The Sacred Woods of Silvernarion (Book 1)

The Council

“The Dancing Mermaid should arrive tonight,” says a slender elf standing on a wooden platform enclosed by an octagon glass dome surrounded by magnificent purple mountains with mulitiple waterfalls.

The many trees shed various autumn color leaves, which help enhance a fantastic scenery that high elves prefer. An older man wearing a blue pointy hat and robes brushes his well groomed beard with a brush while staring at a crystal ball floating just above a three legged decorative table.

“I see your weather spell help ensure the change of course for the Dancing Mermaid,” Thunderfaust says putting away his brush and taking out a pipe from his robes.

The elf nods as he continues to stare at the Dancing Mermaid struggling the high seas from out of his crystal ball. Thunderfaust begins to pack a finger full of apple flavored tobacco into his pipe before speaking.

“I am amused a pixie can possess such powerful magic to eliminate storms outside of her jurisdiction,” Thunderfaust mentions.

“Yes indeed,” the elf replies now joining the wizard by taking out his own pipe from inside his silver robes.

He stuffs his own flavored tobacco inside the hole and points at a decorative wooden bench that stands behind a glass wall adorned with colorful flowers hanging on reefs. Thunderfaust lays his staff down and sits to watch the beautiful sunset fall behind the majestic mountains. He then snaps his fingers as the tip of his finger creates a small fire allowing the elf to start his pipe. He lets out a big billow of smoke before giving a sigh of relief looking at the beautiful scenery that he has enjoyed for over a thousand cyclones.

“You must admit they are a formidable force when together and it has been foretold that only they can restore the prophecy,” the elf says keenly after a long moment of silence.

“A prophecy that most humans find only as a myth today,” Thunderfaust replies after blowing a billow of smoke from his pipe.

“Do not blame the humans as they only live under a hundred cyclones at a time my old friend. Many of the stories told amongst your kind can be easily confused, misguided, or even forgotten as a mere myth.

After all only old and wise wizards can read the complicated language of our race,” the slender elf explains adjusting his silver robes before sitting next to Thunderfaust.

“Do you have any idea what kind of spell the dark elf used on my people Miranken?” Thunderfaust asks once again.

“I really wish I did my old friend, but only the grand council may know how to reverse such an ancient evil spell. I wouldn’t count on it as we do not practice such magic. You know our magic is not very different then what a pixie uses. If anyone knows it would be the wise tree in the Sacred Woods of Silvenarion,” Miranken replies sucking a few more times on his pipe.

Thunderfaust sighs hard frustrated he cannot do anything about the problem.

“Patience my friend soon the council will be summoned and can explain more. In the meantime relax and reserve your energy for harder times,” Miranken offers as he gets up and walks towards a floating glass table.

He grabs a carafe of red wine and pours them into two crystal wine glasses before offering one to the troubled wizard.

“The time has come where evil can only be destroyed if every race in these lands can unite."

***

“You have to be kidding me Vetrian,” says a tall man with pointy green ears putting his hands between his waist staring at the middle mast barely floating above Swienalden’s dock waters.

He then turns to look at a hefty woman standing inbetween two boys on wooden stretchers who are wrapped carefully in covers and asleep. Next to her is a wood elf with a falcon on his shoulder holding hands with a human girl, a red bearded dwarf, a halfling who is consistently looking into his jacket pocket and a group of tired sailors stare in awe at the remains of their ship.

“You can say that again,” replies Vetrian twirling on his tangled red beard looking bewildered at his wrecked ship.

“It has been a couple of difficult days for me,” he finishes looking at the pouch of gold that is strapped onto his belt.

He unbuckles the pouch and walks to Gloriana. She looks up at the concerned captain.

“It seems I cannot fulfill your wish my fair lady,” he says handing over the pouch of gold pieces.

“How I wish I could have accompanied you to the Sacred Woods to find a cure to this evil and wicked spell that these foul creatures has cast upon on my sons, “ he finishes grabbing Gloriana’s hand and putting the pouch of gold into her hand. Gloriana looks at the sad eyes of Vetrian before shifting them to look at his wife and children.

She then turns to look at the sailors who sulk their heads in dismay at the remains of their ship. She sees how they have lost the only thing they ever knew. She can see the sad eyes of how they will miss their daily responsibilities they had carried out each day. Their personal experiences from past adventures they proudly boasted in various taverns across the lands they visited. She wipes a small tear from her eyes before shifting her attention to the tall elf who walks up to Vetrian.

“What a terrible event you have undergone Vet. I have known you for a long time and have seen how you practically started with nothing to become a big time sea merchant known throughout the lands and across the seas. Today I witness how you barely make it to these docks,” he finishes putting his slender hands on the human merchant’s broad shoulder.

