The Blade Heir (Book 1) Read online

  Death?

  Lucius leaned back in his chair, a flurry of thoughts racing through his mind. In an earlier passage, King Yesu said he would rise again to rule the living and the dead; his death was to atone for the sins of men. But the scroll ended with his death and nothing more. There must be something missing. Many promises were spoken by this Yesu that remained unfulfilled. Lucius began to doubt the power of this God known as Yéwa. If Yéwa could not save Yesu, how could he save anyone else? Perhaps no higher being existed to lead the men of Azuleah. He sighed deeply and rolled up the red scroll.

  Lucius stared at the empty glass on the table for a moment, deciding whether or not to call Eldred for another round. Before he could come to a final decision, his brother walked through the tavern door. Siegfried walked in carrying two small sacks in one hand and a larger sack in the other. Lucius waved to get his attention and the elf promptly strode to the table.

  "Where have you been?" Lucius asked, clearly annoyed at having to wait so long for his brother to show up.

  "I have been acquiring supplies for our journey, Lucius." Siegfried placed the two sacks on the table and the larger sack on the floor next to his chair. "I have bought food, cooking utensils, and additional clothing for both of us."

  "You bought clothes for me? I do hope they fit, Sieg," Lucius peeked inside one of the sacks on the table.

  Siegfried handed him the larger sack on the floor where the clothes were stored. "I am confident the extra jerkin and breeches will fit you, brother. However, if they are too tight on your frame, the amount of walking you will experience on this journey will surely resolve the problem."

  "Funny," Lucius replied while examining the brown sheepskin jerkin and woolen pants. "I don't suppose you found any horses we could purchase for our travels?"

  "Unfortunately, the stables I visited did not wish to part with their steeds, and I doubt we have enough money to afford the prices."

  Lucius frowned, lamenting their means of transportation would continue to be on foot. He began to express his feelings on the matter to Siegfried when Eldred walked up to their table.

  "Greetings, Siegfried. Would you care for a drink?" the polite bartender asked.

  "No thank you, Eldred. But could I ask a favor?" Siegfried picked up one of the sacks on the table. "Would you be willing to store these sacks along with the wineskins I purchased until later this afternoon when we retrieve them?"

  "Yes, of course, my friend," Eldred grabbed all three sacks with one hand and managed to grab Lucius' empty glass with his other hand. "Have you already visited Lumiath in the Scarlet Quarter?"

  "That is where we are headed presently, dear Eldred," Siegfried shot his brother a quick glance, as if to remind him of their primary purpose in Sylvania.

  In truth, Lucius had not forgotten about the D'aryan seer, but his thoughts had been temporarily diverted by what he read in the red scroll. Everything he had learned about Yesu had led him to believe the great king was either immortal or invincible, but the scroll had negated all of his preconceptions. He stood up and stuffed the scroll into his pack. "Let's go find the seer."

  The streets of the Scarlet Quarter were cleaner and emptier than the other areas of the city seen by Lucius and Siegfried in the last two days. The few people they passed on the faded red cobblestone path wore luxurious clothing ranging from brightly colored doublets on the men to exquisite gowns trimmed with fur on the women. Most of the looks they received from the townsfolk conveyed disdain and superiority, undoubtedly from noticing the pair's humble apparel. The air of supremacy was stifling to Lucius and it reminded him of Quetulya's relentless condescension. Siegfried, on the other hand, seemed either aloof to the snobbish stares directed at them by the residents of the Scarlet Quarter or he simply did not care.

  As they traveled on the winding road of the quarter, Lucius spotted a brick building with wooden shingles and a dark green door. Above the door hung a sign that read, "Greimane's Unguents and Elixirs." Lucius strolled toward the two-story building, and Siegfried soon followed, once he realized his brother was no longer beside him. They both walked up to the green door, and Lucius slowly turned the doorknob to check if the shop was open. The doorknob turned easily, and after a slight push, the door creaked open allowing them entry into a fragrant store brightly lit with numerous candles on the walls and on small tables. On the far right of the door, there was a long counter extending the entire length of the wall save for a gap to access a door leading to a storeroom. Behind the counter were shelves containing numerous vials, bottles, and jars filled with contents of all colors. Directly ahead of the doorway there was a staircase leading up to the second floor of the shop—presumably where Lumiath resided.

