"I now present to you Loremaster Jyhazen Silversong from the elven lands of Vinequa're far to the north." The innkeep Galin says with excitement as he scans the packed common room of the Sleeping Wyvern. After much applaud accompanied by stomping, thrumping, whistling, and hooting, the crowd grows silent in response to the faint plucking of strings as Jy tunes to his ear pressed to the worn polished wooden lute. Slowly, he raises his head to peer out through his long brown hair to see the crowd's astonished reaction to the faint drumming of galloping hooves growing in cresendro as they approach. With a calming breath to hide his excitement, he begins to softly weave his story....
The Princess Elara
Chapter 1: The Announcement
The sun was beginning its slow ascent into the morning sky, the animals were all waking up from their night's sleep. A slight tremble could be felt coming from the east in the direction of the rising sun. The animals all tensed waiting to see what approached. The trembling grew stronger until the earth seemed to buckle under their paws. Still nothing could be seen, and then a slight cloud of dust over the nearest hill betrayed the tremble, two riders were approaching and were just now cresting the hill. Animals scurried here and there to avoid the horses on their mad dash through the grove.
Thundering hoof beats roared through the grove as the riders were there one second and gone the next! The animals instinctively came out of their hiding places and watched the riders go off to the west with an excited pace. This happened every morning.
If anyone knew who had just rode by he or she would have taken pause. But hardly any other human being ever saw these two during their rides. They departed early and returned late.
Sir Telgotten always rode a few lengths behind his lady, partly out of respect and partly because he loved to watch her hair billowing in the wind. This morning she had called for him earlier than usual, he knew something was wrong since she didn't say much to him this morning. She just mounted her horse and spurred her out of the courtyard. Telgotten had to hurry to catch up with her in the meadow.
Princess Elara was the fairest woman in the Kingdom of Ackerley. She was a breath of fresh air to anyone that met her. With her dazzling blue eyes and her long golden hair. She could hold any man in her trance just by looking into his eyes. Her hair was the color of liquid gold, she wore her hair up and away from her face. Her skin was soft and dark from much time spent in the sun, riding.
When she came of age she took to loving horses, she was always in the stables talking with the stable boys. But she really shined when she rode, she could ride faster than most by the time she was thirteen, she loved to ride, it gave her freedom from the boredom of banquets and ballroom dancing. On her horse, which she named Dreamseeker, she was in control; no one could tell her what to do. On her rides she was untouchable for two reasons, Dreamseeker was almost the fastest horse in the kingdom and Sir Telgotten was always by her side, her sworn protector.
Sir Telgotten was born to a poor family on the fringes of the kingdom. Growing up he learned to farm and tend livestock from his Father. His secret ambition had always been swordplay. When he was young he would go into the woods and pretend he was fighting brigands and thieves with his sword. He always won! One day while venturing through the woods he happened on a small camp of a Knight from the castle of King Seth, (Elara's father). The knight took kindly to the scrappy young Telgotten; he liked his adventurous spirit. He took Telgotten on as his squire. He told Telgotten that if he paid good attention that he would be a Knight someday. Telgotten never even said good-bye to his parents, he went with Sir Calvin that day and never looked back to the farm again.
Telgotten grew up strong and fast, he learned everything he could from Sir Calvin, and still practiced rigorously on the side. Soon he was the best squire in the kingdom and when it came to the squire contests he always bested his peers.
When Telgotten was blessed with Knighthood he was immediately brought before the king and given his first assignment as a Knight. Guard the Kings only daughter, Elara. Telgotten secretly was appalled by this mission, he had trained for ten years to become a Knight and his job would be to guard a spoiled rotten brat that was probably ugly and would treat him like dirt.
His mind changed immediately upon meeting Elara. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. He fell in love with her the first time he saw her. He knew that if his feelings were ever discovered he would most likely lose his knighthood or possibly his life. He always kept a level head around her trying not to let his feelings show.
Years passed and they rode almost every day. The King had chosen wisely a protector for his daughter. Telgotten was probably the only Knight that could keep up with Elara. They talked about everything, Elara felt comfortable around Telgotten, he was only four years older, but he didn't treat her like a child which everyone else seemed to do. They would ride to the mountains and watch the sunset, or to the river and the waterfalls and just sit and enjoy the scenery and each other's company.
Telgotten only had to draw his sword once in defense of Elara. The two went to the marketplace one day to see the local harvest; dressed in their riding clothes no one recognized the Princess and her escort. A man began to harass the Princess; when he tried to grab her arm he was struck swift and hard across the cheek. The man fell sideways and pulled out a short sword. Sir Telgotten knew the man was no match for him in combat but the man would not put his sword away. Telgotten drew his bastard sword; the man lunged in trying to strike at the stomach. Telgotten easily dodged and warned the man to put his weapon away. The man, his pride hurt, would have none of that. He made the final attack of his life when he swung wildly at Telgotten, again Telgotten sidestepped the man went by off balance, when he regained his balance and turned to face his attacker Telgotten's sword was buried deeply into the man's chest. The man opened his mouth in a soundless cry and died.
