Chapter 14

When Darras arrived at the nearest way-station he found it in almost a verbal uproar as the events of the Dwarves arresting an Elf committing suspected treason within Burralsteig was unprecedented. Most of the few Humans were concentrating on speculation as to what the hell an Elf was doing in a Dwarven city. The Elves, however, were wondering if the Dwarves would use it as a pretext for war and whether Jizzard might try to pre-emptively strike before the Dwarves were ready.

Fortunately, Darras knew that wiser heads prevailed in both the upper echelons of the Dwarves and Elves and that Erren would likely be directing her priesthood to calm matters, though had not heard from her since possibly identifying the Elf. He was not worried about that, he could still feel her presence around him in an almost physical warmth and believed if he needed her, she would answer.

Calm was restored in the way-station when a priest and two temple guards showed up to seek rooms. When asked they stated they were to escort the Elf the Dwarves had in custody to the capital, Trasturial, for questioning. They informed all who listened that the only crime the Dwarves had charged him with was trespass and for that he was being expelled, though naturally they were curious as to who he was and what he was doing there, something the Elven authorities wanted to know as well.

Darras kept well away from the discussions, not wanting to reveal his involvement, at least not until Erren gave permission. He was, however, cornered by the priest who requested he attend a meeting with both the Priest-King and the Land-King to give his impression (actually Erren’s) on the situation, to which he reluctantly agreed.

And so Darras travelled back to the capital over the five days it took, handed back the mule and walked through the city to the central Palace and Temple complex where he announced himself to one of the gate guards and was requested to wait in a side room whilst enquiries were made.

Soon an ornately dressed servant collected him and he was led through the complex to a meeting room containing several Elves as well as a single Dwarf.

“Greetings sir Darras, servant of the goddess,” an Elf dressed in priestly robes greeted him.

“The blessings of the Lady be upon this place,” Darras replied in lieu of greeting all.

“Your activities in Burralsteig have thrown up a good many questions for us, sir Darras,” the priest began in an opening statement. “Could you shed some light on the situation?”

“I am an agent of the goddess. I have been tasked by her to deal with the presence of what you Elves, at least, know as the darkness,” Darras explained. “My primary task was to deal with an agent of the darkness who was apparently interfering with building of the tunnel linking the trade routes passing Burralsteig.”

“And you thought not to inform the King of Burralsteig of your activities?” the Dwarf asked bluntly.

“Surprise is the key to dealing with these creatures, hence, no, I informed no one,” Darras replied equally as bluntly.

“I see,” the Dwarf nodded, accepting Darras’s explanation.

“Your dealing with an Elf, however, is the main issue,” the priest stated. “Do you know what he was doing there?”

“He was, apparently, senior to the possessor of Bangalt. He planned to withdraw that possessor and send it away to the Orcish lands,” Darras replied.

“You know nothing else?”

“Erren suggested the Elf might be of the dark kin, though has not confirmed such a speculation.”

“It has been over a century since anyone has conjectured anything of the dark kin,” a richly dressed Elf stated. “We had hoped they were extirpated.”

‘No, they simply went to ground, possibly in the Badlands of Ventris, ’ Erren informed Darras, communicating for the first time in a week.

“They are known to congregate in Ventris,” Darras stated, causing the Elf to hiss softly in shock.

“Where we cannot see or go,” the Priest added.

‘Doriel’s people confirmed sightings, but no colony, ’ Erren informed Darras. ‘It’s been why I have been silent as this is a troubling development.’

“The goddess of the forests’ people confirms their presence but no settlement,” Darras informed the group.

“Ventris is somewhere I would be loath to take my armies,” the noble stated, confirming despite no introduction that he was the Land-King.

“Nor could you hope to find them, Land-King Remornos,” Erren’s voice from Darras’s throat informed them. “Leave such tasks to my agent. I will keep your priesthood informed of developments.”

“Do you know who this Elf is ... as in a name?” the Priest asked, clearly a little awestruck.

“He is known as Grindia, Priest-King Lamosi. Though he is under the protection of my brother and I cannot interfere further,” Erren replied.

“I understand, my goddess.”

“Talzak, please inform your King of these developments and know that I will look dimly upon any attempts to begin a conflict or interfere in the actions of my agent ... This goes for both sides,” Erren bluntly stated.

“As you command. It shall be as you desire,” all the figures, including the Dwarf, replied sincerely.

“Good. My priesthood will keep you informed, though now it’s time for my Darras to return home,” Erren acknowledged, releasing Darras from her control.

“We thank you, sir Darras. I will have you escorted to the gateway,” the Land-King offered.

“Thank you,” Darras replied and left the room escorted by a guard.

There was no Erren when Darras stepped through the gateway to what he now considered his home. Still, he knew she was about just by the weariness immediately leaving his body and so he headed over to the bath to clean up and see what would happen as he figured she had a guest.

Relaxing as the heat of the pool soaked into him, he wondered initially why Ostar had never had such a thing, though was grateful to Erren for introducing him to it. Nor was he surprised to find towels as well as a beer waiting for him. He soon heard voices, both male and female, so was not surprised when Erren made an appearance along with Doriel and several others, all gods he presumed.

“Lady Erren, Lady Doriel,” he greeted the two he knew, getting a smile off both.

