“They all must die like the vermin they are.” The sound echoed for several seconds. The speaker was short, barley five feet tall, but extremely wide in the shoulder. He was almost as wide as he was tall, with flaming red hair, which flowed out from under a silvery crown. Light continually sparkled from the many gemstones that were embedded within the crown as he spoke. The gems alone could ransom any king, no matter the race.

  The crown was made of neither silver nor gold. Such common metals would never be placed upon the brow of Daka-Kon, the High King of the dwarves. Mitheral was what made this crown different from any other. He wore a full beard that was intricately braided to show his status. Even braided as it was, the beard nearly reached his belt. Hard black eyes could be seen peering out from under his bushy eyebrows, which showed no emotion as he spoke.

  He quickly scanned the chamber as he waited for the echo effect to end.

  There were fifteen other dwarves in the chamber, along with sixteen elves. It had always been this way between the two races, both having the same number present during council.

  “They breed like rats.” He continued.

  This particular council chamber was the dwarfs’ favorite. He had picked this one for the hypnotic echo effect. He had mastered the magic of the chamber over two hundred years before. No one else was able to reproduce the effect. In reality, even if they knew the secret, no one would want to. This was the Kings chamber, and no one spoke here unless the king allowed them to.

  At the correct pitch, volume and a proper stutter, his voice could sound like thunder. It could also be lowered to a whisper that could pierce the very soul of a listener and cause the whole body to reverberate with every word. Several hundred different possibilities were available to the dwarf, each to match the emotion he wanted the listener to feel. His Great Grand Father, with a little bit of his own subtle magic, had built this chamber. That magic was passed down to him, from his father. Upon learning the secrets of the chamber, he had locked himself in and did not come out until he had become master of the room. The chamber was over a hundred paces wide and arched into a high dome, far beyond the light of any torch or lantern.

  “The atrocities they committed are unspeakable. But we must acknowledge them, for they do exist.” The dwarf pointed to the only human within the chambers and continued. “They took our kin!”

  He paused briefly and lowered his voice slightly “Your kin, and twisted their dark magic around them in vile experiments.”

  He again raised his voice, to match that of thunder. “Many died at this torture. Yes, there were a few survivors, if you can call that surviving.”

  The word “surviving” echoing several times as he carefully chose his next words. “The human magi that we were able to captured spoke with horrifying fascination of the outcome of these experiments.” The dwarf’s voice grew even louder. “They enjoyed inflicting this unspeakable torture upon our brothers.”

  He lowered his voice to a mere whisper. “They twisted our brothers into vile and evil creatures. To become slaves and do their evil work. I have seen with my own eyes the corruption they created. The wanton destruction these vile creatures inflict at their command is enough to condemn any who were involved.”

  His voice rose to a crescendo “Again, I say unto all those who hear my voice, they all must DIE!”

  He once again scanned the chamber. Many of his kin were nodding their heads furiously in agreement. He also noticed that one or two of the elves were doing likewise.

  After the echo ceased, the silence was ominous. It was custom that no one spoke except when spoken to and then only briefly to make their point. Then silence followed, to ponder that which was said. The only exception, were for the High King and the First Elf, for custom said that no one silences “The King”.

  The First Elf sat patiently listening to his old friend Daka-Kon. For over a thousand years the elves had watch the dwarves as they first emerged from deep inside the mountain. The elves had come to investigate mysterious lights that lit up the night for several cycles of the moon and then the lights vanished and a massive explosion ripped the mountains apart. Two cycles of the seasons later and the dwarves began to emerge from the tunnels.

  The First Elf had to admit that Daka-Kon was the finest king among them. He had always been amused by his name. Translated it was “never failing edge of the blade”. And the dwarf had lived up to his name admirably. When Daka-Kon would lead his clan into battle, they were always victorious.

  The First Elf casually rose up off of his cushion and brushed his robes smooth. He was six feet in height and slender of build. He had no facial hair, but the hair of his head cascaded over the front of his shoulders coming down to mid chest and was the color of newly fallen snow. His face was thin and well defined with high cheekbones, and a slight narrow nose. When he spoke it was light and melodic, almost like a song. Yet it cut through the air like the pealing of a bell. It was in stark contrast from the dwarf that just spoke, with his deep harsh voice, one could almost say that it was guttural. The robe that the elf wore was a shimmering pearly white that gently brushed the floor, yet there was no dust or stain upon the garment nor did the hem show any sign of wear. The stance he took gave him a regale look that was most impressive. With his arms folded inside the flared sleeves of his robe, he stood in silence as if to collect his thoughts.