“I am sorry for the loss and stroke of bad luck. The best I can offer is a room for the family,” he offers.

Vetrian looks at his friend Darksinko sadly before looking quickly at a man in blue robes appear.

“That will only be necessary for today Darsinko. Please be so kind and take Maggie and her sons indoors. We don’t need to bring any worries amongst the townfolk,” he explains as the elf nods quickly before uging a group of sailors to help carry the boys on stretches down a street towards his manor.

Maggie follows looking at Vet with concern who only looks at his motionless boys leave him. He then looks as an old man approaches Gloriana.

“Thunderfaust is that you?” asks Gloriana before cautiously walking up to the old wizard.

“Yes I have mentioned that we will meet soon,” he replies calmly before giving a small smile to both Gloriana and Glenadale.

“No need to introduce yourselves ladies and gentlemen. I have observed everyone’s travels for quiet sometime. Just incase you didn’t catch my name. My name is Thunderfaust. I am the town’s wizard of Augshill and a trusted friend of the council of high elves. You are being expected by the council. Of course Vetrian your men deserve nothing less then a good night out,” he mentions as a few of the sailors begn to smile at the thought.

“I proudly announce that everyone can visit the local taverns to dance, sing, and drink,” the wizard offers expecting a cheer from the sailors.

“Unfortunately we cannot afford such pleasures honorable wizard,” Vetrian replies in a low sad tone.

“We have no gold for such luxuries at the moment,” he continues now looking at the old hazel eyes of the wizard.

“Do not worry about the costs. Your men will need this pleasure before accompanying my apprentice once more,” Thunderfaust explains.

“I don’t understand,” Vetrian says now looking at the wizard more curiously then ever.

“I will explain later. Sailors go have a great time in Swienalden. The costs are paid by the high council,” he mentions once again pointing into the direction of the nearest taverns.

“Hoorah!” scream various sailors as they cheer in joy at the opportunity given to them and the idea that they will not be out of a job yet.

“Now everyone else come follow me,” the wizard orders before walking away from the wooden planks and into the dock’s fish market.

They walk pass it and approach stairs that lead into the towns center. Exotic tree houses adorned with various mushroom shaped buildings add an unusual look unknown to most races throughout the lands. The group looks in awe at the beauty of the town and is astonished at how friendly everyone is. The laughter amongst beautiful female elfin children adorned with flower circlets and white dresses dance in circles on the clean streets as boys equally handsome take turns levitating and practicing various spells taught to them during their apprencticeships. Tall and slender elfin merchants walk in grace presenting fine goods to curious travelers. Majestic purple mountains with waterfall surround the beautiful town as large colorful paper lanterns hang on every building adding attractivness.

“It is like I am in a dream,” says Gloriana as she holds Glenadale’s hand.

He smiles faintly before petting Fierce’s head lightly. Billibon continues to stare at the various markets and stores with amazement unable to keep his mouth shut. He gets annoyed at Cherryblossom who wants to eagerly look out of the flap of his jacket pocket, but is poked down by a stubby finger. His eyes shift quickly as his hands begin to shake from excitement looking at the odd magical and enchanted items. Rocacresct walks stubbornly ahead.

“If you think high elves make wonderful items then you should see what we dwarves can do,” he says arrogantly.

Everyone smiles at the grumpy dwarf before reaching a glass elevator. A rope leverage is attached on the roof as it is adorned with orange paper lanterns. Thunderfaust stops and asks everyone to go inside. Everyone enters before the wizard steps on a leverage and walks in.

“Oh my,” says Gloriana as she watches how the elevator climbs higher.

The town gets smaller as everyone begins to look at the borders of the island.

“Where are we going?” asks Billibon getting a bit uncomfortable as he sees only the treetops.

“Isn’t this magnificent,” says Glenadale as he looks at Cherryblossom who manages to peek out of the halflings pocket and smile.

The glass elevator stops before turning and landing onto a platform. Four elves in white robes stare at their newcomers. A silver robed elf opens the glass door smiling.

“Welcome fellow heroes,” says the elf in silver robes.

“I am Miranken leader and senior councilor of Swienalden. These are my most trusted councilors. We have been expecting you,” he introduces before leading everyone into a long hall centered with a mahogany wooden table matching with decorative engraved high arched chairs.

“Please take a seat,” he offers before standing at the far end of the table behind his chair.

Wine glasses, various berries, and bread lie in front of everyone. Rocacresct gleams at the splendid arrangement with much anticipation.

“Please serve yourself,” the high elf offers sitting down and grabbing a glass of wine.

The councilors observe their guests keenly as Thunderfaust begins.
“We have been summoned here to find answers to the mysterious happenings to our people. As you know Vetrian’s sons have also been affected by this horrible spell,” the wizard explains.

