Chapter Two

Chapter Two

~Elven Court, Eroth Castle~

            “The Prophecy has been tampered with –How do we know if he is even The Chosen One?” Ardreth, one of the Elven Elders, expressed the following morning when the Elders congregated in Olithir’s courtroom.

            “Exactly!” agreed Rotheloe, another Elder. The other Elders chimed in all at once, all dissenting in opinions on whether or not Xander was fit as their Prophecy.

            “Enough!” boomed Olithir over the nine voices twittering throughout the courtroom. He glanced at Ehlark to the right of him, standing up from his chair.

            “The boy is the prophecy. There is no mistake about it,” claimed Ehlark. “Though he is slight and timid, he is strong and just and trust-worthy as well.”

            “We must put him into training immediately. Your son will train him.” Olithir announced, gesturing to Halamar on his left. Halamar nodded.

            “I am sure Erolith will be honored to accept this noble task.” Halamar consented.

            “And what of Princess Aloienne, Olithir?” prompted Ardreth. Olithir turned to him.

            “What of her, Ardreth?” he returned.

            “Why, her punishment.”

            “Punishment?” Olithir raised his eyebrows at the word.

            “Of course!” added Taleisin. “There must be a punishment for what she has done.”

            “And what has she done that was so wrong?” Ehlark jumped in.

            “Tampering with the prophecy of course!” grunted Ardreth matter-of-factly.

            “Any number of things could have gone awry with her foolish plan and imprudent actions,” explained Alok.

            “Exactly!” Fenian agreed. “She or the boy could have both been killed. She could have brought the wrong boy, or even could have been stranded in the Earth Realm!”

            “Or she could have damaged the portal, rendering it open for anyone to pass through at any such time,” continued Ardreth.

            “Yes, I realize all of these things you proclaim as truth,” Olithir responded. “And I have already dealt with the matter.”

            “How so?” demanded Ardreth.

            “How the king disciplines his own daughter is no concern or business of yours or anyone else’s at this table!” Ehlark defended.

            “So we let the child off without any sort of punishment?” Ardreth asked, outraged.

            “I have said already that I have dealt with the matter!” bellowed Olithir with fire in his icy eyes. “Do you question my judgment as king, Ardreth? Or my skills as a parent? Do you all question my judgment?” he looked at the elders, who all fell silent. “This session is dismissed –Halamar, fetch Erolith and bring him to see me.”

            As Olithir turned to walk out of the courtroom, Ehlark followed. They took a secret passageway back to Ehlark’s work chamber. In additions to being advisor and friend, Ehlark was an accomplished alchemist as well. The chamber deep under the castle where he worked was made of stone and was furnished with large wooden tables. Hundreds of potions of all kinds lined the walls.

            “Can you believe it?” Olithir grumbled. “Amora is days from attacking and they want to discuss a punishment for Aloienne –for bringing the prophecy to us of all things!” Ehlark nodded in agreement.

            “Yes, it is absurd.” He concurred. “Perhaps we should make our way to the greeting hall to present Erolith to Xander and begin his combat training?”

            “Yes, yes. Good idea Ehlark.” Olithir started back up the stone steps of the secret passage to the main building.

            Xander woke to the bright mid-morning sunshine pouring through the door-less balcony and curtain-less windows. He opened his eyes and sat up in bed. He was astonished to realize that he was still in Sharlarrio and had not returned to his dreary, old Chicago apartment. He smiled at this realization and looked around the room. He noticed dozens of prisms dangling from the ceiling, creating streams of rainbows across the vast room from the beaming sun.

            Xander stepped out of bed and noticed that Erendriel had been in his room earlier that morning and had left him clothes and breakfast. He picked up the tray and sat down in bed with it. The meal consisted entirely of greens and other vegetables.

            “Well it’s no wonder these elves live so long. They eat nothing but rabbit food.” Xander thought to himself as he took a bite out of what seemed to be a spinach leaf. The leaves of the salad on his plate were emitting a slight bluish tint such as the glow the trees of Eroth gave off in the night. Bright yellow and red berries as well as a root-like food were tossed into the salad as well. He cautiously nibbled at the root which, to his surprise, turned out to be delicious. He finished eating and glanced at the clothes Erendriel had left for him.

            After taking the silky pajamas off and putting on the tunic, pants, and boots left for him by his bedside, Xander felt rather like Link from The Legend of Zelda video games he played as a teen. The clothes were made of the softest material he had ever touched. As he fastened the brown leather belt around his tunic, Xander heard a knock at his door, and Erendriel entered the room.

            “Good morning Sir Xander,” she greeted with a curtsy. “I trust you slept well?”

            “Um, yes. Extremely. Thanks.”

            “His highness requests your presence in the greeting hall, Sir Xander.” She announced. “If you will follow me, I shall take you to him.”