  “Friend Daka-Kon,” he started looking straight at the dwarvan High King. “Your point is well deserved. I will agree that the atrocities committed during this long struggle were indeed horrific.” He looked at the other dwarves. “And those responsible must be brought to justice according to law and custom. But I must object to your suggestion.” A look of disbelief came over the face of every dwarf as he continued, “If we were to kill all the humans, will that make us any better than those who brought this endless war to our borders.” He paused briefly to judge the reaction of the dwarves and then continued, “Those who started this War of the Shadow, are dead.”

  The High King was so predictable. The First Elf could read his face like a book. He could see his anger slowly rise up as the First Elf continued to present an argument against everything that the dwarf had said. “What of those who helped stop this madness? What of those who you call friend? Nara, son of Tama-Car saved your life, and that of your son. Would you repay him by killing his children? Would you drink their blood, just to satisfy your anger?”

  He looked into the eyes of Daka-Kon. The elf was surprised, for he could see remorse there. As much as any dwarf was able to, which was little more than the east wind. But it was there. He had seen that look only once before in those eyes. “I would say nay, you would not. However, I do have a proposal.”

  The First Elf turned and looked at Tama-Car, War Leader of the free people, and the only one of his race present. He wore robes as well, but of human design. The color was that of black cherries and trimmed in black fur. He wore a belt as wide as his hand, which was made for death and honor. There was death from the sword, which would hang gracefully from silver chains, and honor from the long knife that balanced the belt from the opposite side.

  Si-Ko, or ‘honor blade’ could be used alone in ritual combat, to defend against the evil spoken by ones enemy, or in combat, to parry sword thrusts, which could be just as deadly as clever lies.

  During the war, the short blade adopted a new purpose, to take one’s own life, and prevent the perversion that would come from the dark magic used on the wounded or captured. The belt was empty at the moment, for no weapon entered the Chamber of Council.

  He appeared to be about forty years, but time had been good to him. When the birds begin to sing the songs of spring, Tama-Car will have seen seventy winters.

  Even though he stood alone and unarmed, he was formidable and imposing being broad of shouldered with a barrel chest and arms that nearly matched the dwarves in size. Standing at six and a half-foot, he wore a full beard that was neat and well trimmed with a just a hint of gray. His hair, though graying at the temples, was light brown and short compared to the other races, just touching his shoulders. His eyes were the color of burnt charcoal, alert and taking in all that was said with a scare that barely missed his eye and crossed his cheek. A reminder of a battle long past. If the call made by Daka-Kon for his extermination concerned him, he gave no sign. He stood there unmoving, with the inner strength of a mountain, and the calm of a gentle spring breeze.

  “The evil artifacts that our enemy created has fallen into our hands. They are now warded with Elven magic.” The First Elf then looked directly into the eyes of Tama-Car. “They were created by man. So the obligation falls upon man to be the guardian. But they must also be kept from man, or this evil will once again return and try to destroy us. Would you agree upon this Tama-Car?”

  Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

  Tama-Car returned his gaze without blinking. The elf was amazed. ‘This is the first human that can hold my gaze and not falter.’ He thought to himself. After a brief second the human bowed his head in similitude and said, “Yes master, I agree.”

  The elf smiled slightly and thought of the irony. He felt more an equal to this man than a master. When the War of the Shadow started between the races, a small group of humans defied their king by declaring themselves ‘Free’. To fight the ternary and oppression of their former king, the leader of this pitiful band presented himself before the First Elf and swore fealty. That was the great-great grandfather of Tama-Car. ‘Well, to be honest,’ he thought. ‘There could be a few more greats added in there, but to what purpose.’ No one would have believed that from this meager group, and the few stragglers that would occasionally be found, could form an army that would stand up and rival that of the Dwarvan Kingdom.

  Tama-Car had come forward to lead a new army into battle, and for the first time during the war, human fought against human, with devastating results. And for the first time in many years, the combined might of the Dwarvan and Elven armies were able to retake the offensive.