“A spell cast by an old race long forgotten by humans yet still with much regret in the minds of high elves,” interrupts Miranken.

“I am sure your queen knows of dark elves Glenadale,” he says looking at the wood elf who wonders how he knows his name without having to introduce himself.

“Let us move forward on what we do know,” says a councilor adjusting his white robes.

His lips press tight as he looks at Thunderfaust.

“Tell us of the incident you had in Augshill Thunderfaust,” he says before popping a grape into his mouth.

“Perhaps I should explain,” offers a tall slender elf with golden helmet and matching armor. Her magnificent beauty and assurance has everyone standing up to honor her presence.

She walks in and stands next to Thundefaust looking at Miranken.
“Welcome noble protector,” he finally says as he watches her nod to the other councilors respectively.

“I apologize for not coming sooner as I was summoned to protect a caravan of merchants from a hideous ogre. The problem persisted as I found a large group of them terrorizing a nearby town. I find it odd; if I may add that these parts of the lands are not usually covered with such beasts. I sense something evil has approached our lands ever since I encountered that dark elf. He had a weapon I never seen before. The dark eunven sheathe twisted and laid in his hands as one. I could sense and see in his eys that he was determined to do anything but fight us that day,” she finishes.
Thunderfaust looks up at the warrior oddly.

“If you excuse me, but I beg the differ. If I wouldn’t have summoned you noble friend, I am sure we would have died under that unusual combat style he possessed,” he replies concerned.

“True that it may seem, yet why would he go through all this effort to cast spells on innocent people. Why did he allow himself to be seen this time?” she asks.

“Dark elves care nothing of other races let alone humans,” Thunderfaust retorts.

“For whatever reasons it may be we know nothing of their arts of magic for it was taught onto them by our archrival Lord Pythonian, which we fortunately heard nothing off for a very long time,” a councilor explains.

“Unless perhaps the Sacred Tree of Silvenarion will speak,” interrupts Thunderfaust.

“You have mentioned this to me before, yet I doubt this tree still exists and if so, it probably cannot even speak anymore. This tree has been scorched in the first age. It is kept alive only by the mysterious magic’s of queen Sivenarion herself. She allows no one to enter her domain let alone will she get involved in the problems of others outside of her forest. She will talk to no one,” Miranken tries to reason with Thunderfaust.

The wizard looks helplessly at Miranken before looking at Gloriana. She looks bewildered at him before looking at Vetrian who slowly sobs at his loss. After a long moment of silence Thunderfaust smiles.

“Billibon if you would be so kind to show us our key inside the Sacred Woods,” Thunderfaust says now looking at a confused Miranken.

Billibon hesitantly looks at everyone with a mouth full of food. He swallows quickly before standing up, which does little to make him taller. His head barely reaches the tip of the table as everyone looks at his blonde curly hair. He then jumps on his chair and reaches into his pocket for Cherryblossom who pokes his hand with her small wand before flying into the air. Everyone looks bewildered at the rare creature as she flies in circles thrilled to be out once again. She then looks around and sees Glenadale. She blushes and sits on the wood elf’s shoulder. Gloriana rolls her eyes as she then grabs Fierce from him and puts the large falcon onto her shoulder. Miranken stands up looking at the fabled creature with much interest.

“It has been a very long time since I have seen such a fabled and rare creature,” he says with much enthusiasm.

“She will help grant an audience with Queen Silvenarion,” Thunderfaust mentions.

“Then let the council decide if we shall help your cause Thunderfaust,” Miranken says.

“All in favor say I,” he says as his councilors immediately approve.

“Then so be it. Tommorow we will visit the ancient platforms representing the four elements that move our planet. From ther we will summon the Gods,” Miranken explains.

Vetrian looks at Gloriana who looks at Thunderfaust confused.

Rocacresct pats Billibon’s back as he laughs loud making the halfing cringe. Thunderfaust manages to crack a rare smile before looking at the Miranken.

“I thank you wise elves for your help,” Thunderfaust finally says tilting his pointy hat.

Chapter 19 Bored Warrior - http://mingle2.com/topic/show/229600

The Dancing Mermaid has seen better days but today isn't such a day.

Is Gloriana and her friends in for more disappoints and dangers.It is left to be seen.

Thunderfaust is the force behind the storm, a spell was cast not to cause captain Vetrian and his crew harm but to change to course of the Dancing Mermaid to bring them to him.



There is a sliver lining behind the clouds of darkness that has followed Gloriana and her friends for so long.It is none other than Cherryblossom , she is the key.

This is a new twist to the story . You have me at the edge of my seat wondering what will happen next, so I will continue.