            She turned to exit the room and Xander followed suit. The two walked silently down the same hallway Ehlark had led him up the previous night. The hallway was long, as Xander’s bedchamber was located on the far east side of the palace. Every ten feet there was a large opening in the wall, a sort of window, void of glass, giving sight of the forest and the outside world. The cool spring breeze rolled through the corridor, wafting in the sweet scents of the forest. Scents that were both familiar and foreign to Xander.

Finally, after many flights of stairs, and corridors, Xander and Erendriel reached the greeting hall. King Olithir, Ehlark, and a woman that carried a strong resemblance to Aloienne awaited them. Xander assumed the woman was the Queen. Olithir spoke to Xander once he was standing before the three statuesque and stately elves.

“Good morning, Sir Xander,” he greeted. “How was your night?”

“Wonderful, thank you, your highness.” Xander sputtered nervously.

“Excellent. If you would please, come with us. i have much to tell you.” Olithir turned around and opened a door that seemed to appear out of nowhere.

“This place is full of surprises,” Xander thought to himself.

Olithir lead the way, followed by the Queen, then Xander, with Ehlark bringing up the rear. They appeared to be in a tunnel, and obviously a secret one. Xander was speechless as Olithir grabbed a torch lit with blue fire and lead the group down the dark tunnel. As they travelled, Xander notice that unlike the castle, the tunnel walls were made of earth and stone, rather than of wood. They followed the tunnel for several minutes before arriving in a large stone chamber. It much reminded Xander of a potions lab, which he reminded himself, it probably was.

There were heavey-looking wooden tables and stools, endless flasks and tubes containing liquids that were every conceivable color of the rainbow. There were heavy, dusty books laid out all over the room. It was not kept very tidy, which very much surprised Xander. There was an enormous stone fireplace that Xander was certain could fit three of his refrigerators in, with a blue fire lit inside it.

“Have a seat, Sir Xander, make yourself comfortable,” Proposed Olithir, sitting in a stool next to his Queen. “We have much to discuss.”

Xander sat on the first stool he found, directly across from Olithir. Ehlark did not sit down. He wandered around the cave-like chamber, performing various tasks –adding things to the potions, putting a kettle of green liquid on the fire. Finding that his attention was wandering, Xander turned to look at Olithir, waiting for him to speak.

“I suppose that you are wondering why you are here.” Olithir guessed. He continued when Xander failed to respond. “This story is a long one. So I will leave it to Ehlark to tell it, for he has it recorded in one of his many books.”

Olithir nodded to Ehlark, who had taken a seat beside the king with a large, primordial book open in front of him. Ehlark cleared his throat, and began to read from the archaic volume;

“Back when the universe began, and Sharlarrio was created, the five Elemental Gods and Goddesses divided Sharlarrio into sectors, where they would each govern their own people.

“The Spirit God, Elion, chose to reign over the Elves, in the Northeastern corner of Sharlarrio. He planted a lush forest and named it Eroth.

“The Water God, Zhoron, chose reigh over the sirens of the Phelorna Sea surrounding Sharlarrio.

“The Air Goddess, Alea, chose reign over the centaurs, placing them in a valley on the Northwestern sector of Sharlarrio that is today known as Rivealm.

“The Earth Goddess, Roanmara, chose reign over the men in the land of Arl to the Southwest.

“And lastly, the Fire Goddess, Hasterien, chose reign over the mighty dragons in the mountains of Sharlarrio.

“The world was populated with Elves, Sirens, Centaurs, Men, and Dragons. All was well for thousands of years. But then a day came upon Sharlarrio when a dark cloud covered the land and a great storm took place. Thunder shook the trees and lightning split the Earth. The Northern Darthoridian Mountains got the worst of it. The gods could sense this was no ordinary storm, for in the air, there lingered hints of magic.

“When finally the storm cleared, the five gods and goddesses convened in the North Darthoridian. They were appalled to discover that not only had the dragons fled from the area, but that the mountains themselves had changed. Mountain lakes became hot springs, and inside the mountains bubbled hot, volcanic lava. The gods then came across a colossal stone fortress. A woman greeted the gods at the drawbridge of her castle.

“’I am Amora, and I lay claim to this sector of mountain for my home. I want only to live in peace and solitude. I am merely an alchemist from an outside realm, and would like a secluded spot for my studies.’ She told the gods. All were convinced, except Hasterien. She could see the fire burning in Amora’s eyes –a fire of hatred and scorn. But the four other gods ignored Hasterien’s pleas to banish Amora. Soon enough though, they would learn the true purpose of Amora’s presence in Sharlarrio.