  The elf then turned and looked at the Dwarvan High King and said, “I also feel that the Human Nation must come to an end.”

  Before the elf could continue Daka-Kon jumped to his feet and roared out, “Yes, now you see. We must put an end to the humans.” All sense of diplomacy was gone.

  “No Daka-Kon, you misunderstand Me.” the First Elf quickly said. “The Human Nation must come to an end. Not the human race.”

  The elf could see confusion written on the faces on many of the dwarves. He had to admit that he enjoyed doing this. The look on those faces could brighten the day of any elf.

  He quickly added, “No one person should have complete control over the human race. Therefore, I propose that the humans who survived this terrible war, be divided by family into groups. And one person be appointed to rule over each group.”

  The elf could see that the High King was thinking fast and that a sly smile was slowly forming behind his thick beard.

  The elf turned once again toward the human. “Speak your heart Tama-Car.”

  The war leader of the free humans held his gaze for a full minute. Finally, he again bowed his head. “Yes Master, I agree, no one man should hold such power. We must find several men that are stout of heart and have great compassion, at the same time, unbending resolve within their soul. But who would want such a burden. Where do we look for men such as this?”

  There was almost laughter in his voice when the elf spoke again. “We have to look no farther than to you Tama-Car.”

  “I would say nay, master. I do not wish for such a responsibility.”

  “Tama-Car, you are too humble.” The elf began again. “You are a great leader among men. And I fear that we shall not see another with such greatness for many generations to come. I am speaking of your sons.”

  There was a slight pause and with noted hesitancy he responded. “Master, I dare not speak for my sons. For what you ask is a heavy burden. You and the mighty Daka-Kon know how great that burden will become. I must request that my sons join us in council. For they alone must make this decision.”

  The light silvery voice of the First Elf spoke again. “You are wise beyond your years, Tama-Car. I agree that your sons must join us in council.” He turned once again to the High King. “What say you old friend?”

  The dwarf sat there, staring up into the darkness of the chamber for a long time. There was amusement in the harsh voice of the dwarf when he finally spoke. “I will agree to divide the humans, but only if the sons of Tama-Car agree to rule and heed the council given by their father. He must help guide them in the ways of leadership.”

  The dwarf was silent for a moment and looked at Tama-Car as if waiting his assent.

  The human returned his gaze without blinking, and then nodded.

  The dwarf continued, “In the generations to follow when they feel a need for conquest.” He paused briefly, then shaking his head. “Which, I know they will. They can conquer and kill each other. They must be scattered throughout the entire world.” He stopped suddenly and thought for a moment. “They must also be forbidden from entering into the lands that are sacred. Neither I, nor my kin will stand by and see vermin defile the Krage and Mount Culate”

  “Then we are agreed.” The elf turned to Tama-Car. “Prepare your sons and present them before this council on the morrow at high sun.”

  “I agree with Daka-Kon, Master. Those lands that are sacred must be safeguarded. I will tell my sons of the council’s wishes and prepare them for the morrow.”

  “Very well,” The elf turned back to the High King. “I would ask HarLoch, Clan of the Heart Stone, to prepare a new resting place for the dark artifacts.” Daka-Kon’ eyes narrowed slightly at this but the elf continued. “I see that the High Desert of Odar as the proper place for this evil. What say you Daka-Kon?”

  The High King sat silently for several moments. Finally he spoke, “That waste land seems appropriate.” There was a brief pause. “The HarLoch will not like this request and may refuse.”

  “It will be but a short time, perhaps fifty years. I will ensure that they be well compensated for their loyalty to this council if they agree to this task.”

  “I will talk with my brother. He might be persuaded for the right incentive.”

  “Let him know that if his clan is successful in all things and the work is to the highest standards, I will pull back boarders of our lands and leave the mountains. He and his clan will be gifted these lands. I know there is much wealth to be found in the valleys we hold. I have seen his face when he last visited our mountain home.”

  “Yes, he has talked to great length about what he suspects are hidden in a certain valley. With that offered, I am sure that he will readily agree to do the bidding of this council.”

  “Have the Clan find a suitable place, once they arrive within the Odar. They will know what is needed. When they build, have them place the magic of the Dwarves into the very rock itself. I will then add my own magic as needed.” He paused briefly, as he looked around the chamber. “Let them with concerns, now speak.”

  “Master, I would speak.”

