Markus Heitz - The Revenge of the Dwarves

Siblings! This explained why Tungdil had been struck by the similarity. It also made Rejalin’s attempt on the elf’s life all the more dreadful a crime.

Esdalan reported of his experiences in Alandur, about the new temples where the eoil was worshipped, about the white stones that stood for purity and that were to be erected in each of the kingdoms; he told them about the plans to bring death to those who had, in distress and crisis, gone along with the evil, like the people of Toboribor; he spoke of how the elves would take over in Girdlegard, dictating to the citizens and allowing them no voice of their own, as soon as they had the diamond in their hands.

The assembled monarchs listened in horrified silence.

“The atar consider themselves the purest of the pure and as purity’s champions as almost of the same status as the eoil. They want authority over all these lands, to be moral protectors. But they are no better than vicious blinded creatures, killing so many in their own ranks that all opposition was eradicated.” Esdalan swiveled round. His voice was unsteady now, choked with emotion. “And nobody saw. Not even I, her own brother. Now you all know. I beg you in the name of the dead of Alandur, executed by the atar: Prevent this. Stop them!” He took a step back and met his sister’s gaze.

Rejalin swallowed hard. His appearance here had thrown her.

Shocked silence reigned. Outside, soldiers’ voices could be heard and the normal sounds of the town: The clink of harness, the noise of hammers and tools, the footsteps of citizens going about their daily business.

“By all the good gods,” whispered Isika, laying her hand on Rejalin’s white one. “Say something! You must answer these accusations!”

Revolted by the touch, the elf-woman haughtily pulled away her hand and wiped it on her cloak. “What is there to say?” she said contemptuously. “It is true. We want to give Girdlegard the purity and morality it deserves. The eoil left us with this mission and we rejoice in fulfilling her wishes.” She watched the faces that surrounded her. “It will not be long now and our time will come. Then the wheat will be sorted from the chaff. The new seed grain will grow more gloriously than anything that has been seen before. Now it is out in the open I appeal to you all: submit to our test and show that you are free of guilt.”

“By Palandiell!” Queen Wey sprang forward. “How you have deceived me! You won my trust with falsehoods and empty promises in order to spy out my land!” She pointed an accusing finger. “Do you think that this confession will bring you a single supporter amongst these monarchs?”

“We knew you would react like this as soon as our good intentions to bring enlightenment and purity to Girdlegard became known. You cannot understand, Queen Wey.” Rejalin smiled forgivingly. “You are not yet ready.”

But Weyurn’s sovereign was too deeply wounded to be calmed by such words. “Do not dare to speak to me as if you were my mother!” she cried indignantly.

“But that is what we are. We are the mothers calling Girdlegard to order. For the good of all,” the elf princess attempted to explain. She stood up as if to go. “As so often with mothers, their actions are not understood by their disobedient children. Not until many cycles have passed and the seed of New Girdlegard has sprouted and grown will our efforts be acknowledged. Then shall we, the atar, and the wise teachings of the eoil be recognized and praised.”

Gandogar pushed in front of her, growling angrily. “Where are you off to, Rejalin? Face up to your responsibility. You have killed dwarves and humans.”

She looked at him in surprise. “We have eradicated beings that were not pure enough to exist in the new order. They were the chaff.” Her bodyguards fanned out into a protective line to shield her.

“And why the firstlings? What had those dwarves done to hurt you?”

“You poor pitiful high king, with no idea what is happening in your own empire,” she said. “It was a thirdling colony. Dwarf-haters. My spies were watching them and decided to act before they could carry out more evil deeds against you and any dwarves worthy of life.” She smiled. “Only a few of you will remain, I fear. You have many dwarf-haters in your ranks. You do not understand.”

“She is madder than I am,” murmured Ireheart. “We must not let her escape, Scholar. She will destroy Girdlegard instead of vanquishing the unslayables and their bastard freaks.”

Rejalin did not listen but strode off toward the entrance. The human monarchs were too confused by the revelations regarding the elf princess to know what to do.

But Gandogar did not move aside; he laid his hand on his cudgel. “You will stay here and answer for your deeds,” he demanded in a determined voice.

Esdalan came to his side. “It is over, sister. I have warned Girdlegard about your evil plans and intrigues. You can never prevail in open warfare.”

“And now, Highness?” Mallen moved over from the side. “You have brought death to too many. Including Alvaro, whose fears I was foolish to disregard. He was wiser than I.”

“If you had believed him you would have died, too.” She surveyed him from head to toe. “As it seems you are all united with this unpleasant person from the Outer Lands against me, I have no choice but to open your eyes.”

“You surely do not intend to wage war?” Ortger could not take this in, any more than could Isika. “I beg you…”

The elf-woman stared. “It is not your place to beg anything of me, young man. Whoever gets the diamond first will decide what happens in Girdlegard.” She gave a sharp nod.

One of her bodyguards drew his sword as quick as lightning and made to thrust it into Esdalan’s body.

But Gandogar had not missed a thing. His cudgel flew out to deflect the blade. The elf, however, followed through and struck the king in the chest as he tried to protect Esdalan.

The elves and Rejalin hurried out of the assembly. Suddenly, one of her guards turned round with a rapid arm movement and something whirred toward Esdalan.

Ireheart grabbed up a small stool and hurled it to intercept the knife that had been thrown. It fell harmlessly in the corner. In the meantime the princess made her escape.

“Let her go,” said Mallen, seeing Goda setting out after her. “You would stand no chance against them.” He rushed out and they heard him giving hasty orders. Horses whinnied and riders cantered off. The prince returned to the assembly. “My men will cut them off and hold them.” He turned to Flagur. “We may be needing your warriors sooner than we thought. But not to attack the creatures of Tion.”

Isika stood up. “I know when I have made a mistake,” she admitted with humility. Recent events had changed her mind. “I would ask the dwarf people and Tungdil Goldhand to forgive me. The elves’ skill in deception is too perfect. Without you this unthinkable plan would never have come to light. For this my heartfelt thanks.” She looked at all the kings and queens. “I do not exaggerate when I say that once again we are indebted to the dwarves.”

Tungdil was supporting Gandogar, who for some reason was having trouble staying on his feet. Ireheart helped him. “Gandogar, what’s wrong? Did the sword get you in the ribs?” He checked the armor: there was a scratch and slight dent.

“That’s what I call good dwarf armor,” said Boindil proudly.

Gandogar’s eyes rolled back in his head. He tried to speak but his knees gave way and his arms hung limply by his sides.

“Quick, put him on the table,” instructed Lot-Ionan. “Let me see to him.”

They picked the high king up and stretched him out on the conference table. The dwarves took off his breastplate and the magus inspected where the impact had been.