The Forgotten One

I followed Sylmae into the tent and took a seat across the tent from her. The interior was surprisingly sparse for royalty. The only thing in the tent was a large animal skin, a large white wolfs pelt, which was placed on the floor of the tent. As well as several small mats that were used as seats.

Sylmae sat and drew Shalendra into her lap and comforted her. As we waited the rest of the royal family entered and also took seats around the two. As far away from me as humanly possible.

I waited for them to begin speaking since I was the one who’d been wronged. Now I may not have handled it great but that doesn’t make it any less true. I mean technically self defense but still I may have gone too far and felt like an ass afterwards.

It took them well over five minutes of not so silent whispering before they started to address me. Alenia the queen went first but what she said wasn’t what I was expecting in the least. “I’m sorry for the way been treated human.” She didn’t have the holier than thou disposition I was expecting.

She even bowed her head and recalling the memories of the deceased wizard was apparently a sign of apology in elven cultures. The lower a bow the more sincere the apology.

For royalty to even dip their head was phenomenal. I’m not exactly one for praise, ego stroking, or bowing when apologizing. As long as it felt sincere then I was fine with just the words. As such I put a stop to it the second she began.

“Listen. You don’t need to bow or anything. I’m still angry at the way I was treated after helping you. Twice even.” She cringed as my tone grew lower near the end. I sigh and shake my head. “Alright how about we just but that behind us for the time being. I wasn’t exactly cordial with how I threw you guards around or their bears.”

“Let’s just try and talk things through if there are any other misunderstandings between us. I might now be of equal social standing but considering my help you think we could try it?”

The queen nods her head quickly with a slight hint of fear most likely remembering my slight rampage. Her sister on the other hand was smiling down at her niece. She whispered something in her ear and she slowly woke up but stayed in her aunt’s warm embrace.

After that everything was quiet again. Every one of them besides Sylmae was looking everywhere but at me. Minutes passed and I grew uncomfortable with this awkward silence I decided to break it. “Ahem. I was wondering however”.

They all focused on me wondering what it was I could possibly ask them. Would I want a monetary reward for my actions or would I ask for one of the princesses as compensation? And if I did could they stop me if they wanted too? Many thoughts flashed through their minds as the readied for my question.

“Where am I exactly?” They all let out a sigh of relief the queen seemed to let lose some of the tension in her body as well as she spoke. “You are in the Mammoth Forest that covers the western region of this continent. It is home to many but is ruled by my clan.”

“We are the Sylvyre clan. I am the current queen of this kingdom and these are my daughters.” She pointed and introduced each princess. Teharissa the oldest glared at me and said nothing. Yunalesca the middle sister dipped her head in greeting and mumbled a hello. Shalendra turned around to face me with tears still on her face and smiled at me.

“The women you saved is my sister in law by marriage but a true sister in bond.” She then introduced Sylmae who at this point was my second favorite of the Elves. Shalendra being number one. “I thank you for saving her.” I nod to her “You’re welcome”.

“Well now that I know a little bit more I still find myself uncertain as to what to do. Now that I’m not longer being attacked or hunted.” The queen and her eldest daughter had the sense to look ashamed. Not one to lose such an opportunity Sylmae spoke. “If that’s the case why not travel with us?”

That got quite a few reactions from the rest of them. Shalendra sat up and spun around to face me with a large beaming smile on her face. Yuna was once again mumbling something incoherent. Teharissa had a look of worry and fear on her face.

The queen on the other hand didn’t say anything immediately or show any emotion. She sat still cupping her chin in her hand and had a cold calculating look on her face. She thought for a few moments before she nodded. “Yes, that could be an excellent idea. With someone like you around no one will get anywhere near my baby or take her away again.”

I slant my eye brow at her and say. “I appreciate the offer but what exactly can I expect from where we are going and the people that live there? You all included of course.” The queen answered me without hesitation.

“To be honest there hasn’t been a human in Mytfelond for centuries. They all prefer to stick to their cities and towns out in the grasslands to the east of here. Because of this you will end up being a target of many things. The first being attacks.” She grimaced when she said that and recalled how we’d first interacted.

She looked to gauge my reaction to which I shrugged and motioned for her to continue. “That being because we aren’t on the best of terms with them at the moment. There are constantly skirmishes at the border. The second would be questions.”

“You wouldn’t be attacked directly per say but there would be a few groups who’d love to find out what kind of information you have on human troop movements and other tactical things like that.”

