They spoke late into the night, of many things. Pug was fascinated by the Elf Prince and was flattered so many things he said seemed to be of interest to Calin.
At last Calin said, “I should retire. Though I need little rest, I do need some. And I think you do as well.”
Pug rose and said, “Thank you for telling me so much.” Then he smiled, half in embarrassment. “And for talking to me about the Princess.”
“You needed to talk.”
Pug led Calin to the long hall, where a servant showed him to his quarters. Pug returned to his room and lay down for sleep, rejoined by a damp Fantus, who snorted in indignation at having to fly through the ram. Fantus was soon asleep Pug, however, lay staring at the flickering light from his fire pot that danced on the ceiling, unable to call up sleep. He tried to put the tales of strange warriors out of his mind, but images of brightly clad fighters stalking through the forests of the westlands made sleep impossible.
There was a somber mood throughout Castle Crydee the next morning. The servants’ gossip had spread the news about the Tsurani, though the details were lacking. Everyone went about his duties with one ear open for a tidbit of speculation on what the Duke was going to do. Everyone was agreed to one thing: Borric conDoin, Duke of Crydee, was not a man to sit idly by waiting. Something would be done, and soon.
Pug sat atop a bale of hay, watching Tomas practice with a sword, swinging at a pell post, hacking backhand, then forehand, over and over. His blows were halfhearted, and finally he threw his sword down with disgust. “I’m not accomplishing a thing.” He walked over and sat next to Pug. “I wonder what they’re talking about.”
Pug shrugged. “They” were the Duke’s council; today the boys had not been asked to attend, and the last four hours had passed slowly.
Abruptly the courtyard became busy as servants began to rush toward the front gate. “Come on,” said Tomas Pug jumped off the bale and followed his friend.
They rounded the keep in time to see the guards turning out as they had the day before. It was colder than yesterday, but there was no rain. The boys climbed on the same wagon, and Tomas shivered. “I think the snows will come early this year. Maybe tomorrow.”
“If they do, it will be the earliest snowfall in memory. You should have worn your cloak Now you’re all sweaty from the drill, and the air is chilling you.”
Tomas looked pained. “Gods, you sound like my mother.”
Pug mimicked an exasperated manner. In a tone that was high-pitched and nasal, he said, “And don’t come running to me when you’re all blue with chill, and coughing and sneezing, looking for comfort, for you’ll find none here, Tomas Megarson.”
Tomas grinned. “Now you sound exactly like her.”
They turned at the sound of the great doors opening. The Duke and Elf Queen led the other guests from the central keep, the Duke holding the Queen’s hand in a parting gesture of friendship. Then the Queen placed her hand to her mouth and sang out a musical series of words, not loud, but carrying over the noise of the crowd. The servants who were standing in the court became silent, and soon the sound of hoof-beats could be heard outside the castle.
Twelve white horses ran through the gates and reared up in greeting to the Elf Queen. The elves quickly mounted, each springing up on an elf steed’s back without assistance. They raised their hands in salute to the Duke, then turned and raced out the gate.
For a few minutes after they were gone, the crowd stood around, as if loath to admit that they had seen their last of the elves, probably their last in this lifetime. Slowly they began to drift back to work.
Tomas looked far away, and Pug turned toward him. “What is it?”
Tomas said softly, “I wish I could see Elvandar, someday.”
Pug understood. “Maybe you will.” Then he added, in lighter tones, “But I doubt it. For I will be a magician, and you will be a soldier, and the Queen will reign in Elvandar long after we are dead.”
Tomas playfully jumped atop his friend, wrestling him down in the straw “Oh! Is that so. Well, I will too go to Elvandar someday.” He pinned Pug under him, sitting atop his chest. “And when I do, I’ll be a great hero, with victories over the Tsurani by the score. She’ll welcome me as an honored guest. What do you think of that?”
Pug laughed, trying to push his friend off. “And I’ll be the greatest magician in the land.”
They both laughed. A voice broke through their play. “Pug! There you are.”