Telgotten explained his actions to the King and that he had warned the man. The King was so relieved Elara was safe he didn't punish Telgotten.
So this morning Telgotten was riding, trying to figure out what could be bothering Elara. It was her seventeenth birthday today. So Telgotten thought she would be in better spirits. What could be bothering her?
They rode on, most of the day until they reached the mountains. Telgotten took the lead and guided her up to their rocky overhang. They had spent many an evening here looking over the kingdom and at the clear night sky. When they finally stopped Elara had tears streaming down her face and ran to Telgotten and wrapped her arms around him and sobbed into his chest.
Telgotten slowly pulled her away, and held her face in his hands. He looked deeply into her deep blue eyes. Gently brushing the tears away with his thumbs. He wanted to kiss her right then, but he refrained. Knowing something was bothering her and not wanting to add to her problems. He slowly asked her," What is on your mind my lady?"
"My Father treats me like a tool, for his kingdom!" she said through renewed tears.
"Calm down Princess, tell me what has the King done?" he said.
"He has chosen my Husband for me, all he could say was that it was good for the kingdom! He never once asked me how I felt!" she exclaimed.
Telgotten was taken aback, he knew this day would come but he never prepared himself for it. All he could think about was how he could stay by her side. And how empty his life would be without her. "Who is the doomed man?" He said, trying and failing to make a joke.
"Prince Tezrim of Straushire, I have met him once, and I didn't like him. He seemed shifty, not to be trusted." She sobbed.
Telgotten stiffened at the mention of the man's name. He knew who Tezrim was, he had heard of his cruelties to the peasants, and how he treats his women like slaves. Telgotten knew that this would not end well, he could feel it. "What do you plan to do my lady?"
"I shall run away! Far from here and my Father and his ways. Away from Prince Tezrim and his cold embrace." She said sounding more and more like a child.
Telgotten knew she was telling the truth, she was no coward. He had to think of a way to dissuade her from this course of action. If she left it would be a reason for Straushire to go to war with Ackerly. Thousands would die, Telgotten decided on a plan of action that would be dangerous but was the only way he could see to make this good for his beloved Princess and the Kingdom he served.
He looked deeply into her eyes, he was breathless, fading sunlight was catching her eyes in such a way; she was more beautiful to him at this moment than at any other. His plan was set into motion then and there. He was right when he thought it would not end well, but this was his Princess, his Elara. "You will marry him, my lady, but you will not be with him long" he said, while holding her shoulders.
"What are you talking about!" She said getting angrier by the second.
"Would I ever put you in harms way?" Telgotten asked.
"No…" she said casting her eyes down, embarrassed. She knew he would not. She knew Telgotten had hated killing the man in the market, but he had not thought twice about it; when the man had threatened her. She often wondered what would have happened had her Knight not been there; she always shuddered when she thought of that.
"Trust me" is all he said, and took her into his arms and held her until her crying stopped. They spent the rest of the evening watching the stars, and talking of anything they could think of.
Chapter 2: The Wedding
The rest of the month passed much the same as the months before. The only exception was the preparations for the wedding. Elara spent many days being made ready for marriage, and getting her affairs in order. During these times Telgotten was not seen often, except by the stable boys, in the mornings when he would fetch his warhorse Talia. He would not say where he was going but when he returned Talia was always tired.
King Seth was pleased with his daughter's sudden change of heart about the arranged wedding. He guessed that Telgotten had spoken some sense into her. Elara was never told what Telgotten's plan was but she trusted him immensely, she knew he would know what to do.
The time had come for the wedding. It was to be held at the Ackerly castle. Thousands were in attendance. People came from miles around to see the wedding. Telgotten was in attendance as part of the honor guard. He was dressed in his full field plate armor. With the faceplate closed, no one could see the tears that ran down his solemn face through the whole ceremony.
To this day in the land of Ackerly legends abound about Elara on the day of her wedding. It is said the gods were jealous of her beauty that day. She wore a simple white gown, the same that her Mother before her wore. Ah but her Mother never looked half as good as Elara looked in that gown.
Tezrim was dressed in his princely robes of state and had a look of satisfaction on his face. He looked at Elara as a prize or a possession. Telgotten knew that Tezrim couldn't love Elara the way she deserved to be loved. The way he could love her.
After the ceremony Elara looked everywhere for Telgotten but he was nowhere to be found. No one knew where he had gone. Elara cried when she danced with her new husband.
