axon. �You are Ciandurn and Axon of Claec?�
Ciandurn nodded. �I am Ciandurn Araid of Claec.�
�I bring you news.� Hedron looked at him steadily.
�Is it Claec?� Axon gasped.
�I speak for my Queen, who cannot come to see you at this critical moment. I come from Gersdaihn in the North.� Hedron pulled off his hood and revealed him self to be a Light Elf. Both men remained quiet while Hedron spoke directly to Ciandurn. �She warns you that the tides are turning. You will be honoured with promotion. And you will find yourself equal to the likes of your �beloved�.� Hedron spat out the last word as though it was a sickening lie. He stood up suddenly. �I bid you the blessing of my Queen. May you guard her words well.