Landsbyen -Into the North- An Epic Poem 19
“It is time,” he said as he turned back to the others. “Andghul, you and DynDoeth, make your way as closely and quietly as you can toward the bridge. When you feel you are close enough, find a defensible area that you can remain in until I can get to you. You're strength will be drained by the time you finish your work. I know your magic is great but it is unheard of for one elf to destroy a bridge by himself.”
“Yes,” started Andghul, “well, It normally takes three strong elves
four days to complete a bridge, but I believe if I concentrate a strong wave of energy along the center arch, it will cause a week spot that can be broken with an opposite pulse. If then, DynDoeth can push the village away from the shore when he feels it weakening, the bridge should break.”
“Very good Andghul. DynDoeth, when you push the island, do so with enough power to move the island out of reach of the human boats.”
“Yes, my King. We will be on our way.”
As they moved toward the doorway, Erlenkönig added,
“We will wait to feel your magic before attacking Reginn. If possible, I will get to you as soon as I can.” DynDoeth turned back for just a moment giving a slight bow to the king before he and his companion disappeared into a dark corridor. “As for you three, I think it best if you separate and make your way
to different positions around the outside of the Keep. As soon as you
feel Andghul's magic, concentrate everything you have to nullify the dark one's as it moves to stop the breaking of the bridge. I will draw as many as I can to deal with me inside of the Keep. Thank you all for your help.” Obrynith and Gwaldon headed out in opposite directions,
but Bréagán did not move.
“Are you having doubts Bréagán?” Erlenkönig looked at him. “It is OK if you wish to leave. No one will know but you and I.”
“Oh no, my King, I do not wish to abandon you or the others.” He hesitated before continuing, “I just don't see how my magic can help. It is not like yours and theirs'.”
“I have seen your magic Bréagán.” He could not help but to smile when he thought of it. “I believe it to be equal to any of ours, perhaps, even greater.” Although he was in middle age, he was the youngest of the Elders.
He was surprised when Andghul recommended him to Erlenkönig's father to be part of the Elders. There had never been an Elder that was as young as he. He heard that Erlenkönig had agreed with Andghul when his father
had consulted him, stating to the older King,
“He has many good qualities, father. I know he is not like the others, but I feel, that, not to be a negative when choosing him. His magic is very
strong in it's own way and may help to someday create a new, more enlightened world for the elves.” He had always respected the progressive ideas of the Young King, even more so than his father. They did not share the same social circles but had grown up together. As much of a loner as he was,
whenever he found himself in Erlenkönig's presence, he was always treated with respect and with dignity, in fact, as an equal. The King spoke again. “Your magic is much the same as Gwaldon's. You can take another elf's magic and manipulate it, change it into something harmless.
I cannot do that. I envy your ability.”
“Thank you my King, but when Gwaldon uses his magic, he deflects the other's into the sky creating rain and thunder storms. He deflects it into the trees and plants which make them grow. I can only...,” his voice trailed off as he looked down and shook his head. He knew the magic he controlled was actually very week in itself. It was totally dependent on the strength of other elfin magic.
“I believe in you,” the King said as he reached out and squeezed the other's shoulder. Bréagán looked into the King's eyes and felt his strength. This was, perhaps, the strongest of the King's magic, his ability to see into the hearts other's and to bring out the best in them, his never ending optimism and unfaltering charisma. With a hesitant smile and slight bow of his head, Bréagán turned and made his way out of the Keep.
A few minutes later he found himself looking down from the highest point in the village. Careful to skirt past the areas where the dark magic emanated.
From his vantage point he could see most of the Erin side of the village including the top of the keep and a small portion of the bridge. This was a place he knew well. A refuge of sorts where he could come to think when life had become to cruel to face and the other elves were unkind. There was a small cave on the top of the hill where he thought he might have some protection from the magic that emanated toward the Keep. He knew that as soon as his magic was felt by the others, they would turn theirs against him. He just hoped that he had the strength to do what needed to be done.
He was scared!
Beyond anything he had felt before. The Elfin Mages that confronted his small
band had obvious power that was greater than anything he had ever known. He looked at the streets of the Village and saw no one moving across its cobbles. Not a single elf was visible. They all felt what was coming. He understood why no more would come to the Kings aid. They were scared. With the power that continuously grew surrounding the Keep, they all saw the same outcome. The Keep would be destroyed and the King would be deposed if not killed. Heaven only knew what would become of his young wife. Reginn was so sure of himself and his cohorts that he made no attempt to hide the magic, but Bréagán knew the truth of what the King had said, Reginn wanted the other elves to feel his power. He wanted them to be scared, not just to curtail there helping the King, but to let them know that they would fear him when he took over the throne. Bréagán moved into the mouth of the cave to await Andghul's magic.
Copyright © James Inman | Year Posted 2021
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