Landsbyen -Into the North- An Epic Poem 41

Several days passed as DynDoeth awaited a response from Seileach concerning his request for a private audience. He checked and re-checked the argument that he would make to have the throne replaced back into its original location and was certain if he could just lay it out before the Elder Councilman, he would see the logic in it, but he could not let Rian become aware of his plan. With the information that he had gained from the guard, he knew time was not on their side. There could already be enumerable dark elves hiding in plain sight throughout the Village. If that was the reality of the situation then Rian would not hesitate to attack his cottage and his family if he smelled something amiss. He already requested of Gwaldon to create a strong barrier around the cottage. When Lumi found out about this, he offered to help the older elf. They found that there magic separately was strong, but together, it was formidable. They created traps and areas that would slow down any elf that tried to enter the cottage without permission. Gwaldon created places in long corridors where the family could retreat if necessary. If an elf attempted to throw spells through the corridor Gwaldon's static spell would turn the dark magic into harmless flowers. Lumi thought it was ingenious. They did all of this quietly, leaving as little traceable magic as possible. Out side of the cottage the power could not be felt, inside only a small trace was perceivable. As the day grew long and the dark of night settled, a knock on the door could be heard throughout the cottage. “What now,” Dyndoeth said as he walked past Joulupukki who stood from his chair and fell into step with the elf? “It would seem to be a visitor,” Joulupukki said snarkily. DynDoeth rolled his eyes and returned his snarky smile. “You are so like your father,” the elf said and they both smiled shaking their heads. When DynDoeth opened the door he was surprised to find the Elder Councilman waiting on the other side. “Come in, come in,” he hastened him to enter, “I was not expecting you, Seileach.” The Forest Elf quickly entered the cottage. “Thank you DynDoeth,” he started. “Please forgive my tardiness in getting back to you concerning your request. You made it clear that you did not wish for Rian to know of our meeting. He has been unduly attentive with me as of late. I feel as if there is something that he is hiding. I hope that I am not intruding on your home, but I had to make excuses to be able to speak to you alone. I spread,” here he hesitated, “a falsehood.” His tone lowered and his voice began to crack as he said it. Lying went against everything that the Forest Clan stood for, but he was also a politician and knew that to fulfill his duty to the elfin people, he had, at times, to do things that left the taste of bile in his mouth. “I made it clear to everyone at the Keep how much I was looking forward to accepting your invitation for evening meal tonight. Of course no one with a clear head would ever believe my story, most especially Rian, but I made it clear enough so that he would not be able to question my coming here.” As he entered the main room he gave a long look to Joulupukki, before nodding his head slightly. A gesture that was meant to convey respect, but also to remind him that his quest to gain the throne had not been settled as yet. “Well then, Seileach, let us not make your reason for coming a lie. You are always welcome in our home, please, accept my invitation for evening meal. I only hope you like it. We can discuss our business while we eat.” He took Seileach by the arm and lead him into the dining hall with Joulupukki closely in tow. They killed the time with small talk as they waited for Ceridfen and several additional young elves to serve the meal. “Did you notice how long the sun was in the sky today, Dyndoeth,” Seileach asked? It was out for at least five hours, and there was actual rain this afternoon, not snow or even sleet, but rain. The temperature must have soared well above freezing before the sun went down again. How unusual for this time of year; however, it may be a good sign for sowing crops. Although, I must admit I know nothing about farming this far north. I could have sworn I even heard the giant willow in the courtyard at the Keep beginning to awaken earlier today. It is a long process of revival for a Willow and can take several weeks before it is fully roused. “Indeed,” said DynDoeth, “how fascinating. I was unaware that Willows were so slow in awakening. I thought the Oaks and Elms were the slow ones.” “No, no, the magic in the Willows is durable and out lasts most tree magics, but once it goes dormant it is difficult for the tree to call it forth again. That strain is what causes the deformities in the Willow's limbs as it grows older. “I bow to the expertise of the Forest Elves,” said Dyndoeth. He raised his glass in toast.