  “Tama-Car, the council will hear your words.”

  “Rock, stone, magic, and a waste land will not be enough to guard us against this evil.”

  “What do you propose, Tama-Car?”

  “As it was said earlier, man must be the guardian of this evil. One of my sons must take a greater burden than the others and have the responsibility of becoming the Guardian, then pass it on to his sons for all time. I would not see this curse upon any of my sons. But it must be, for there is no other way.”

  The First Elf was nodding in agreement. “I will agree with you Tama-Car. One of your sons must take up this burden. Who do you name as guardian of this evil?”

  There was pain etched upon the human’s face. “I don’t know master. I must take this problem before the High Lord of all and plead for His guidance.”

  “A wise choice,” the elf was again impressed by the wisdom of this human. “If there be further concerns, let them now be heard.” He slowly looked around the chamber. There were no indications from those present. Finally he spoke again. “There are no further concerns brought before this council. We shall depart from this council in brotherhood, and rejoice when we meet again in friendship.”

  Tama-Car waited five heartbeats and then followed his master out of the chamber. The First Elf led the way to the guest suites that had been set aside for his exclusive use. As he approached, the doors opened on their own accord and then close after Tama-Car passed through.

  “You have learned patients well.” A soft musical voice said, piercing the human to his very soul.

  “I have had a masterful teacher.” Tama-Car laughed softly, “Sometimes I thought that you tormented me on purpose and I hated you for it. But I knew that it was for a good cause.”

  “Dwarves are not subtle; they would have destroyed you and your sons if you had responded in any way to his insults.”

  The elf glided to a low table that had an elegant tea service laid out and gracefully lowered himself upon a cushion and motioned to the large man to follow.

  “Pour us some tea, Tama.” The elf said as he waved his hand and two chimes on the table began to ring in perfect harmony with each other.

  Being mindful not to make any noise as he poured the steaming liquid, Tama-Car thought back over the years and marveled at how long it had taken to accomplish this simple feat. It was a simple thing like pouring tea that frustrated him. An elvish child could manage the task before their fifth year of life, yet it had taken far longer for his body to learn the delicate movements. The First elf had insisted that he must be able to control his actions with tea before he could be trusted with a sword.

  The elf sat there in silence with his eyes closed, meditating on the harmonious tone. Once the tea was poured, Tama-Car gently taped a third chime with one of his fingernails sending an accenting resonance to the ear that had a surprising calming effect to the listener.

  The elf lifted the cup to his lips and gingerly took a sip. ‘Ah, perfect as it should be.’ He thought to himself. He closed his eyes again holding the cup in one hand inhaling the sweet aroma of the tea, waiting until the chimes were again silent.

  “There are many here that would like to see your entire race exterminated for what has been done.”

  “I know master, and because of the oaths that we entered into, we would be powerless to stop them.”

  “Yes, and that is why my argument was a comparison between the suggested action and the En Arra. It would be unseemly if the elder races were to lower themselves to the level of a barbarian.”

  The First Elf took another drink from his cup and placed it back on the table before speaking again.

  “Instruct you sons well tonight, for if any emotion escapes them tomorrow, it could destroy everything that we are working for.”

  “I will master.”

  “I sense that there is more you want to say.”

  “There is something that concerns me master. Nara lead a strike force into the heart of the black citadel, there he confronted a young mage of considerable power. This mage made a wall of force that felt like stone from nothing. Once the fighting was over, he had the bodies searched and the mage was not among the fallen.”

  “I feared as much. There were several books that were found to be missing when my guard entered the inner library. Only someone trained in the arts could have entered there and removed the books. I will tell only you this, I believe that it was an apprentice and not a full magi. I felt each one of them as they died on the wall while they were trying to find and corrupt the Ring of Elders. It was their sacrifice in the end that made it possible to burn away the defenders of the wall. I felt a weaker presence nearby when the last one was burned away; unfortunately, he was not linked so there was no way to prevent that person from leaving. I believe that this was the one that you speak of. We will continue the search for him. Now go and prepare your sons for tomorrow’s council.”

  Tama-Car gracefully stood and bowed towards his master and said, “I will meet with them on the morrow at the setting of the second watch, for tonight I must meditate and seek guidance from the High Lord.”

  The First Elf just nodded his head both in approval and as permission to leave his presence.