Fed and armored up, the three of us went down a ways to the entrance to the throne room. There were three doors, a large double door in the front center of the entrance and one on each side. Six green armored elf guards guarding the doors, took our weapons. As we entered the throne room I noticed the elves never carved into the giant trees anywhere except here. The throne was carved into the Royal Tree. It was about ten feet higher than where we stood and a beautiful platform and set of stairs on each side in the front of the platform was connected to the tree at the level of the throne. Two elegant chairs flanked the Throne but were on the platform. The room was tall and wide and had elevated benches on both sides of the room which were filled with elves. Along the benches below in front of them were dozens of guards in green armor with white trim and spears.
The Empress and her two daughters came from somewhere and sat on the throne and two chairs on the platform. All three looked almost identical. Black hair, green eyes, and much more curvy than most elves I had seen. They were all breathtakingly beautiful. One daughter wore a blue robe of some sort. I assumed she was the older magical one and the other daughter wore an elegant low cut green sleeveless dress with white embroidery. The empress was in a green dress with gold and silver embroidery. It didn't show much skin but was very form fitting.
An older elf stood alone in front of the platform wearing green and white armor. He was holding his Helmet as he started speaking. He spoke in elvish for a few seconds before he switched to Universal, “With respect to our guests everything spoken will be in Universal or translated by me to them. Now introducing Princess Pemilandituril, Hero Tal, And Hero Tom.” As the elves started clapping Tal and I followed Pem’s lead and walked up to the platform and kneeled. She said quietly “When your name is called you can stand up.”
“Welcome home beautiful Pemilandturil.” The most beautiful melodic voice I had ever heard said. Pem stood up. “Thank you, your highness.” “Welcome Tal the Dratoric Hero who has survived one hundred battles! Make that one hundred and one now.” The Empress said jovially. There was a mute laughter that died quickly as Tal stood up. “You honor me, majesty.”
“Tom.” The Empress said. As I stood up I noticed she was walking down the stairs. Her two daughters jumped up to see what was happening. She walked straight up to me “Thank you Tom, for avenging not one but two princes.” She bowed to me and audible gasps were heard everywhere including Pem. The Empress raised herself up and winked at me. “Thank you, majesty.”
As she returned to the throne, her daughters started whispering to her. The Empress was around six feet tall judging by when she stood in front of me making her daughter in blue to be around six four and her daughter in the dress to be closer to five six. The empress walked to the front of the platform and everyone quit whispering among themselves.
“Clearly many of you do not know of the Hero Tom. He aided Legend Kritin in defeating the Wanderer.” Murmuring broke out. The older elf guard yelled. “Silence!” “Thank you, Panitarludril.” He just bowed to her as she continued, “Now most of you know he was also at the battle of the pass. He himself killed seven wyverns, including the one that killed our dear Prince Laxilandituril.” A more hushed set of murmuring broke out. “Tom, do you have something for me?” I was taken aback by the question then realized what it is she wanted. An elf guard brought me my pack. It all felt so scripted yet I didn't have anything to do with it. I opened my pack to reveal the wyvern tailspike I had planned to keep in memory of Lax. Panitarludril took it from my hands and walked it up the stairs to the Empress. “This was from that wyvern, correct?” “Yes, your majesty.” “Thank you Tom for this gift.” I didn't know what to do so I just bowed.
Once the crowd in the benches died down the Empress spoke again. “We will now have a storyteller give an accurate account of these events focusing on Tom. It will be in Elvish. I apologize, guests you may be seated. She pointed to some seats near the stairs to the platform. She returned to her throne as a younger looking male elf in an elegant robe walked in. Pem whispered to me, “She lied.” “What part?” “Accurate account.”
