Summon the Elven Mage, Barbara Ferrier [ebook reader with highlighter .TXT] 📗

Chapter 9

“I’d like you to meet my friends,” Sylvia said. “We’ll go to Beacon’s in Wizandor Village first.” They took a messenger trail and the two emerged in the courtyard of a magnificent medieval village built directly into the cliff walls. There were tall stone columns on either side of a large arched doorway. The thick wooden doors were carved with the emblem of the city. A bell tower stood across the square from the entrance and was by far the highest point in the village. Sylvia and Kris walked inside the town square, and past a comfortable restaurant. Sylvia led him down the corridor to Beacon’s door and knocked three times.

“Sylvia, what brings you? Come in.” Beacon was slightly taller than Kris and had curly hair and salt and pepper stubble. The three walked into Beacon’s living room together.

“I’d like you to meet my new friend Kris Campbell. Shantini found him at the bottom of the Divide, severely injured from a fall.

“Oh no,” Beacon said, acknowledging Kris. “I’m so sorry to hear that.”

“He's come here from Earth. Kelne expected him but I don’t know more. I want the two of you to meet,” Beacon shook Kris’s hand.

“Good to meet you,” Kris said. “Kelne suggested I come here but then the wind blew my plans apart,” he smiled.

“I understand completely.”

The sound of horse hooves and many men on foot filled the village square. Three archers accompanied the Chancellor.

“I sense trouble,” Beacon said as he turned and ran outside to the courtyard. Sylvia and Kris followed.

The Chancellor stepped onto the podium in the square. “Taxes. I want my taxes right now! The crystals in the bell tower are to be confiscated because the Wizandor owes me. If you give them up now, I won’t have to bring my army in,” he said, pointing to a sizeable army of men outside the square.

“What is this?” Beacon said.

“We’re in great need of crystals, and although I doubt you have much of value in this puny village, I expect to take it all,” The Chancellor said.

“Have you gone mad, sir? You know that isn’t possible. The harm of removing sacred objects would be irreparable. I’ve never heard of such a thing in my life,” Beacon said. “The purpose of those crystals is to keep the land in balance and the crops strong, so we avoid famine. Remember?”

The Chancellor slowly looked at the Bell tower, then signaled his three archers to shoot the large crystal. Beacon held a clear crystal inside his robe and created a protective force field. Several arrows shot accurately, but hit the forcefield and bounced off, falling to the ground.

The Chancellor, a heavy-set balding man, with short grey hair and beard stepped down from the podium and marched to Beacon. “How dare you,” his wild eyed, red-faced anger overtook him as he grabbed Beacon by the neck, and pushed him to the ground, smashing his right cheek directly into the stone and holding one arm behind his back. "You and your magic," he said, standing and kicking Beacon in the back and side. The Chancellor’s archers stood, bows drawn, aimed at Beacon, waiting for orders. The crowd watched. The army waited for his cue.

Kris jumped onto the raised podium and stood with his hands held wide. “Welcome all of you. Fortunately, I do conflict resolution.  We can get to the bottom of this without further injury. We all value fairness.” Kris faced the Chancellor.  “I believe this kerfuffle was a little mistake. Please, explain what you want.”

Sylvia knelt by Beacon and used her green flat stone to help his shoulder and cheek. Beacon winked at her. Then he nodded and she helped him stand.

The Chancellor stood frozen in place staring at Kris, visibly back on his heels. “It is my job to collect from the people for the needs of all,” the Chancellor said. “Taxes and all that.”

“I see. Sure,” Kris said. “Let's write up an agreement and include all the people who are affected. Otherwise, it might look like stealing. We wouldn’t want things to look bad.” The archers set their bows down and put the arrows away. Other men in the square stepped back, with looks of bemusement.

Kris faced the Chancellor. “Are you inviting us to participate in something for everyone's good? We accept.”

“Oh, no, not that. That’s not what I was implying.” The Chancellor said.

“Then bring us a fair proposal. I am certain we can find agreement.”

The Chancellor turned slowly towards his army and continued to turn until he had spun around in a circle. He was at a complete loss.  Sylvia saw a soft warm glow surrounding Kris as if he were bathed in magic. The welcoming glow extended past the village square. It rendered the Chancellor and his men helpless.

She brushed off Beacon's robes and watched the Chancellor back away from Kris. Utterly baffled, he stumbled to his horse, slowly mounted it, and rode off. His archers followed and the army walked away.

Kris ran to Beacon. “Are you alright? I’m so sorry he attacked you ... “I think it would benefit you to go to the Kinizar Falls. It really helps you feel like a brand-new man.”

“How about that,” Beacon laughed. “I think I’ll take your advice,” he rubbed his knee.

“I have no tolerance for bullies,” Kris said firmly. “None.”

Sylvia opened a messenger trail and the three arrived at the Kinizar Falls misting platform and bathed in the waterfall’s light mist.

Chapter 10

Sylvia and Kris turned to walk up the hill when they saw Kelne running toward them, a look of concern on his face. “Kris, there you are. I’m so sorry, but I must ask a huge favor, please,” Kelne was out of breath.

“Of course,” Kris said. “What do you need?”

“It’s a rather significant request. My grandniece would be better off if she left this world for a while and visited Earth. When I checked on her clan in the Black Hills after I saw you, things were a mess. As a precautionary