Chapter Twelve
The Elfin court, seated before them, stared in silence as the three remaining adventurers approached. The grand hall in Fortress City housed the council of the three elf nations. Golden banners hung from the ceiling flickering in a gentle wind. White flowers, symbolizing fallen warriors cascaded from two large urns on each side of the forum before them. Prince Cabal squeezed Sarah’s elbow as they neared, giving her an encouraging nod. Dressed in the rags of their original costumes, the three adventurers faced the high council with the prince at their side.
Queen Briees, an elegant and imposing woman, stood before them in amber robes. Her golden hair cascaded down to the floor. Her face did not hold a welcoming smile. Her eyes were not full of gratitude. When she spoke, her voice was calm and void of emotion. “We have discussed your situation and the events that led to the release and consequent destruction of the creature.” She paused as her gaze lingered on her son, Cabal. “The High Council has ruled. We believe if you return to your homeland, you will revert to your natural state and Puissant’s powers will be returned to him. Prince Cabal’s argument of your victimization at the hands of the ancient wizard is quite convincing. You did prove yourselves as allies by destroying the creature and saving my son’s life. This combined with my son’s assurance that you suffered as great a loss as any family in our city, has given us a reason to offer leniency. Although not all in the council agree with my decision, I offer you amnesty. However, it comes at a price. Sorceress Sarah Sims, you must stay here in Fortress City and complete your training under Amity’s guidance. An untrained sorceress is a deadly threat our city cannot risk. The barbarian Jack Tyler and Woodland Elf Nicole Waters shall serve in the Battle Academy training our young men and women with the skills necessary to replace those precious warriors lost in this struggle.”
Her almond shaped eyes showed no warmth as she scrutinized Nicole and Jack. “It will be difficult. You face many prejudices and threats of vengeance from the families of those you killed. Your exceptional battle skills and the testimony of the surviving warriors have convinced me of your sincerity.”
“We regret the pain we have caused and are honored to serve you,” Jack answered as he took Nicole’s hand in his. “We won’t disappoint you.”
The Queen did not respond to Jack’s words, “You will allow Amity to cast an enchantment upon you. It will ensure that you never return to Puissant’s world.” The Queen finished as her eyes met Jack’s.
“I have no desire to return,” Jack declared boldly. “But I can’t speak for the others.” He turned to look at Nicole.
Nicole gazed into his eyes, and then turned to the Queen and declared, “I wish only to be with him.”
Sarah felt all eyes fall upon her. She turned to gaze at the council of elderly elves and saw fear and anger in their eyes. She was a new threat to the security of Fortress City as well as the other elfin providences. If she turned against them or allowed Puissant to return, it could mean their destruction.
“I accept your terms as long as the enchantment will not interfere with my magic. I also humbly request that Amity aid me in seeking out and healing the trolls that roam the caverns under the Cave of Sorrow. They have been cursed with an illness from a spell I believe Puissant cast long ago. I would have them freed in hopes of recovering our fallen comrade, Todd Hopper.” Her voice broke as she spoke his name. A tear rolled down her pale cheek. Weeks had passed with no sign of him; Sarah feared the worst.
The Queen looked passed Sarah. She turned to find the old wizard from the cave standing there. He nodded his consent.
“Let it be done,” the Queen declared.
The End
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