She checks me again to see if this would anger me. “Even if people had the ability to pry all the thoughts from my head I doubt they’d find anything particularly useful in terms of combat or espionage.” They all give me strange looks as Sylmae speaks up.

“If that’s the case how did you know how to remove the collar that bound me?” Ah shit that’s right that’s not normal unless I knew it ahead of time right. Mhmmm what should I tell them……….. ah I got it. “I have a skill of sorts that allows me to extend the life of someone on the verge of death.”

“Not in a visible way but to the person it is used on a second will seem like an eternity. While it is in effect they feel pain from their death in an increased volume and it only grows as the time seems to pass. I tell their minds I only need one thing and I’ll let them pass on and end the pain. No matter who it’s used against they always break as pain for all eternity is unbearable. So I asked how to remove the collar and he told me.”

They all look appalled by my answer. Damn it that may have been a bit too dark and twisted. Too late now though. Sylmae blanches “Are there any side effects of such an evil skill?” I quickly thing of a lie that may help me even out their uneasiness towards me.

“Yes as it happens there is. I wasn’t going to tell you but since you’ve asked. I go through the same pain as the one I use the skill on. So if I truly want information then I have to pay for it.” Sylmae goes even whiter and whispers “I’m truly sorry you had to go through something like that for me young man. Thank you so much for your sacrifice.”

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I smile at her and nod which seems to settle her back down. “It’s not something I enjoy doing but I’m glad it helped you get back to those who love you.” I focus back on the queen who seemed to enter back into her cold and calculating mode. “I won’t be using it to help you interrogate people unless absolutely necessary.”

She looks at me and shakes her head. “Of course I wouldn’t thing of asking you to do that.” I quickly sigh and hold up a hand to stop her from continuing. “Alright here’s my first rule if I’m going to work for you. You will NOT lie to me. Ever. If I find out that you have we can pretty much consider this done and I’ll be on my way now.”

Shalendra quickly starts pulling on her mother’s sleeve. “Mom please I want big brother to stay with me.” She hits her with big puppy dog eyes and a sad frown. I watch as she is melted by her daughter. “Ahh fine.” She raises her right hand and I feel magic flow through her the way it flowed through the wizard. “I Alenia swear upon the sun the wind and the roots that I will never lie to you.”

I watch in slight awe as a blade of wind hits us both and a drop of blood falls onto the ground where a root sprouts and when the blood lands on it a small flower blooms. She plucks hers and motions for me to do the same. “This is an oath flower. If either party breaks an oath after using this method the one who was wronged will have the flower wilt showing them the breaking of the bond.”

“Since I’m the one who made the oath both will wilt.” I stare at the small blood red rose and place it behind my ear. “Very well if that’s the case then I feel much better about accepting this job.” I say. “Now back to the conversation before. What kind of people can I expect ahead of us? More elves such as your selves or are there more things I’m unaware of?”

Yuna finally overcomes her mumbling and joins in. “There are of course other elves.” I raise my eyebrows and quickly go through more of the wizards memories. Oh well damn they really are elves. I never really realized. I mean sure they fit the whole vibe of elves especially with that oath thing but their ears are mostly covered by their hair so it was hard to tell.

They also all have the elven beauty thing going for them as well even that older woman with the wolf was beautiful. I shake my head and focus back on Yuna. “….. And of course other than the other clans there are also the Beastkin. We mostly have two of the three types. There are the Catkin and the Bearkin.”

“Catkin are more known for their speed and flexibility. Making them some of the best hunters around. Then the Bearkin are their opposite. They are large and burly known best for their great strength and stamina.”

“They all have varying degrees of animalistic traits. Ranging from just having either ears, nose, or the tail of their beast ancestor. To having all three and being covered in fur. Other than those they closely resemble humans.” I nod and absorb the information. “Thank you very much Yuna it was a great explanation.” She lets out a squeak and mumbles a you’re welcome as her face turns a slight shade of red.

The queen takes back the conversation. “As for us we would like to offer you the job of royal body guard.” I nod thoughtfully “And what exactly does a royal bodyguard do?” the queen sighs and mutters something about making the oath to early.

“Well you would protect the royal family.” I sighed at this. She wasn’t giving me anything other than the absolute bare minimum of information now that she couldn’t lie. “Ok since you can’t lie to me how about not giving me the half assed version of things as well. It’s going to get pretty annoying if every time we talk you won’t tell me anything because you are afraid to lie to me and make me leave.”