At that very moment, miles west of the castle, Telgotten sat on the rocky ledge that had been their place. He knew they would never share this spot again. He drank from the bottle of wine he had taken from the ceremony. In the moonlight a single tear could be seen running down his face, he didn't stop it. He sat, stared at the stars and reminisced about their talks and times together. He couldn't get the sight of her face out of his mind; he would never forget her face.
Chapter 3: The Sealing of Fate
Days grew dark after the wedding. Tezrim denied Elara's wishes to have Telgotten be her personal protector. Stating that his Knights would be protection enough for her. "You cannot do this, he has been my guardian since I was ten years old!" she said sternly.
"I am your Husband and the Prince of Straushire! I can do whatever I want, and you will obey me. He will go back to Ackerly." He said dismissing her like a subject.
"He will not go! He will protect me no matter what you say!" she said.
"Your quite taken with him aren't you. I'm surprised, a lowly Knight like him, from a poor family. What could you possibly see in him?" he said turning to look at her over his shoulder.
"I'm not surprised you don't understand my feelings for him. You know nothing of compassion. All you know is yourself and what you can gain from other people's pain…" she said through tears of anger.
Tezrim spun on his heel quickly and let his hand fly; it caught Elara squarely on the chin. She fell to her knees and looked up at him and said with as much courage as she could muster, "I will tell him this, and he will kill you slowly for it."
Tezrim left the room without looking back. Elara stared through the window and wondered where Telgotten was. She had only seen him once since her wedding. She knew his heart was broken, she hoped he knew she could never love Tezrim.
The next day while riding through the forest with two of Tezrim's Knights they were suddenly attacked. While going through a clearing, logs suddenly fell into the trail in front of the riders. Elara being an expert rider reigned Dreamseeker in short of the logs. The two Knights weren't as quick and were thrown from their mounts. Before they could get on their feet a dark robed man was upon them. The attacker kicked both men hard in the head, until they stopped moving. He then pulled in the reigns on Dreamseeker, before Elara could get away. He then removed his hood, and as soon as Elara saw his long, brown hair, she knew her guardian was back in her life. Telgotten smiled and pulled her from her horse and hugged her hard. He told her he was sorry he wasn't here faster but the Prince gave orders to keep him out of the kingdom.
They sat for awhile and Elara told him about Tezrim striking her. Telgotten's face turned red and he began to shake. He hugged her and whispered in her ear, "He will die for what he has done to you."
They sat for a short time and spoke of things that had happened since the wedding. Telgotten would not reveal his plan to her but he told her to be ready. He also told her the next time Tezrim goes on a hunting trip, she must go along. Elara did not question him, she just nodded. The Knights began to stir, Telgotten took Elara's jewelry and told her to ride back to Straushire and say that a brigand had robbed her. Also make sure Tezrim knows his pitiful Knights were no protection for you. He kissed her cheek, helped her back onto Dreamseeker and slapped the horse to get her moving. He then took out a length of rope and tied the groggy Knights to nearby trees, taking their money and swords.
When Elara got back to the castle, she went to the Captain of the Guard and told him a brigand had attacked her and that the two Knights with her were no help. The man took all of her jewelry, and tied the Knights up. The Captain immediately dispatched a team of riders to find this man. They returned empty handed.
Later that day Tezrim returned from a hunt, in a foul mood. He had lost two of his best hunting dogs in the forest. When he heard the news of the attack upon his wife, he was concerned about the jewelry she had been wearing and if they had found the thief.
That night Elara laid in her room and stared at the stars, she prayed that she could see Telgotten soon, she knew she would. Tomorrow her Husband was to go on a hunt. Hopefully his last.
Chapter 4: The Finale
Early the next morning Elara rose with her husband, saying she didn't want to be left alone after the events of the day before. Tezrim shrugged and told her she had better keep up. The hunting party left the castle at sunrise. Ten guards, two huntsmen, the Prince and Elara.
The morning was uneventful; Tezrim kept shouting out orders to everyone and keeping everyone in a foul mood. Elara could not stop watching the trees and foliage for a glimpse of Telgotten. Later in the afternoon the party stopped for a rest in a small clearing. The men talked and ate; Elara sat and watched the trees. Tezrim came over and stood in front of her, he said, "What are you looking for, your precious Knight?"
Elara smiled smartly and said, "No, I was hoping to maybe see an animal today, since you have yet to see one…"
Tezrim raised his fist up across his chest to strike her. Suddenly from the thick woods a whistle and a thud could be heard. Tezrim screamed as an arrow cut a deep gash across his temple; he fell to the ground in a heap. The arrow continued its trail and bit home, deep into one of the guard's chest. Before the dead guard hit the ground two more arrows came from different directions and two more guards hit the ground. Men and horses began to scatter; three of them bolted to the woods, kicking up dust clouds as they went. The two huntsmen seemed to disappear into the woods when the fighting started. The remaining guards dismounted and took cover, while drawing their swords.