“She called her mountain Cymbiir, and by the time the gods realized what she was doing, she was too powerful to stop. Her magic was too strong. She was no alchemist, but a contemptuous sorceress. She locked the gods away in a spell, and made herself the Supreme power of Sharlarrio. She began sculpting creatures from the molten mountain rock, calling her perversions of nature Darfins. Then she began to unleash them into unsuspecting Sharlarrio to wreak havoc.

“She hated all creatures save her Darfins, but of all those she held contempt for, she loathed Elves the most. They possess magic and immortality that she desperately longs for –a power necessary for taking all of Sharlarrio under her rule. For hundreds of years she has been scheming, plotting, building, and training a Darfin army. All looked lost and bleak for Sharlarrio as this dark necromancer prepared to destroy this beautiful world.

“But one day, hundreds of years ago, the Elven king Aumanas received a prophecy while visiting the Spring of Edansyr on Beldroth Mountain, dangerously close to the simmering peaks of Cymbiir. The prophecy spoke of a man who would come to us to become a great warrior. A man from a realm void of magic. A realm called Earth. This man, once trained, will lead the Elves of Sharlarrio into battle against Amora and her Darfins. He, personally, will kill Amora, destroying her magic, eradicating the Darfins, and restoring peace to Sharlarrio.”

Ehlark finished speaking and everyone looked at Xander, who was stunned into silence. It was quiet for almost two minutes until Xander finally mustered up words to speak.

“So I was pulled from my normal life in Chicago, Illinois to come to a fantasy land to fight some evil witch queen for you guys, and probably get myself killed for people I don’t even know?” Xander sputtered.

“That is what the prophecy says,” Olithir responded with a nod. Xander buried his hands in his hair and stood up. He began pacing the flor.

“I can’t do this! I’m not a warrior! In gym class in high school I was always picked last on the team! I can’t destroy a hundred year old demon queen!”

“We will train you of course, Sir Xander,” explained Ehlark. “You have the natural ability of a champion purely because you are the prophecy. We just need to uncover it.”

“Trust me, no amount of training can help me.” Xander turned to face the king. “I sit at a desk, filing insurance crap all day. I am not a warrior. Trust me.” Olithir stood from his chair and strode over to Xander, placing his hands on his shoulders.

“Trust me, Sir Xander. The Spring of Edansyr and the Spirit God Elion chose you. Therefore, you are capable of the mighty task bestowed upon you. In fact, you are the only one capable of it.”

“But I’ve never even been in a fight before!” Xander insisted, tears accumulating in his eyes, blurring his vision. “Your highness, I’m sorry, but you have the wrong guy.”

Estelar stood and strode to where Xander was standing. She took his hands in hers and held them. She gazed up at him with her violet eyes and Xander felt as if she could see into his soul.

“Chosen One,” she said. Xander noticed she did not move her lips. She was speaking to him through their minds. “I can feel in my very soul, you are the mighty warrior who will bring an end to the terror Amora brings us. You are our savior. You are strong, just, and a champion. All you need is a little training, and a little faith. You can save us.”

Xander looked at Estelar. Then he looked at Olithir and Ehlark. He thought about the small bit of Sharlarrio he had seen already and what it would look like if Amora took over. Ash and volcanic rock, dark magic and Darfins. He shuddered as he pictured the Elves as slaves just as the Dragons undoubtedly already are. He couldn’t stand the image of this beautiful world falling into shadow.

“When do I start training?” Xander asked. The three Elves smiled.

“You must meet someone before you begin your training. We must return to the castle above.” Olithir declared, starting back to the passage way. The others followed suit. When the quartet surfaced in the greeting hall, they met Halamar, and a handsome young elf. Xander noticed that he looked strong and capable, and confident that he was so. Everything that Xander was not. Olithir greeted Halamar with an embrace. The younger elf bowed to Olithir and Ehlark. Olithir pulled Xander to his side to introduce him.

“Xander, this is Halamar, one of the elders of Elven Court,” he said referring to the older elf. “And this is his son, Erolith. He is young, but he is a great warrior. He will train you. Teach you the ways of war, and be your champion.” Erolith bowed to Xander.

“It is my honor to train you, Sir Xander. I will gladly teach you the ways of war,” Erolith proclaimed. Xander bowed in return.

“Erm, nice to meet you too,” he replied awkwardly.

“When is his training to begin?” Halamar asked, filling the silence.

“Immediately,” Olithir declared. “Erolith, if you would please take Xander to the armory. Then to the training grounds.”

“Certainly, your majesty!” Erolith complied, turning and heading towards the door. Xander followed.

~Southeast Bedchamber, Eroth Castle~

            Aloienne sat on her balcony, her long luminous hair tumbling over the side. She gazed longingly at her father’s kingdom. Oh, how she wished she could run around in the forest like the other elves her age, trysting with boys under the stars of night and the glow of the Elderwood trees. She sighed as she realized that her life would never be carefree in any aspect. Erolith, the handsome young soldier she had since birth been betrothed to was strong, and not hard on the eyes, but he possessed none of the excitement Aloienne so longed for.