The storyteller speaking Elvish. It sounded magical and beautiful. He was almost singing a story. During the story Pem would ask me questions or give me a shocked statement. Some were “You saw the guardian.” or “Was the Wanderer really that big.” Another was “You cut the leg off the Wanderer?” that one I had to whisper back. “No” confusion was on her face then she smiled, “Someone told him this story and said it was true.” “Why though?” “Soon.” was all Pem said. Every elf was completely captivated by the story and when it ended I was expecting clapping or a standing ovation but there was just silence and sadness.
After a minute of silence the Empress stood once again. “What a wonderful story about a hero who avenged one prince befriended then avenged another prince. The kingdom of Frintilandituril thanks you not only for being an avenger but also a friend to the elves. Prince Laxilandituril was traveling with Tom doing what he loved most when he met his end. He will be remembered by his friends and family all over the world…” As she continued her speech I only now understood this was Lax’s memorial service. She went on to talk about how his lack of magic never deterred him from seeing the world and helping people in need.
For the next hour people gave speeches about how great Lax was or how good of friends they were and almost every time Pem would shake her head in disgust. At the end the Empress unveiled an amazing almost photo-realistic engraved picture of Lax and the court was dismissed.
Pem poked me, “We are dining with the Empress.” I followed Pem up the stairs past the throne through a corridor up a lift through another corridor and into the dining room. The dining table was massive and had around thirty chairs around it. “So Tal, have you ever dined with royalty?” I ask just to include him. He looked over to Pem who was making a face. Duh. “Other than Pem.” A king once.” “Oh interesting, care to share?” “No.” Pem giggled.
We sat and waited quietly for a few minutes. The Empress and her two daughters walked in with beauty and elegance. Pem stood up and so did Tal and I. The Empress started talking as she entered the room, “Thank you for joining us. It is rare to entertain guests who are not ambassadors or dignitaries.” “The pleasure is mine majesties.” The three smiled as they sat down and we followed suit then the Empress spoke again, “Tom, Pem, Tal please let us drop all the formalities and have a normal conversation.” We nodded as our feast started arriving. The blue robed Princess hadn't looked away from me since we sat down. I looked back at her wondering what was going on with her, she spoke, “Tom, what tier are you?” “I honestly don't know.” She looked at Pem who just nodded. “Very well Tom, we will have you tested today.” “So Tom, do you have someone?” The smaller, more risque princess asked flirtatiously. “Eshilandituril, no personal questions.” The Empress said in a commanding tone. Pem spoke next. “Empress, why was Tom's story altered so much?” The Empress laughed, “How can a hidden ranger not know subtlety. That is a question for after lunch.” “Hidden ranger?” Pem answered me, “Rangers who have extra training in stealth and subterfuge.” I just noticed she was always called Empress so I figured now was a good time to ask. “Empress, do you not use your name?” “When I became Empress I dropped my name and family to be the leader and family to all.” “Oh the political side of having no allegiances is the reason?” “Mostly but with the royal bloodline being so important we all get special treatment anyway.” She smiled.
We kept the questions and conversation light. A few were said to be answered later. Spending hours with royalty was surreal. The catering and services they received at all times was insane. I remember when Maria and I discussed having a maid. We decided when our family grew we would talk about it again.We followed the Empress to the royal lounge to have our real discussions.
The royal lounge was simple yet elegant and offered a few options to sit on. I took the love seat and surprisingly the Empress sat beside me and placed a hand on my shoulder. Pem and Tal took two chairs and the two princesses shared a couch. Almost all the wood was red and white and everything else was green and gold.
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The Empress started “Why was the story altered so much you asked dear Pemilandituril. The answer is simple, public relations. Our relations to humans has been strained of late and while we would never be at war, our trade and alliances are faltering. The king and I heard about the story of the wanderer and that a human was involved. We decided to exaggerate it a little bit. Just in case you were wondering, Kritin offered you the glory but we did not know you and did not want to disrespect or diminish his actions. All Tom has to do now is be happy and marry my daughter.” When I first arrived at Eagles Watch they had this honey milk drink that I missed and I finally got it as I was enjoying it, she said that and I spit a big drink out of it. Luckily it was mostly into the cup.
