Brian Anderson - The Sword of Truth

A marble fireplace had been built at the far end of the hall, and two leather couches had been placed on opposite sides. A lutist strummed lightly from the near corner, enthralling the small crowd gathered around. Looking around the room, they found they were by no means over-dressed; lords and ladies in fine dress were everywhere, and scattered among them were at least a half-dozen elves. The barmaid showed them to their seats, and Harlondo ordered a bottle of wine for the table. Lee spotted who he assumed was the innkeeper talking to a group of three elves near the fireplace.

“The food here is excellent,” Harlondo declared after the wine arrived. “Lord Ganflin is very particular when it comes to cuisine.” He looked at Kaylia and smiled. “They even serve elven dishes, if you’d like.”

Kaylia looked surprised. “Really? I haven’t had mint roast lamb in a while. I wonder if they have it.”

“They do indeed,” he answered cheerfully. “It’s a favorite here. In fact, if your friends have never tried it, I must insist they join you.”

“Unfortunately, Dina and I must leave shortly,” Lee replied. “But I would appreciate it if you would have some sent to the manor for us.”

Harlondo looked a bit disappointed. “I am sorry you won’t be able to join us. But I will see to it that you both have a dish awaiting you. Might I ask why you must leave? The nights are quite entertaining here, especially when the elves start singing-such magnificent voices they have.”

“Nothing of consequence,” Lee answered dismissively. “But I must attend to it before morning-a nuisance really.”

“I understand.”

Lee excused himself and spoke briefly to the innkeeper. “We must go,” he said when he returned. “We’ll be back soon.”

“Take your time,” Gewey told him. “I think I’ll have a fine time right here.”

“If you’re delayed, I’ll see them back to the manor,” Harlondo promised. “I have a carriage outside.”

Lee nodded in thanks, and he and Dina took their leave.

Harlondo took the liberty of ordering for the group, and they listened to the lutist as they waited for their meal.

“Greetings, sister,” said a tall elf who had seen them from the fireplace. He was dressed in a green ruffled shirt and pants with black buttons and had a long knife at his side. “I’m Drantolis. I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

“Not at all,” Kaylia replied. “I’m Kaylia. This is Gewey and Harlondo.”

“Harlondo I know,” he said. “But you say you’re Kaylia? It is truly an honor to meet you.” He bowed low. “We have anticipated your arrival. Lord Broin says that Linis speaks very highly of you.”

“Is Linis here?” Gewey asked.

“No, I’m afraid not. He wanders the land, as Seekers do. We rarely see him. But Lord Broin sent word that you and the lovely Kaylia would likely come here. But where are your other companions?”

“Attending to some business,” Kaylia replied. She sounded uneasy.

Drantolis gave her a knowing look. “It’s strange the first time, speaking openly among humans. I still find it hard not to cloak myself. And the clothes are a bit difficult to get used to.”

Kaylia was suddenly aware of her all too human attire and blushed. “It is strange,” she agreed. “ Especially the clothing.”

The elf scrutinized Kaylia for a moment. “They certainly know how bring out the beauty in a woman though,” he said with admiration. “Please, join us once you’ve eaten. The rest of my kin will be excited to meet you.”

Kaylia nodded, and the elf politely excused himself. Gewey felt a familiar twinge of jealousy that Kaylia immediately picked up on.

“At least something good has come from this evening so far,” she observed.

“And what’s that?” Gewey asked, trying not to sound upset.

“You get to feel as I have during our trip,” she replied, looking satisfied.

Gewey looked confused. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“Don’t try to understand the fair sex, my lord,” laughed Harlondo. “It will only cause you grief. Just accept that they know more than you, and try to keep up as best you can.”

“Wise words,” Kaylia agreed with a smile.

The meal was very good. The mint lamb had a uniquely wholesome flavor that made Gewey think of spring.

More and more elves filed in as they ate, and he could tell by the wandering eyes that they had become a topic of discussion among both humans and elves alike.

When they had finished, Gewey was stuffed. He leaned back in his chair and sighed heavily.

“So what did you think of it?” Harlondo asked.

“As good as I’ve ever tasted,” Kaylia said, wiping the sides of her mouth with a napkin. “Thank you.”

Gewey only nodded and smiled with satisfaction.

“Wonderful,” Harlondo replied. “But if you will excuse me, I must attend to some business while I’m here. Looking after Lord Ganflin’s affairs takes constant vigilance. Might I suggest you join master Drantolis and his friends near the fireplace?” He rose to his feet. “I shall return shortly.”

Kaylia and Gewey went over by the fireplace where Drantolis and two other elf men sat on the couches talking.

“Good of you to join us,” said Drantolis as they all rose. “This is Pilianos and Salmitoris.” The elves nodded in turn. They were dressed much like Drantolis, and each wore a long knife at his hip. “It’s good of you to join us.”

“It’s our pleasure,” Gewey said. Suddenly, he felt two small hands at his lower back.

“You didn’t think you could keep the new arrivals all to yourself, did you?” came a woman’s voice.

“Allow me to introduce Lady Fritzina,” Drantolis said, gesturing toward the woman.

“Charmed,” she laughed as she slipped around Gewey and took his hand. “I hear you’re friends of Linis and his band. How exciting! He’s like some hero right out of a legend, wouldn’t you say?”

Lady Fritzina wore a fire-red gown that twirled easily around her feminine figure as she moved. Her red hair and silk gloves made Gewey think of the sirens his father had told him about as a boy. The stories of sailors being lured to their death by the sirens’ song always frightened him.

“Kaylia and Gewey are highly regarded by Linis,” Drantolis told her. “No doubt they are heroes in their own right if they traveled with such a worthy Seeker.”

Lady Fritzina looked intrigued. “Is that so?” she asked, eyeing Gewey with interest. “By all means, do tell us of your exploits. On the rare occasions Linis comes here, I have to ply him with drink all night before I can get a peep out of him. Perhaps you’ll be more forthcoming?”

Gewey gave her an embarrassed smile. “There’s really nothing to tell, Lady Fritzina. Most of my life has been spent on a farm.”

“Oh, do call me Zina,” she insisted. “Everyone does. You’re a commoner, you say? How delightful. Please sit next to me and tell me of life on the farm.” She sat on the couch and patted the spot next to her. “I’m always cooped up here in the city. I think it would be lovely to breathe fresh air for a change.”

Gewey timidly sat next to her. Kaylia looked none too happy as they all took a seat.

“Tell me, Lady Fritzina,” Kaylia began, purposefully using her full name. “How do you feel about the elves in your city?”

“I think it’s the best thing to ever happen to Althetas,” she replied. “Hopefully we can be an example to other cities.” She slid closer to Gewey. “Tell me, Gewey, how have you enjoyed our city so far?”

“It’s big,” Gewey blurted, nervously. “I mean, it’s very nice.”

“A man of action, not words,” Zina teased, wearing a mischievous smile. “I like that.”