  "Greetings, weary travelers," a loud voice boomed from behind the counter where a man with a bushy mustache and blue turban stood with his hands outstretched. Neither Lucius nor Siegfried had noticed the man upon entering the shop; it was as though he had appeared out of thin air. "My name is Theodore Greimane, and this is my humble store, which is positively brimming with exotic elixirs, potions, and unguents unseen in any part of Azuleah."

  Lucius stepped closer to the counter, examining the merchant's wares closely. Siegfried remained near the door, uninterested in Greimane's goods.

  "Do you require an unguent for wounds received in combat? Or perhaps an elixir that can cure an infectious disease?" Theodore Greimane smiled eagerly at Lucius, desiring to make a sale on the more curious of his two visitors.

  Lucius could not resist his curiosity, especially if there was an item that could aid them in the wilds of Azuleah. "Tell me more about this unguent for wounds."

  "But of course, my young lad." Theodore beamed and quickly snatched a small jar filled with a yellow cream. "The Unguent of Und is an excellent remedy for cuts, lacerations, and burns. It is made from the egg yolks of Und seabirds—very rare and exquisite. No warrior or traveler should venture without a jar close at hand."

  "How much is a jar?" Lucius asked, aware now of the unguent's significance.

  "One centen is the cost for this exotic unguent," Theodore grinned.

  Lucius balked at the price. "Surely, you can't be serious? Perhaps we could barter for this exotic unguent?"

  "I doubt there is anything you own that I care to barter for, my young friend," Theodore laughed at his own veiled insult. "One centen is all I desire to barter for."

  Lucius scowled at the greedy merchant and nearly protested, but his brother walked up to the counter and put a hand on his shoulder.

  "We are not interested in your potions, Mr. Greimane, especially if they come at such an extravagant cost." Siegfried said.

  Theodore Greimane's smile disappeared and his face contorted into an ugly frown. "Well, if my prices are not to your liking, then kindly leave my store. I am a busy man and don't have time for stingy elves or children!"

  "Children," Lucius snapped. "Listen—"

  "Peace, brother," Siegfried interrupted. "Mr. Greimane, although we do not wish to buy anything presently, we do require your assistance. We have come here to meet with the resident above your store, an elf named Lumiath. Is he here?"

  "I don't know who you're talking about," Theodore said, drumming his fingers on the counter top. "Now, are you buying anything or not?"

  "Are you saying that Lumiath doesn't reside here?" Lucius asked.

  "I have never heard the name in my life," Theodore replied. He turned and slammed down the Unguent of Und on a shelf behind him.

  "I do not believe you, Mr. Greimane," Siegfried said plainly.

  Theodore turned to face the elf, his cheeks very red now and his nostrils fully flared. "Listen, elf. There is no one named Lumiath here. Now, I will call the guards if you don't—"

  A loud knocking from overhead cut off the annoyed merchant's words and they looked up at the ceiling in unison.

  "What was that?" Lucius looked over at Theodore.

  Theodore sighed heavily and shook his head slowly while biting his li
p. "He will see you."

  "Who?" Siegfried asked, a smile slowly formed on his face.

  "Lumiath," Theodore replied through clenched teeth. "Now go upstairs and leave me be."

  The merchant stormed away from the counter and into the storeroom.

  "Well, that was pleasant," Lucius said.

  Siegfried remained silent, his gaze fixed on the stairs near the entrance of the alchemist shop.

  "Shall we, brother?" Lucius gestured toward the staircase.

  "Lead the way, Ellyllei."

  Lucius eagerly made his way toward the staircase with Siegfried close behind. At the top of the stairs, they entered a long hallway with two doors on either side. Paintings of serene landscapes hung on the walls between the doors. The furthest door at the end of the hallway to their right was slightly ajar. As they neared the opened door, the fragrance of citrus mixed with incense was heavy in the air. Lucius stood directly in front of the cherry oak door, unsure if he should knock.

