Beyond the Dragon’s Teeth
Copyright© 2026 by Asa Strong
Chapter 16
We met Gait and Saraid in the hallway, and the old elf ushered us into the large room. A large table had been placed at the far end, at which six elves, including Emor, were seated.
Emor stood up as we neared the table, “Please, be seated.”
All of us, except Torg, took a seat at the table. I chuckled at the thought of Torg trying to sit on one of the small chairs.
Emor gave me a puzzled look when he heard my short laugh.
I looked at him and said, “I was trying to envision Torg sitting on one of the chairs. I’m afraid the image was rather humorous.”
Emor chuckled, “Yes, we are not used to having a troll as our guest.” He paused a moment and then continued, “It is quite possible that it is the first time!”
With the exception of Torg, we all laughed at the comment.
Emor then put a serious look on his face before asking, “Donta, I would be remiss in my duties as Clan Chief if I did not inquire why you are in our forest.”
I had thought this subject would come up, and while we were resting, had retrieved the book that had started us on this journey.
I pulled the book from my pouch, where I’d placed it earlier, and sat it on the table.
“This book,” I said, “is very old. It was given to me by a scholar.”
As I looked around the table, I could see I had the attention of the elves. I continued.
“Most of what is contained herein is of little value. However, in the last part of the book is a prophecy. It is written by one of your ancient kinsman, Travan.”
The use of the name obviously shocked the elves. They looked at one another, and finally, Elanta, who was sitting to Emor’s right, spoke.
“The name Travan is well known to us; he is one of the ancients of whom great tales are told.”
Elanta paused for a moment. He looked like he was in deep thought. After a moment, he spoke again, “You will share this prophecy with us?”
I nodded my head and then pushed the book across the table towards him.
Elanta picked the book up and, with Emor peeking over his shoulder, began to read.
The book was rather slim, and it didn’t take long for Elanta to reach the last page.
When he finished reading the page, he closed the book, looked at me, and then shook his head. He then re-opened the book and read the last page again.
“Well,” asked Emor, “what is the meaning of this prophecy?”
Elanta closed the book again, and I also noticed that he looked rather pale in the face. He then turned towards Emor.
“Eglandis, it must be Eglandis!” He said, with a tone of awe clearly present in his voice.
Emor pulled back to his chair, ran his hand through his black, curly hair, and then said, “You are sure it is Eglandis?”
Elanta answered, “As sure as one can be about a legend.”
I was lost in this conversation and asked, “What is Eglandis?”
Elanta turned towards me and answered, “There is a legend, a very old one that tells of a place of the First High Elves. This place is called Eglandis.”
The confusion of my mind must have shown on my face, as Elanta continued.
“Legend tells of this being where the first elves lived. It is said to be a great place of magic; a chamber of pure crystal hidden deep within a great mountain.”
“Magic? There is no such thing!” I answered.
Emor then said, “Not now. But in ancient times, there was great magic throughout the land.”
“Emor, magic is an old wives’ tale, told to frighten small children!” I answered.
“No, Donta, at one time, it was very real.”
Emor paused for a moment, then stood up and paced back and forth behind his chair. I could see that he had a very thoughtful look showing on his face. He ran his hands through his hair as he paced, clearly his mind was focused elsewhere. Finally, he stopped and turned towards me.
“Donta, the race of elves is very old. Before there were dwarves, or men, or even orcs, there were elves. We believe we are the oldest of the races.
“Our oldest legends tell of the first home of the elves. It is called Eglandis and was said to be a most wondrous place, located deep within a mountain. In Eglandis there is said to be a crystal grotto. The crystals hold all of the knowledge of the Ancient Ones and were only accessible to those with the talent to read them.”
I then asked, “And you think this is the place mentioned in ‘The Prophecy of Eliste?’”
“It must be,” answered Elanta, “our legends also say that the entrance to Eglandis is through the ‘Golden Grove’.”
“Golden Grove?”
Elanta answered my question, “In the prophecy, there is mention of a ‘gilded copse of aspen trees’. That is also the description of the ‘Golden Grove’.”
Emor spoke up and said, “There is much to think on here. We shall meet later this evening, after our meal.”
Elanta nodded his head, as Emor turned and walked towards the doorway.
The others rose from their seats, and without saying a word left us there with Elanta.
Elanta then turned to me and said, “Come Donta, I will give you a tour of Elfhome. It will also give us a chance to talk more of this prophecy.”