            But this prophecy, he could. True, he was shy, but he was a champion at heart! He was different from any elf Aloienne had ever met. He had an air about him –a longing –to have more for his life than is within reach.

            “I wish father would give him my hand instead,” she wished aloud. Then, as she looked down, she saw two tiny people leaving the castle and heading to the palace courtyard.

~Courtyard, Eroth Castle~

            Erolith led Xander to a large clearing in the trees just beyond the castle. Xander walked awkwardly as he was weighted down with armor and weaponry.

            “You’ll get used to it,” Erolith insisted.

            Xander looked up and saw a cascade of white-gold hair over the balcony. But the moment he saw Aloienne, she disappeared. He turned to Erolith just in time for him to throw a sword to him.

            “Have you ever handled a sword before?” Erolith asked Xander. When he shook his head, Erolith continued speaking, demonstrating how to hold it, sheath it, and draw it. “It’s pretty straight-forward how to use it in attack. I am sure you have seen it done before.” Xander nodded, wondering if playing The Legend of Zelda on his Nintendo 64 truly constituted as “seeing it done.”

            “How hard could it be?” he thought to himself. As the afternoon went on, Erolith showed Xander different ways to strike enemies, using tall wooden posts that were placed around the training grounds. It was definitely harder than Link from The Legend of Zelda made it look. The sword was heavy, and somehow, Xander managed to cut himself on the hands and arms several times. By the time the sun was setting, Xander was exhausted. As they walked back to the castle, Erolith spoke of the plans for the following day.

            “We’ll work on blocking tomorrow. Then archery.” He explained.

            Xander looked up to see Aloienne running towards them in a velvet, plum-colored gown, which she hiked up to her knees while running, in the most un-princess-like way. Xander, who had thought she had come to see him, was slightly shocked when she flung herself into Erolith’s arms.

            “Hello dearest!” he shouted, kissing her on the cheek. “How is my radient fiancé today?”

            “Bored!” Aloienne replied. “Take me for a walk?”

            “Of course my lovely –Xander you do know your way back to the castle right? I am not needed?”

            “Um –no, I –I got it.” Xander stammered.

            “Wonderful! I will see you tomorrow then!” and with that, he wisked Aloienne into the forest, leaving Xander alone in the courtyard. As he made his way back to the castle, he was kicking himself for thinking he had a chance with the princess.

            “Why would I get to be anywhere near her anyways?” he reasoned with himself. “She’s an Elven princess, and I’m just a guy who got roped into saving the world. She’s probably been engaged for two thousand years!” he kicked a rock as he stepped into the castle and found his way to his bedchamber.

~Eroth Forest~

            Aloienne made sure they were well-hidden by the thick trees of the forest. The sun had set and the stars were out, peeking at her through open patches in the forest canopy. The ancient glow of the Elderwood trees illuminated her hair and skin, making her look ravishing, which was exactly what she wanted. She looked at Erolith, leaning against the thick trunk of an Elderwood tree, completely oblivious.

            “What a lovely evening. Just starting to get warm enough to put the winter robes away.” Erolith commented, looking at the sky.

            “Yes, it is lovely tonight,” Aloienne agreed, stepping closer to Erolith. “The stars are beautiful.”

            “Yes, spectacular –“ but before Erolith could say another word, Aloienne kissed his lips and threw her arms around his neck. He weaved his arms around her waist as he returned the kiss. Her fingers tangled in his long, dark hair, as she brushed it behind his shoulder to kiss his neck. Just as she thought he would finally give in, as she began trying to untuck his tunic from his trousers, he pulled abruptly away.

            “That’s quite enough for tonight.” He asserted. Aloienne’s passion ridden face suddenly scrunched up in anger.

            “Why, what’s the matter?” she demanded.

            “We are not yet married, my dear. It is not proper, nor honorable.” Erolith explained calmly. Aloienne stamped her feet.

            “I do not care if it is honorable or proper!” She shouted.

            “But my dear –“

            “No, I do not want to hear it. Even if we were married, I doubt you could ever give me what I truly want. And I do not want to find out!”

            “But what do you mean?”

            “I mean that I will not marry you!” Erolith laughed at Aloienne’s angry statement.

            “But of course you will marry me. We have been engaged since the day of your birth. And since your father deems you to be of a marriable age, we will be wed this summer!”

            Aloienne fumed, but said nothing more. She stormed past Erolith and bolted back to the castle. Erolith, knowing Aloienne and her temper, let her go. But he did not realize just how serious she was after this final rejection tonight.