“Sir James! Greeted Oakleaf Gilderwood. “I trust that young Elana has proved herself useful to you. I am often guilty of keeping issues of importance to myself, and dismissing the needs of those around me. I hope that Elana has provided some remedy to my failings in this regard.” He nodded to the young acolyte.” I have spoken to the council in some detail about you, and I can attest to their gratitude for your assistance in these matters.”
The council was composed of Sir Gilderwood, and three additional members. Two women and one man, and all were obviously magic users of some stature. All three nodded in response to Oakleaf Gilderwood’s description of their feelings. Celeste was also at the dining table and seemed to be studying James’s reactions to his predicament.
“Let me introduce the council, Sir James.”Lord of the Cypress Marshes, Lord Wisteria and Lord Angelwood,” said Sir Gilderwood, as he named them in order.
Lord Angelwood was a solid woman, who wore robes of a deep green color, added, “Sir James, our gratitude to you knows no bounds. Patriarch Gilderwood has informed us of the gravity of the incursion of the forces of Chaos into the Grey Mountains. We are gravely concerned.”
“However, we are also aware of the difficulties of your own position in our world Sir James. Although we concur with our Patriarch that your presence will be of material benefit to our goals in his quest to defeat Gloamanthal and his allies our council has deemed it appropriate to ask for your approval to continue your part in this task. I must hasten to add that to our knowledge, it is not possible for us to return you to your world at this time, but we believe it appropriate to offer an alternative to your service to the quest. You are welcome to remain here within the Emerald college for as long as you like, or continue the journey with Patriarch Gilderwood.” She continued,” If, as we hope, you choose to continue the journey we will provide material assistance, as far as is possible. But your consent is required, Sir James. What may be your answer to the council?”
James did not expect this, and hardly knew what to say. He looked at Celeste, Sir Gilderwood, and finally into the pleading gaze of Elana. ”I am not sure that I know enough to decide,” stammered James.
“I understand Sir James’” responded Lord Angelwood. “Such is the nature of a quest of this nature. Let me be plain. It is the opinion of the council that Gloamanthal and his allies seek to destroy the Gardens of Taubra. It appears that they strive to compromise the core of magical power which exists far below the snow-covered peaks. This threatens to cause a ruining blow to our order, the order of the Sisters of Theodor and to the Empire itself. Gloamanthal must not be allowed to succeed in his mission.”
At this point in the discussion, two acolytes entered the hall bearing devices in crystal and leather cases.
“At the direction of Patriarch Gilderwood, the college has spent the past twelve months constructing artifacts of great power to assist in the quest. One of these artifacts has been designed for your use Sir James. Would you like to try it on?” asked the Emerald wizard.
One of the acolytes reached into one of the leather cases and lifted from it a set of green and brown robes. They appeared camouflaged, but in a pattern James had never seen or imagined before. The effect was remarkable and complete. The robes flowed over the arms of the acolyte in the way of silk. “These robes will keep you dry and warm Sir James, and yet will provide no encumbrance. The fabric is made from a rare and magical lotus plant. We call it Samatoa. No conventional weapon can pierce it, and in a most natural settings, you will be difficult to see. It is a very great gift Sir James. Elana herself sewed this garment.”
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James could see Elana blushing. The acolyte set the robes on the table in front of him. ‘What should I do?’ thought James. Until now, he had few decisions to make. Would these people really permit him to remain in the college while Gilderwood left to confront the Chaos Lord. And would that ever get him home? He looked at Celeste. Clearly, she was interested in only one aspect of this confrontation. It was obvious in her demeanor that she viewed this as a test of James’s will. ‘Am I up to the task? Am I worthy in her eyes?’ Then there was Elena. She had a completely different take on the situation. Accepting this gift would be a gesture of his acceptance of her. He was sure of this. Both women were easy to read. Both were incredibly difficult to refuse.
“I will do my best to accompany Sir Gilderwood, and I thank the council for this fine gift,” answered James. He donned the robes. The decision was made.
“I would like to express to you my deepest gratitude, Sir James. Thank you.” replied Oakleaf Gilderwood, and then he turned to continue with business. “It is time to inspect the remaining artifacts of power. Acolytes if you please,” added Sir Gilderwood as he gestured towards the table with his hands. The acolytes place an engraved leather case and a crystal box onto the surface of the table. Oakleaf reached first, reverentially, to the crystal box, opening it slowly. “Ah!” exclaimed, “Perfection,” and then he continued, for James’s benefit. James, this is a Sunstone,” and he reached in grasping a three inch faceted stone of a radiant yellow color. “It has been infused with the condensed light of the sun, for the past twelve months. With it we need never fear of the dark. If we are ever in need of the light of day, this stone will provide it,” and he added, “My deepest thanks for your efforts to produce this invaluable tool, Lord Wisteria.” Oakleaf Gilderwood replaced the gem within its case, then inserted the case into a pocket in his robe. Next the Emerald Wizard opened the ornate leather box, and said, “Sir James, this also is for you.”With that he lifted a ring of silver colored metal, almost white, and it was encrusted with hundreds of minute emeralds. The ring glittered brilliantly in the filtered sunlight. Sir Gilderwood handed James the ring and bade him, “Please, put it on. This ring has been made for you.”
“What does it do, Sir Gilderwood?” asked James gingerly, as he awkwardly placed the ring on the middle finger of his right hand. He noticed several spiral shaped designs inlaid into the emerald colored structure of the ring.
“It is a ring of resurrection, Sir James, “ explained the lord of the Cypress Marshes. “It may be used to return to life an individual, saving one who has recently passed to the land of the dead. It may be used just once, Sir James. This ring contains the greatest power available to a practitioner of the Lore of Life. Only the finest of our mages are capable of employing this spell at need. By the means of this ring, you are now capable of casting this spell Sir James. Consider its use with utmost care.”
“I will’” replied James. He always hated rings, and this one felt very awkward on his finger. James thought immediately of all of the ways he might break or lose the ring. Or use it inappropriately. He did notice one thing though. Withdrawing his hands into his robes seemed to completely conceal the ring in some fashion. It would not attract attention, so long as he wore his new clothing.
It was evening by the time the Council of Lords had escorted Oakleaf, Celeste and James to the front entrance of the College. Sergeant Fleming had returned to the palace earlier in the day. Elana had also walked with the group, staying close to James’s side as they walked along the grass path. She was able to explain many of the unusual sights along the way, even showing him the lotus flower ponds where the stems had been harvested to weave the fabric of his robes.
When the group arrived at the door the sun was close to setting.The council bid them farewell, and shocked James by also saying goodbye to Elana. Elana was to accompany the quest! The four of them made their way back to the palace through the darkening streets of Badendorf. Just before their arrival Sir Gilderwood stepped beside James and waved his arms, calling James’s gaze upwards and above the level of even the height of the palace. He explained, “We have one more task to complete in Badendorf, Sir James. Tonight, we visit the College of Astronomical Wizardry,” and suddenly James became aware of a matched set of towers extending up and above any of the tallest structures in Badendorf. They were amazing to behold, but for some reason James had not previously noticed them. Perhaps mist had previously obscured the towers, or somehow they were more noticeable in the last light of day. “The Celestial College of Astronomical Wizardry is the center of astronomical observations in the Empire. I thought that you might enjoy visiting the College, Sir James. And besides, I have a debt to repay them. Without the assistance of their great lens, I would not have been able to bring you to this world, Sir James.”