The men came out of hiding when their attacker walked casually into the clearing holding a spent bow in one hand and his sword in the other. Telgotten dropped the bow and grasped his sword with both hands. The men began to advance as Tezrim was getting back to his feet. As the men advanced Telgotten's green eyes took on a glare that made each man's heart well up with fear. As the men approached they didn't notice the figure moving around to flank them. When the first guard reached Telgotten, he made a quick thrust at his chest. Telgotten had anticipated this and quickly parried the attack, switched his grip in an instant and sliced his sword across the man's chest, killing him in a matter of seconds.
The remaining three decided to attack together, two of them never got the chance as strong hands pulled them down from behind. As they sprawled to get away from their unseen attacker, Sir Calvin laughed a roar of a laugh and held them down. The lone attacker that made it to Telgotten shouldn't have, within seconds he was sprawled out on the ground trying to hold closed the new opening in his throat. Sir Calvin let the last two men up and told them to run back to the castle and tell them the Prince was attacked and killed.
Tezrim was on his feet with sword in hand as the last two guards ran past him, he screamed that they would both pay for their cowardice. He turned and eyed up Telgotten, he let out a false laugh and said, "You will die for what you have done here today."
"Maybe, but you will pay for disrespecting Elara, you will pay dearly." Telgotten growled back at the Prince.
Their swords met in a shower of sparks, and as they fought back and forth Telgotten could tell the Prince was no match for him. His attacks were too weak and slow and his parry was a half-second to slow. Telgotten could finish him easily. But he didn't, he kept the man just at the edge of his defenses. "I hoped you enjoyed your hunt today Prince, it will be your last." Telgotten said in between parries.
"And how do you intend to do that Knight…" Tezrim was cut short as Telgotten's blade made a lightning quick slice into his eye and back out. Tezrim screamed and fell away. Blood ran freely down his face, Telgotten did not follow. He looked over at Elara and took in all her beauty.
Tezrim regained his composure and rushed Telgotten trying to take him off balance. Telgotten stepped to the side and quickly cut the lobe off the Prince's left ear. Tezrim was getting annoyed with this game; he began to realize he could not defeat Telgotten. He decided the first chance he got, he would run. He went back to the fight but stayed at sword length from the dangerous Knight.
Telgotten knew that he had no choice, if he let the Prince live, Tezrim would likely kill Elara. If he killed Tezrim, he would be a hunted man, never being able to be by her side. His plan was coming full circle. Everything was in place; it was time for the last few parts to fall into place. He glanced at Elara and mouthed the words, "Goodbye my love, I have always loved you"
Elara's eyes widened as she realized what Telgotten planned to do. She began to rise but her legs were shaking too much to support her. She could only watch.
Telgotten let the prince slip into his defenses just enough, but before the Prince could get a good attack off, Telgotten drove Tezrim's sword high and thrust his bastard sword into Tezrim's chest and watched as it burst through the man's back. Tezrim's body stiffened and his head shot back towards the sky, he looked into Telgotten's eyes and saw pure hatred. In his death throes Tezrim lifted his sword high in a last desperate attempt to destroy Telgotten. Telgotten's eyes slowly followed the path of the blade; he made no attempt to stop it. Telgotten opened his arms and closed his eyes, as the sword point came down into his chest. Elara screamed, "NO!" She ran to his side as both men fell to the ground. Telgotten had a far away stare in his eyes. Elara picked him up into her lap and held him close. Telgotten looked up into her eyes and smiled, "look at you crying for me a lowly Knight!" he said fighting for breath.
"Please do not die, my Knight, I cannot live without you." Elara cried.
"It's not up to me now my love, this is the only way." He said.
"What shall I do without you?" she sobbed, and began to rock him back and forth.
"Would I ever put you in harms way?" he said as a small smile creased his lips. "The last two months I have been readying a plan to take care of you after I am gone. I have built a small cottage far to the south of your Father's castle. It is in a very remote place, on a mountain, overlooking a large valley. Sir Calvin lives nearby and will protect you. I have made contact with many of the woodsmen in the area. They have agreed to keep an eye on the cottage and supply you with food. I have supplied two hunting dogs, the best your husband had, to protect you in the cottage they are good dogs and should give you puppies in a few months. The jewelry I took from you, I have sold and you now have enough money to live for many years." He began to drift away into himself.
Elara stopped crying she knew now why Telgotten had always protected her and never complained when she wanted to go everywhere in creation. Telgotten loved her, he truly loved her. She looked at him and smiled, she bent down and kissed him on the lips for the first and last time. She kissed him long and slow. She felt him beginning to slip away and she moved down and whispered in his ear. "I love you my Lord."
Updates | Personalities | Places | Events | House Rules