After a bit of laughter from everyone I asked, “Are you serious?” “Yes but we can stall the betrothal out for years and gain the publicity of it now. Tom, I have a question for you that ties into this. Two questions actually. Can you actually use scry and are you really married?” “Yes to both.” The blue robed princess jumped up “Mother he has to be at least tier five. We have to test him.” “Kat, sit down. We will test him later today, after all we need to see how strong your future husband is.” The Empress said with a wicked smile. Kat had almost sat down before she jumped back up then looked down at the table and almost whispered, “Yes mother.” And sat back down. I was kind of shocked she just agreed instantly like that.
“What about me, mother?” “Esh, your older sister needs to be married first. She will not court anyone so I had to force my hand. I hope a fellow higher tier mage is what she needs.” “But I like him too.” She said seductively. Too? Was my first thought. “Wait, do I have a say in this?” “You want to pick which daughter you marry?” The Empress smiled. “What no, I'm already happily married.” “Are they not pretty enough?” She said jokingly. The only person in this world that came close to their beauty was that barmaid. “Empress you three are all very beautiful but as I said I’m already married and all I want to do right now is get home to my pregnant wife.” “Your betrothal to Katilandituril is already done. If and when you two get married is up to you two. Also Tom, where is home?” She asked like she already knew.
Do I just tell the truth? With Pem sitting here I couldn't just lie and I need answers. But what if they take it negatively and either imprison or kill me? “Trying to figure out how much to tell me?” The Empress smiled slyly.
I took a deep breath, “My wife is my home. Wherever she is is home and that is not on Magarnia.” Kat looked up at me, piercing me with her green eyes, “Are you from the dead continent?” I shook my head, “No I don't think so. I meant Magarnia, the planet.” After a few seconds I guessed the realization of what I said took effect and I heard a few gasps. Tal’s deep voice broke the silence, “How?” “Well the short version is Magar brought me here.” “Now the long version.” The Empress said in her most serious tone yet.
And so for the next hour I answered questions and told them about everything from Magar’s visit to now and quite a bit about Earth. They were shocked to hear the world had no magic but not shocked humans were the last race standing. Another shocker to them was that my world only had one god where there was always thirty three on Magarnia. I didn't know if either were true since now there's only thirty two here. The only thing I really didn't mention was Zeke and his death. I ended with stating how I was trying to get home to my wife and then the Empress started with a history lesson.
“Many thousands of years ago every being had magic but a god sought the magical power to overthrow Magar. They began absorbing all the magic from the beings of Magarnia but before they could finish Magar struck them down and removed their name from history but the damage was done. Now one in twenty have magic instead of everyone. I tell you this because in those times magic was much more common and while Eldrin may have a tier seven mage it was thought that many mages used to be above that, even up to tier ten.”
“So there might be some ancient book or something to help me get home?” Kat answered this time, “Even if you found the spell you would still need to cast it and like mother said it could be up to tier ten. Now I will take my betrothed to be tested.” Kat announced as she walked over to me, grabbed my hand and pulled me up with surprising strength.
I followed the tall beautiful black haired woman. Not that I really had a choice. “Kat, are you okay with all this? I mean our betrothal and me trying to go home.” “It is one of mothers games. Normally she does not involve us in them though.” While on a lift down Kat asked, “Besides your wife, is this world worth leaving?” “If you mean if I didn't have my wife back home would I want to go back…..no I don't think I would.” through a corridor down another lift. “You never answered my question.” She looked at me. “You are quite attractive for a human and you seem honest but I do not know you so if you disappear all I will miss is a pretty face.” “Thanks, you are very beautiful by the way.” She smiled, “To you maybe but almost all elven men do not like being shorter than me. Also my black hair and figure are not the beauty standard of elves.” while still in the palace but reaching the bottom floor. “Now dear Pem is the beauty standard of elves. She is perfect in every way. We are almost there now.”