  "Please enter," a deep voice beckoned from inside the room.

  Lucius gently pushed the door opened and entered a large, lavishly decorated room. The walls were painted a deep green and displayed beautiful artwork in the forms of flowers and trees all throughout. Brass candelabras with intricate designs adorned all four corners of the room and a finely woven rug embroidered with an elvish oak design lay on the floor. Next to the rug there was a wicker armchair decorated with leaves, vines, and flowers. An elf with curly black hair wearing a red tunic with gold-trimmed sleeves sat in the armchair reading a leather-bound tome. A large stack of similar tomes and books were placed next to the chair. He watched the elf, who showed no interest in acknowledging Lucius or Siegfried's presence, and noticed he wore a silver necklace with a symbol hanging from it. The symbol consisted of a large circle with a triquetra at the center. The curves and whorls of the triquetra and circle interlocked together in a complicated but elegant pattern.

  "Are you Lumiath?" Siegfried asked, a hint of impatience in his voice.

  The elf turned a page and did not respond to the question.

  "We don't mean to disturb you, my lord, but we've traveled far to meet you," Lucius spoke as cordially as possible despite his growing annoyance. "This is my brother, Siegfried Silverhart, and I am—"

  "Lucius Nostra from Evingrad," the elf snapped his book shut and studied them for a moment. "I know who you are and why you have come. I am a seer after all."

  "So you are Lumiath, then," Siegfried said. "The man downstairs did not wish to reveal your residence here, why?"

  "I am a private soul, Master Siegfried, and I do not like to be bothered by curious gossips who think they know who I am. Theodore and I have an agreement: I provide him with the recipes to his unguents and elixirs; he in turn allows me to reside here in quiet solitude." Lumiath leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes for a moment, as though he wished to be alone again.

  "I have many questions, Master Lumiath," Lucius said. The elf opened his eyes and looked at him.

  "Of course you do. You are a man who has lived with elves his entire life. But be careful, my young lord. Questions have answers you may not wish to hear," Lumiath warned.

  Lucius brushed off the warning and cut to the point. "Am I the Ellyllei? The one foretold in the prophecy to face the Black Dragon?"

  "Yes," Lumiath replied nonchalantly. "You are the Elf Son who is burdened with carrying the Requiem Sword to kill a great evil. Pardon my saying this, but I do not envy your role in the least."

  Lucius exhaled deeply and felt a sudden emptiness in his stomach. I have to kill Kraegyn. He swallowed hard, trying to think of his next question, which Siegfried asked before he could.

  "Do you have instructions for how to forge the Requiem Sword?" Siegfried asked.

  "I do not. Not anymore," the seer responded in a bored monotone.

  "What do you mean? Have you forgotten?" Lucius questioned.

  "Ha! Of course not. The means of forging the sword does not lie with me, but you already know where to go for the answer to that particular question."

  "The blacksmith near the Burning Woods." Siegfried glanced at Lucius, who arrived at the same conclusion.

  "Astute, like your father," Lumiath said, clasping his hands together and placing them on his chest.

  "You know our father?" Lucius asked.

  "Of course. Why else would he defend my reputation and risk losing his seat in the Cyngorell? We are old friends, and we hold beliefs that many D'aryan elves would consider heretical."

  "My father would never embrace heresy." Siegfried crossed his arms.

  Lumiath grinned. "Let us speak more of it over a cup of tea." The seer grabbed a long walking staff resting on the side of his chair and hoisted himself up. When Lumiath stood, Lucius' mouth fell open when he noticed the elf was missing his right foot. Despite the disability, Lumiath walked as gracefully as any elf, with the aid of the staff to support his weight.

  He walked over to a small hearth nestled in the wall directly behind the armchair. A black kettle hung on a lug pole over the fire and it began to whistle softly as Lumiath grabbed it. The seer leaned his staff on the mantle of the fireplace while balancing on his foot. He poured the steaming liquid into two teacups sitting on the mantle and then hung the kettle back onto the lug pole. Grasping both teacups in his left hand and the staff in his right, Lumiath walked over to them with little effort.

