Excerpt

Fovom Quickfoot of the Gardentree in the Evered Forest awoke abruptly.

His dream was distressful, leaving him disoriented. He called for his adjutant and Famil Greenbush hurriedly answered the summons. Stepping into the bedchamber, Famil instantly noticed the anxiety twitching the Elfmasters face. A quick glance around the room failed to reveal the cause of the unease.

"What is it, Sire?" he asked.

"Tragic news, I fear," Fovom answered in a subdued voice. "The Sorcerer has Faded."

"The Sorcerer Faded? How can it be?"

"I do not know, Famil. Yet, I think it so. My dream indicated as much, as did his words this month."

"The Sorcerer was here? I was not aware of his arrival."

"He wanted the visit to remain a secret. Only I was to know. That is why he shook me awake without disturbing either the guards or you. When he spoke, there was an urgency to his voice not there during our previous discussions, as if he knew how limited his time was."

"What direction did the conversation take, Fovom?"

"The Sorcerer warned of the Night Creatures and how aggressive they are under their new leader. Worse, although he never said so directly, he hinted the Beast now possesses the Black Stone of Enmity. Nevertheless, the implication was there."

"The Black Stone? Great good! What are we to do? Without the Red Stone to help us, we lack protection against the dark Magic."

"Quiet, Famil. Do you wish everyone to know our plight? My son will find our Stone. Only time will tell if Fullio succeeds in bringing it here. Meanwhile, we can only do as the Sorcerer suggested."

"Which is?"

"For starters, prepare to do battle. Tomorrow you will spread the word, not only to the tall Elves, but so too our neighbors north and south. As of this moment, begin rationing supplies and make sure nothing is wasted. The siege will be bloody and horrid when it comes. Many refugees will be fleeing the Creatures. We must prepare for the tending of the wounded and the arming of the able. I will leave instructions with my eldest as to how to go about doing it."

"Leave instructions? Is your intent to leave the Forest? Where will you go and for how long?"

"Ease your concern, my venerable friend. Your sage consul has served me well over the years, as it did my father. I do not wish to go, especially with trouble approaching. But the Sorcerer's words made it clear I am needed elsewhere."

"What did he say?"

"That I should I travel to the Golden Caverns and speak with the Dwarves there," said Fovom, his voice conveying his reluctance.

The Elfmaster hesitated before continuing.

How could he explain the Sorcerer's message in terms Famil would accept? Had his dream not been so vivid, he would question the need to follow the instructions given him. He had no desire to leave the Evered Forest, not with so many issues needing his attention. Yet the Sorcerers visit demanded he meet with the Selected or accept the consequences of his inaction.

"The Golden Caverns?" Famil queried quietly, interrupting the Elfmaster's thoughts. "Surely you jest. What possible concerns do we share with those Dwarves?"

"I wish I knew. Aside from the Sorcerer telling of someone approaching from afar, I understand no more than you, Famil. He said it is vital I meet this one. For what purpose, I do not know."

"Who is he?"

"Again, I do not know. The very same questions teased my thoughts during the Sorcerer's appearance, none of which he answered to my satisfaction. I know only of his visit and the strange vision just ended."

"Describe your dream to me."

"An ugly one it was, Famil, a vision murky in image and substance. In it, two great beasts were fighting. One was dark and savage, the other bright and nimble. I cannot say how long the struggle went on. It seemed over soon after started, yet continued forever, much like some dreams do. Neither beast could better its opponent. In the end, both combatants vanished within a blinding flash, the source of which lay beyond my perception."

"How does the dream tie in the Sorcerer with the events you spoke of earlier?"

"He was the paler beast, of this I am sure. That is why I believe him Faded. He warned of the possibility during his visit. Back then, I wanted to discount his words. Now I accept them as fact, for my vision revealed as much."

"I disagree, Elfmaster. I do not believe such an ambiguous dream is sufficient reason for leaving the Forest."

"But I must. The Sorcerer directed me to visit the Dwarves if I suspected his Lightspan had ended. He said the Selected would need my advice, as I would his. Were I less certain of his Fading, I would not go."

"But the evidence is too vague to arrive at such a conclusion."

"Yes, but portentous nonetheless. For I immediately realized what the dream signified upon awakening. We have lost a revered friend, Famil. I cannot go against his last edict by snubbing the one he wants me to meet. Even if it means journeying to the Golden Caverns."

"If you insist on going, then I will join you."

"No, you are to stay and help Fram carry out my instructions. My son will need your advice. Besides, you will only slow me down. Your many years of wisdom will serve us better here. Pardon me, my friend, but it must be this way. Do you concur?"

"Your tone suggests uncertainty concerning your return."

"Even in the best of times, it is a dangerous journey I undertake. As you know, the Dwarves do not take kindly to Elves, especially tall ones from the Evered Forest. Nor will the Humans whose territory I must cross to get there. Many perils await my steps. My hope is they will not be walked in vain."