She frowns at me and looks perplexed. “I am not very good at this” She motions towards herself and then me. “I only tell those I truly trust what is on my mind not a stranger.” I nod and pull the rose out from behind my ear. “If that’s the case then let’s get rid of this and we start at the beginning stage of trust. This way I may be able to become someone you can fully trust. This is will just be a reminder of how careful you have to be around me. But.”

I hold up one finger “I will absolutely not allow you to move me like a pawn on a chessboard. If there is something you want me to do then ask me don’t send me off to do something but when I arrive it’s something else entirely.”

She nods and picks her flower back up. “Very well human I can accept that.” The rose stay perfectly normal and I nod towards her. “I am ungrateful for all that you’ve done for my daughter and sister.” The rose wilts instantly and I place it on the ground.

“Very well then as for your position as a royal guard. I would like for you to personally look after Shalendra. And her older sisters should the need arise.”

Teharissa isn’t happy about it, Yuna is blushing again, and Shalendra is beaming again. Humph I get to annoy the oldest, tease Yuna, and keep the sweetheart Shalendra safe. I can live with that. “I happily accept.” Alenia smiles and is about to say something when Teharissa blurts out. “Mother I have no need for such a…a…”

She seemed at a loss as to what to call me so I gave her a hand. “A monster?” I had a smile on my face as I said it still watching her outburst. “That’s right I have no need for a monster to watch over me nor do I want it close to me!” After her small rant she realizes she insulted me and looks quickly towards me.

Still smirking she begins to apologize but I just laugh and wave my hands. “Don’t worry about it considering the stuff I’ve been through and what you’ve seen of me I’m sure there are worse things to be called. Although it is a little juvenile don’t you think Princess?”

She goes from apologetic back to seething in an instant and I can’t help but chuckle. Her mother who completely ignored her was still looking at me for a final affirmation to me accepting the job. “Well what do you think?” I look back to her and ask. “Will I be watching them every second of everyday? Will it just be me or will I be rotating with others?”

“Well for now it will just be you alone. I’ll have to have a through screening process to determine who I can trust with the position considering how close to my girls they will be. As for watching them every second of every day if you are capable then I ask that you please do so. Until I have others protecting them. And I will be using you as a figure head of the guards. Their jobs will be to stay hidden unless needed. You will be the one to be seen accompanying them out in the open.”

Confused by what she just said I ask. “Wait what do you mean by trust? How in the world can you give me this job but then make sure that any others are truly trust worthy?” She frowns at me and lowers her head. “While I am a good judge of character as most monarchs need to be we also have spells that allow us to determine if someone is lying or not.

I frowned “Hmmm is that so. And what exactly di the spell tell you and when did you decide to use such a convenient thing?” She looked ashamed again but still answered. “One of the spells allows us to go through the targets memories and we can pick and choose certain times to help find the memories we want.”

“That is what we would use normally but Shalendra begged us not to do something so intrusive to her savior. So instead we tried to find out exactly what type of morality you had. You battle to help us save my sister was more than enough for you to be deemed adequate as a human.”

“That as well as Shalendra’s retelling of the events of her daring escape from the humans and the one who saved her.” We continued to discuss my position and what it would entail. As the discussion was coming to a close Shalendra got up from her aunt and moved over to me and sat down in my lap.

She rested her back against my chest and looked up at me with the same puppy dog eyes she hit her mother with. “So would you truly like the position?” I look away from the youngest princess in my lap and look at her mother. “You know it’s not exactly fair under all this pressure. I will accept.”

She smiled and began to stand “Now then I’m sure you’ve had more than enough excitement for one day. How about we break camp and head for Mytfelond?” I nod to her “I think that’s sounds like a good idea. Also if it’s not too much to ask do you think I could get some clothes or something?”

“I’m not exactly used to being naked.” The queen and the rest of her family quickly blushed and Shalendra shoots up from my lap and dives for her aunt’s lap hiding her blushing face. I scratched the back of my head and laugh. “I’m sorry I thought it might be something considered normal around here since no one said anything.”

Shalendra still had her head buried in her aunt’s lap. Yuna was covering her eyes with her hands but was peeking from in between her fingers. Teharissa was trying to look stoic but couldn’t help blushing and looking away. The queen was suddenly very interested in Shalendra’s hair. And Sylmae was blushing openly and staring at the ceiling.