  "Please sit," Lumiath said, gesturing with his head to the rug on the floor.

  Siegfried and Lucius both sat on the rug cross-legged as the D'aryan exile handed them their tea.

  "I hope you enjoy ginger tea, Lucius," Lumiath said.

  "Oh, I love ginger tea, it's—" Lucius remembered to whom he was speaking. "You already know it's my favorite tea, of course."

  "Naturally." Lumiath sat in his wicker chair with an obnoxious grin on his face.

  "You implied my father is a heretic; tell me why," Siegfried demanded, unimpressed by Lumiath's sense of humor.

  "Lucius, tell me what you know about D'arya," Lumiath asked, plucking a flower from his chair and sniffing it.

  "Well, I know she was once the queen of all the elves and ruled with a gentle hand. She attained great power at a young age and through powerful magic became an eternal spirit. She guides all the elves who worship her." Lucius sipped his tea, unsure how the question was relevant to their father.

  "And the elves do worship her, as I once did. But herein lies the truth, my friends. D'arya is not a deity to be worshipped. I know it and your father knows it," Lumiath said, twirling the flower between his forefinger and thumb.

  "You speak heresy. My father does not believe that."

  "Are you so certain, Siegfried? Have you ever heard your father recite a song to D'arya like the other elves of Evingrad? Is he not always at odds in some way with the Cyngorell's decisions? Did he not, after all, send his sons on a perilous quest to find a seer who is despised for his peculiar views and an outcast to his own people?"

  Siegfried furrowed his brows tightly and looked into his teacup, deep in thought.

  Lucius could not remember a time when his father sang a song to D'arya or even attended one of the festivals held in her honor. And most of the heated debates within the Cyngorell were usually started by Helmer. Of course, Siegfried might know something to the contrary, since he knew their father for much longer, but his hesitation to answer the question surprised Lucius.

  "Siegfried, your father is a wise elf living amongst a people that has never really understood truth," Lumiath said.

  "And you understand truth?" Lucius set his teacup on the floor, losing his excitement for the hot drink.

  "I do, young Nostra. Let me enlighten the both of you in regards to D'arya," Lumiath said, tossing the flower in his hand aside. He leaned forward in the armchair with a stern expression on his face. "It is true that D'arya was a queen and that she acquired great power that elevated her to the likes of a demigod. However, there is not an elf alive in Azu
leah who knows from where she received this power."

  "Except for you." Siegfried glared at the seer, growing tired of his arrogance.

  "Me and your father, Siegfried," Lumiath corrected. "D'arya received her power from an all-powerful entity the elves have largely ignored for millennia. The power to become an immortal spirit was a gift to D'arya for her humility and charity, given by a higher being. The irony is D'arya herself does not want to be worshipped. Her role is that of a leader, pointing the elves toward a greater power who is worthy of worship."

  "What greater power?" Siegfried clenched his jaw muscles tight.

  "Yéwa," Lumiath whispered.

  Lucius' eyes widened at the sound of the name. He recalled everything he read earlier in the red scroll regarding Yéwa's role as Creator of all mankind, but the scroll contained nothing about D'arya. Siegfried stood up from the rug and walked slowly towards the door. He stopped short and stared out into the hallway, contemplating the significance of Lumiath's words.

  "Do you see this symbol, Lucius?" Lumiath pointed to the triquetra hanging from his silver necklace.

  "Yes, what about it?" Lucius asked. He scrutinized the symbol and noticed the triquetra in the center was gold, contrasting with the overlapping silver circle.

  "This symbol represents the triune entity known as Yéwa. He is creator, king, and spirit—Yéwa, Yesu, and Ysbryd. You already know this, Lucius. You've read the red scroll Helmer gave you."

  "I have read most of it, and I am troubled by the fact that King Yesu died in such a violent manner. I thought he was the son of Yéwa. How could he be killed by mere mortals, and why didn't his father save him?"