As we arrived I was surprisingly nervous. Kat seemed rather excited. “Head inside and set your hand on the panel. It will take a sample of your blood and tell you your tier.” “You can join me if you would like?” She beamed at me and followed me in but stayed quiet and behind me.
The only thing in this small room was a podium facing the back wall. I place my right hand on the podium thinking I should keep my dominant left hand from being poked. After a few seconds I felt a prick in my palm. When I lifted it up to take a look, I was clearly poked by something. I started rubbing my palm as it healed and a number appeared on the wall. Eighteen. “What does eighteen mean?” she didn't answer me “Kat?” “That cannot be right, try again.” Eighteen again. “Let me try.” Six. “Wait tier eighteen?” her face full of shock, “We need to inform mother.” and up and up we went in silence.
As we walked in, Pem was speaking, “And then uncle said.” She cleared her throat and I assumed getting ready for an impersonation but she heard us as Kat ran over to the Empress and started whispering in her ear. The empress’s green eyes widened when she heard her daughter's words. Pem looked at me, “Well?” the Empress spoke, “Everyone other than Tom, leave us.”
After everyone left the Empress stood up and paced for a second then sat down next to me and took my hands in hers. “I and the palace are warded. As long as we are in contact you are as well.” so that explains the contact earlier. “So no scrying on us?” “Exactly. And with what I heard being well, quite unheard of I need as few people to know for now. You spoke with Magar. Tell me the full story.” And I did including Zeke and the magical god essence this time. Also Magar’s line with magic anything is possible. After a moment of silence the Empress finally speaks, “I will have our library scoured and send word to Eldrin to do the same for any higher tier spell used for travel. Now the fastest remotely safe way to Eldrin is sixteen days mostly by sea. It is roughly twenty one days by carriage. The Eldrin library is many times larger and older than our library here.” “When do I leave?” “At first light and remember no Magar or high tier talk.” “Thank you Empress.” “You will be going by carriage. It adds a few days of travel but it is very important.” Do I even have a choice? “If it's that important then I understand.” “Wonderful. One more thing. Laxilandituril, my Brother, had a magical ability much like Pemilandituril. She sees more than just truth and lies. She sees intent. Anyway my brother could see variations of the future and he could pick the best ones by his actions. Even I do not know the extent of his power. I just wanted you to know my brother picked his time for a reason. Now.” She rang a little bell that was next to her. A few seconds later everyone other than Esh came back into the room.
“You four will leave by carriage in the morning.” “Mother?” “You need to get your head out of your books and be seen with your betrothed. You can teach him magic along the way as well.” “We do not have to do the royal parades right?” The empress smiled, “You will have to do ten of them.” “Why me and not Esh? She loves these types of things.” “You know why dear Kat, now please stop arguing.” “Yes, mother.” Kat said with a bit of venom. “We all have a long day tomorrow so I will bid you four good night and have a safe journey.” The three of us headed back to Lax’s apartment and while eating I noticed Pem seemed down. “Hey Pem, is everything okay?” “I…Everything is just moving so fast. I spent eight years working on Lady Harmony and in just the last eight days…well you were there.” I laughed. “Now you have a tiny grasp on how I feel.” Her eyes widened, “I can only imagine.” “You can sleep in my bed tonight.” She smiled, “Thank you, Tom.”
As we headed to bed I asked, “Oh yea Pem, why do the boats only go north down stream?” “The why I do not know but the how is once we get to Port Glimo Lady Harmony travels westerly then south until we reach the Blue River. We go upstream there which takes quite a while then we reach the world lake and the cycle continues.”
I laid down in bed and opted not to scry tonight. I didn't want to invade Maria's privacy and nothing would come of it. Pem snuggled up against my back and almost instantly fell asleep. Having a woman sleeping next to me is a form of comfort that is hard to measure but I also fell asleep quickly.