‘Most of those you know as "elves" came to reside here, in the first court of the first king and queen, before the rise of men on this world. We call ourselves "eledhel" or "people of the light". But some did not. There are those you call the Dark Brotherhood, the "moredhel", or people of darkness. There were others, some who have since come to join us, those fleeing privation in the north, beyond the Teeth of the World, or those from across the sea.
‘But one… tribe, if you will, were set apart and they embraced a mission. They are called "anoredhel", or "people of the sun". They have never been subject to the Queen’s rule – or that of any other ruler here in Elvandar, but we have… an accommodation with them. They are… unique and their responsibility is vast.’
‘Then they are in need of your aid, Majesty,’ said Jim Dasher.
‘How?’ asked the Queen.
Jim recounted Kaspar’s observation about them being a dying people. When he finished, Tomas and the Queen both looked troubled. Finally, Aglaranna said, ‘For reasons you may never understand, we may not meddle in the affairs of the anoredhel. Yet we would not see them perish, for more reasons than I can tell you.’ She looked at her husband and said, ‘What counsel you?’
‘My wife and queen, I think there is only one answer. I must go to the Peaks of the Quor and speak to their leader.’
‘Castdanur,’ Jim supplied. ‘That’s what he’s called.’
‘That is not a name, Jim Dasher,’ said Tomas. ‘It’s a title. He protects the world against the Darkness.’
Unable to stop himself, Jim blurted, ‘He’s been lax on the job, then.’ He instantly regretted what he said. ‘I’m sorry, my lady, my lord. I am… still very tired and my better judgment is apparently missing.’
Tomas didn’t smile, but his expression wasn’t scolding. ‘It’s quite understandable.’ He stood up. ‘My lady, I take my leave with your permission.’
‘Be swift, my husband, and return quickly’
Jim was struck by the bond between these two, forged before he had been born yet as fresh as new lovers just discovering their passion. He indulged himself for a moment to think of Michele and wonder if it was possible for any human man and woman to discover the depth of feeling he had just glimpsed.
Tomas said to Jim Dasher, ‘Where would you like to go?’
Jim longed to say, back to Krondor and a quiet supper with Michele, but instead said, ‘I would return with you to see how Kaspar and my other companions fare.’
Tomas nodded. ‘Then prepare yourself for a journey unlike any you’ve experienced so far. Stay here a while and come when I call for you.’
Jim bowed his assent. While he waited Calis approached. ‘Jim Dasher,’ he said, holding out his hand to be shaken. Calis was unique, being the son of the Elf Queen and her not-quite-human consort. He had also lived among the humans the most, having served an earlier Prince of Krondor and having formed a legendary company within the Prince’s army, the Crimson Eagles. That banner still held a place of honour in the great hall, though the company itself had long since been disbanded.
‘Do you miss it?’ asked Jim.
‘Miss what?’
‘The noise, the crowds, the chaos?’
Calis smiled and again Jim was reminded that he was the most like a human of any abiding in Elvandar. ‘Occasionally, but here I am at peace.’
‘I can imagine,’ said Jim, glancing around to where the Queen’s Court continued with the business of the day. ‘It is soothing here.’
‘Time flows differently. One of my father’s oldest friends, Martin Longbow, lived as a robust man into his late nineties, and he claimed it was the time spent here that gave him health and vigour.’ Calis shrugged. ‘In any event, if it gets to be too big an itch, there are always tasks to do for the Conclave.’
‘How are your boys?’
‘Well,’ said Calis. He had adopted twin sons when he married a woman from across the sea. His position in the community made him the most able to help them adapt to a life in Elvandar. ‘They are out learning to hunt.’
‘Learning?’ said Jim. ‘They’ve lived here for what, thirty, forty years?’
‘They’re still young,’ said Calis with a grin.
‘Barely more than children,’ Jim conceded dryly.
Calis and Jim exchanged news of the commonplace variety, Calis admitting he had developed a fondness for football while living at the palace, and asking how things fared in the guild league.
Jim enquired as to how things stood along the Far Coast, for as he was painfully aware, the relationship between the King’s court in Rillanon and the Western Realm was growing strained; Calis might not live in human society any more, but he was attuned to it and spent a fair amount of time around Crydee Castle.
‘The young duke, Lester, is a lot like his great-greatgrandfather, Martin. A good hunter.’
‘Good?’
Calis nodded once. ‘Very good.’
‘Elf good?’
Calis grinned. ‘Not that good.’
Jim said, ‘Were it only that simple that the qualities of rulers could be summed up with something as basic as tracking skills.’
‘Politics?’
‘Always. The Western lords are growing fractious and debate in the Congress of Lords has risen to the level of open insults and threats of duels.’