Steven Burke - The Dark Tide

Adair gave the barman a wry smile and a genial wink. There was a loud crack and the guardian was gone. A silver blue mist swirled momentarily and then vanished. There was a collective sigh of relief at the abrupt departure. They all respected the guardians, but that did not mean that they liked being in their presence. The tavern came back to life as everyone picked up their conversations and games where they had left off. The only one who seemed to be concerned about what had just happened was Ofular. He had not moved and was still staring at the spot where the elemental had been just moments ago. He had a faraway look in his eye as though he was seeing something hidden.

***

Xuzien stood on the rocky island of Laikra watching the mist gather along the shore at Logan Bay. He was absent mindedly coiling up a rope he had used the night before to tie down his shelter. He glanced over his shoulder toward the west and saw black clouds billowing up from the sea, or so it seemed. That looks like a strong tempest that one. I hope I have not come out here for nothing…I do not want to get caught on this island of rock when that powerful storm hits. He was so consumed with his own thoughts that he did not notice the sudden appearance of the most powerful elemental right next to him. The usual cracking noise was drowned out by the noise of water crashing against the rock island.

“Xuzien…my old friend…how are you?” asked Adair loudly. The wind had picked up considerably as the storm neared the rocky island. The winds buffeted the two figures on the rocky surface of Laikra. Both had cloaks that billowed impressively around them as the wind hit with great ferocity.

“Master…how be ye?” asked an unafraid Xuzien. He eyed the guardian with his gray eyes and gave a half smile as he turned to face his guest. He was accustomed to the tempests along the western coast. He did not usually meet his master at such a hostile location. He knew that this meant something bad was happening and he was about to hear the pitch for taking part in one of Adair’s schemes.

“I am doing as well as can be expected during a time of war. I assume you know of the unrest in the heart of Tuwa?” asked Adair as he pulled his cloak closer to his muscular frame. The wind continued to swirl about them. Debris flew at them but never seemed to find its mark.

“So, an all-out war that involves practically every race and creature in all of Tuwa is considered unrest? The people of the east must have a different understanding of the common tongue than I. So, why am I graced with yer presence? It has been many years since ye last spoke to me…I am assuming that things are not going as well as ye would like.” His tone was respectful while ensuring that the guardian knew that he was in no way thrown off by his presence or the news of war. He wanted to make sure that Adair understood that he was in the know still. He had many sentient spies and almost everyone trusted him. That is why he was always so well informed about what was going on.

“Too right you are. The battle effort is rather precarious and I am going to have a difficult time keeping this violent confrontation from entering the west. However, I am here concerning a different matter.” He motioned to Xuzien to take a seat on some nearby rocks so that they could continue their discussion with support against the ever increasing winds. Again their cloaks billowed out once more as they marched toward the rocks.

“I do not understand…if ye are not here regarding the war, then what can I help ye with?” He was a little perplexed…he was sure that he would be recruited to fight for the guardians. His years of serving as a boundary warden usually got the attention of anyone entering a fight. Most sought his valuable services before any open conflict broke out.

“I feel that I am duty bound to make you aware of some things that have transpired during the course of my recent travels that may directly affect you. I, of course, am referring to your parents.” Uncomfortable silence followed this. That was the only area of his life that no one talked about. He did not talk about his parentage with anyone and no one was dumb enough to ever bring it up.

“What about them?” Xuzien asked sharply. His countenance fell considerably at the mention of his paternal units. He did not talk to anyone, except Adair, about his parentage. Even though the guardian was the exception to the rule, he was never pleased when talk turned to them.

“Well, for one thing, the druid council was reformed. They have found the seventh druid and will return to their full strength once more. However, Kana and her minions do not know this. I am concerned that they will hunt you because of the commonly held belief that you are the seventh druid.” Adair showed that he was clearly concerned. He knew all too well what Xuzien was capable of and so did anyone who knew him. It was logical, because of whom his parents are, to assume he was the final council druid.

“I haven’t seen me wretched parents in years…why would yer enemies think that I be the lost druid? Hold on…did ye say Kana? As in Mistress Kana of the guardian council…what in the ruddy hell is going on beyond these borders? Have ye lost control of everything over there?” The son of two druids stood up and began to pace. He was a most peculiar person because he was half dwarf and half elf. He was tall like an elf, but was extremely muscular like a dwarf. He had long brown hair that was braided neatly under his war helm. He had a long brownish red goatee that gave his tan features an edge. His uniqueness always made people feel uncomfortable at first sight; however, once they got to know him they became fiercely loyal to him.

“I have spoken to Lord Nariko and Lady Bernadine already about the precarious position you are in. They agreed with me that you should go to ground until this conflict is over. They are concerned for you Xuzien.” Adair knew that this declaration would not be received well; however, it was true and heartfelt. Time had proven to be a poison instead of a healing agent for Xuzien and his estranged parents.

“Right…like I believe that. Anyway, I will not be going into hiding…I’d much rather fight to protect the west from yer kind than hole up somewhere for who knows how long until ye get control of yer own kind again.” He definitely did not like the turn this visit had taken. He could do with a stiff drink after listening to such fallacies.

“Xuzien, I cannot compel others to do my bidding…you know that. However, Kana feels that she can and that she is destined to control all of Tuwa. She is no longer a member of the council and will be eliminated when this destructive conflict is over…you have my word on that.” He could sense the eternal anguish in Xuzien’s soul and he mourned for the torment he went through every day. He would never be accepted for who he was and he would never fully appreciate just how important he was. There was one very redeeming quality that this boundary warden possessed and that was an insatiable drive to be productive.

“Fine…what is it that ye wanted me to do?” Xuzien was becoming impatient with this unpleasant meeting. He did not like the reminder that he was the offspring of a forced relationship between two of the most revered druids. A druid is not to take a companion of another race, so when the dark lord tricked the two into breaking such sacred oaths, he was the result of their unnatural union. A dwarf and an elf had never before mated, so he was something of a novelty. However, this was not something Xuzien was particularly proud of.

“I would like you to guard a secret location for me. It is deep within the Mia Koda mountain range. You will need to use your magic to protect yourself from all intruders. Kana will be sending a wide variety of creatures and servants to retrieve something of importance. I cannot tell you what it is, but I will tell you that your job will be the most important of all the assignments given during this time of war. Can you still change shapes?” Adair was trying to make this meeting be all about business. He knew that Xuzien hated the reminder of who he was, so he had to try to keep this professional.