“My Darras,” Erren replied. “May I introduce Osruit, god of the waters, Pelegard, god of blacksmiths and Hallis, goddess of healers.”

“Gods, goddess,” Darras greeted them politely. “Thank you, Osruit for the aid of your follower in the woods in Fordel,” he added.

“You’re welcome. A minor matter to be sure, simply to observe you,” Osruit replied.

“I sent out a general invitation to any god or goddess to meet to discuss the shadows,” Erren explained as Doriel disrobed and descended into the bathing pool, causing the others to look surprised. “These are the ones who responded.”

“So few,” Darras frowned.

“Oh, others are curious and will no doubt make their minds up now they know what is happening, though not so curious as that, yet.”

“He’s quite a handsome specimen,” Hallis observed.

“Yes, he is and he’s mine. Find your own specimen,” Erren pointedly replied.

“But reproduction is my demesne, sister,” Hallis replied with a cheeky grin.

“Just making clear a line of demarcation.”

“You know I wouldn’t really.”

“I know no such thing, but I do know you.”

“Ladies, please,” Darras chuckled, making Erren blush and Hallis grin.

“You’re right, my Darras. I should not get distracted by over libidinous goddesses,” Erren replied with a smirk at Hallis’ expression at the term ‘over libidinous’.

“Just relax and get in,” Doriel suggested. “Trust me, it’s a good place to talk.”

“Why not?” Osruit chuckled as they all disrobed and in the case of the two gods, simply plunged in.

“Damn, this is a fine place, Erren,” Pelegard commented. “I believe I’ll make my own.”

“You’d have to create your own personal Realm and if it isn’t a weapon your taste in aesthetics is distinctly suspect,” Doriel replied.

“That’s true, want to help?”

“So long as you don’t try to paw me, OK.”

“Deal.”

“I have my people scouring Ventris looking for a Dark Elf domain, but so far there’s no trace of one,” Osruit informed the group, though mostly Darras. “It may be that they are based elsewhere and merely pass through to pick up a shadow.”

“Just wish Venicia had decided to get interested,” Erren sighed.

“She’s strictly neutral,” Hallis replied. “The goddess of the air is as air headed as they come.”

“I know. She is simply not interested in taking a side and inviting trouble,” Erren sighed. “Though why she acts like a bimbo in any conversation is infuriating at times as I know she’s not stupid.”

“I think she likes winding us up,” Pelegard chuckled. “As you’re right, she’s far from stupid, though our brother believes she is.”

“Er ... which brother would this be?” Darras asked.

“The dark one,” Doriel replied. “He won’t take a name, thinks it’s beneath him ... or something silly like that.”

“His followers must call him something, surely?”

“Can’t say I’ve run across many of them,” Osruit shrugged. “Just these shadows recently and now this Elf.”

The other three nodded in agreement as a tray floated in to drop off wine for the ladies and beer for the men.

“Oh my, this is novel,” Pelegard commented after taking a few swallows. “How do you do it?”

“I asked Bolgasa for a supply and, being the god of inebriation, he obliged for a blessing of the grain and vines in Orcatia,” Erren replied.

“So, he is useful for something after all,” Hallis chuckled, making the others smile.

“Alcohol can sterilise wounds,” Darras pointed out.

“We have priests and magic users for that,” Hallis replied. “Bit more reliable than the god of drunks, believe me.”

“He doesn’t like that title,” Erren chided. “And he’s not a drunk himself ... most of the time.”

“Are you sure this Elf is one of the dark kin?” Darras asked, bringing the conversation back on track.

“Most definitely, my Darras,” Erren replied. “From where though, that is the question, as our initial suspicions are proving groundless.”

“Definitely not in the woods of Ventris, or near a waterway,” Doriel added. “Unfortunately, that still leaves a large portion of that land where we don’t have eyes on the ground.”

“Yes, I see,” Darras nodded. “Nor apparently is it somewhere I can go as yet.”

“Well, you could go, but you wouldn’t come back,” Pelegard shrugged.

“That’s why I want you to look at his gear. See if it can be improved,” Erren added.

“Of course I will, though without magic he’s still going to be at a major disadvantage.”

“I’m hoping Doriel will be able to prepare a magic user to assist where necessary.”

“One of the villagers Darras rescued has magical ability. I’m having the Dryads train him to aid capturing a shadow,” Doriel informed them.

“All without being able to see one?” Osruit queried.

“That’s why he’ll be accompanied by Darras when he’s ready.”

“I’d like your advice on a restraining cage similar to those used by bounty hunters, Pelegard,” Erren requested. “To hold both a Human and a shadow, just in case.”

“I’ll have my people look into it. Won’t be easy though; for all they can’t slip through walls, they can slip through any gap between objects,” Pelegard replied.

“Let me know if you succeed, I think we’d all like to be here to question one,” Osruit requested as the others nodded.

“Most definitely,” Hallis added. “I very much want to know how they can possess Humanity.”

“With regard to the Dark Elves,” Darras interjected. “How sure are you that they must be from Ventris?”

“It would be the most logical place...” Osruit began.

“He has a point. We’re going off an assumption here,” Doriel broke in. “Just because we know the shadows come from there, doesn’t mean the Dark Elves are based there.”