“Events rarely come to pass in our own time. The ebb and flow of them is controlled by the gods—for their thoughts are higher than our own.”—“Writings of a Desert Philosopher”, by Hastor Mordan

  Castle Tower, Cryptonia, Ground Plane

  The room was quiet for several seconds, the guards looking to Titus with expectant expressions. He cleared his throat nervously. He knew what sort of being stood before him and was hesitant to offer anything that might be construed as offence.

  “Greetings, Stone Knight,” he bowed his head respectfully. “I see you are road-weary and have clearly been in a struggle.”

  “Many,” Elle nodded. “Goblins, packs of them, all the way from the Hollow Mountain to here.” She stalked forward and slammed her helmet on a small table, gripping her sodden hair in a great knot to squeeze the water from it. The humans around her gaped in disbelief. “No more. All now lie frozen in the snow.”

  “That is very impressive,” said the knight. He noticed that her accent was slightly similar to Fern’s, but significantly more pronounced. “What is your name, lady? May I ask why you are here?”

  “I am Elle Ironwrought, knight of the Order of the Broken Blade.” She rapped a fist on her chest twice, indicating the symbol on her armor. The simple design was a sword snapped in two. “I have been sent to consult the new Lord of the Tower and witness his confirmation. Are you he?” Her gaze fell to his shoulder and the braid that hung there. “Ah, I see not, for you are a knight of Erikeen.”

  “That is correct, Lady Elle. I am Ser Titus, Lord Jasper’s military advisor and guardian.” She inclined her head respectfully.

  “Well met, sword-brother.”

  “Likewise, my friend. Unfortunately, you have missed the ceremony, though the celebration continues inside. You are welcome to enter and be introduced, though I would suggest caution in your current um…” He eyed the dark blood smears on her armor. “State.” Elle looked down at herself and sighed, nodding.

  “I know I must look a ghastly figure, ser. But I am what I am—warrior through and through.”

  “Be that as it may, your appearance would like to frighten some of the guests out of their finery.” This actually made Elle smile, as if she might proceed just to see the spectacle, but she nodded.

  “You speak wisely, Ser Titus. As you wish. My journey has waited this long, I suppose it will wait a few minutes longer. Show me to a changing room, I will freshen up before meeting your Lord.”

  “Very good. I will inform my Lord of your arrival. Shanis, guide our guest to a room, will you?”

  “Aye, ser.” The female veteran nodded and stepped to a side door leading off from the vestibule to the first-floor accommodations. “If you’ll follow me, Lady.”

  “Certainly.” Elle picked up her helmet and tucked it under her left arm. She nodded politely to Titus, one knight to another, before departing.

  “Well,” said another of the soldiers, eyebrows raised. “That’s a surprise, and no mistake.”

  “I was wondering why we had not heard from the northern elves. I’m sure we will learn more of her story when she has an audience.” said Titus. He clapped the sergeant on the shoulder. “Stand to. If this goes as I expect, she is not going to be happy by the end of their conversation.”

  “You think she’ll try to fight us, ser?”

  “Gods, I hope not. We’d end up trying to fight her.”

  ???

  Jasper was surprised, but grateful for the distraction from Ambassador Reesa when Titus appeared at his side and told him of a late arrival.

  “A stone elf?” He asked incredulously. “Really?”

  “Yes, Lord. From the state of her, she has been through quite the ordeal to get here. Numerous goblin ambushes between the mountains and here she said.”

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  “That bodes ill for the state of our security,” said Calian from Jasper’s other side.

  “I agree,” sighed Titus. “If they are able to pass so freely into our land and the elven mountains, I hate to consider what risk that places on the small towns and villages without protection in the rural areas.”

  “That is a terrifying idea.” Jasper leaned his elbows on the table before him, resting his chin on meshed fingers. He considered the prospect of undefended borders and enemies moving wherever they wished, relatively unchallenged. The quiet knock at his door stirred him. “Enter.” It cracked open, and Shanis stuck her head in.

  “Lady Elle to see you, Lord Jasper.” He beckoned to her.

  “Come in, Shanis, she’s expected.” The private nodded and opened the door wide to allow her and the elf inside. He stood when they stepped forward. As Jasper rounded the corner of the table and approached, he realized just how large she was. Elle stood a few inches taller than he and Calian. She did not look down on them, really, but Jasper certainly felt her imposing presence. Instead of her armor, Elle wore simple trousers, warm stockings, and a wool tunic. He offered her a hand while pointing to the table where he had been sitting. Food and drink had been set for one.

  “Please join me and tell your tale once you have eaten.” True to her powerful and martial appearance, Elle still had steel in her spine and an expression worthy of her title. She bowed her stark white head but did not take his hand.

  “Thank you, Lord.” Calian pulled back a chair for the knight and she settled into her chair. Calian placed a pitcher of ale in front of Elle who thanked him. Jasper watched quietly while she dug in hungrily.

  He had heard Titus’ description of the fine armor she had worn on her arrival, and Jasper was intrigued to see it. Even garbed in simple clothes as she was, she bore a natural beauty that only an elf could. Her long hair was neatly pulled back over her shoulders in a small leather thong, revealing her bright eyes, shapely face, and pointed ears. The young human was captivated by her. A stunning woman and a fearsome warrior? Such a thing was rare on Earth. He wondered just how frequent it was in this new world. He realized she was finishing her meal and sat up.

  “Thank you again, Lord Jasper, for your hospitality,” she said. “It has been several days since I ate properly. The change of clothes is also a welcome comfort.”

  “I am glad to have been able to offer them.” He smiled. “But I have to ask, why l have you come so far?”

  “Coincidentally, to find you, Lord.” She chuckled dryly. “My Queen, Galia, dispatched me a handful of days ago to establish a connection to the new Lord of the Tower. She attempted to contact you via the Gazing Stone linked to your castle, but was unsuccessful.” Titus stood uneasily glancing between Calian and Jasper.

  “Ah.” The vampire winced. “That would be Lerontis’ doing. He damaged the stone in one of his stupors.” Elle lips pressed into a thin line. The creases in her brow expressed disappointment.

  “From what little I know of him, ser, I am not surprised. His repeated refusal of Her Majesty’s advice and counsel became a matter of great stress and frustration for her.” She meshed her strong fingers and braced her elbows on the table.

  “Can the stone be repaired?” Jasper asked, concerned that the foolish man had done some irreparable damage to it and the Tower’s relationship with the northern elves.

  “I will need to inspect the stone to give you an accurate answer, my Lord,” said Elle. “Until I see what has been done, I cannot say.”

  “Of course,” said Jasper. “And this will allow us to contact the Queen directly?”

  “Yes.” Elle nodded. “Do you have any experience with a Gazing or Seeing Stone?” Jasper immediately thought of the Palantir from Tolkien’s books. He already had the spectacular map, but any new magical artifact he could take, he would.

  “Yes,” Jasper chuckled. “I have, though none of it practical.” Elle described the magical device and its capabilities to him in short order. As she explained it, it was—for want of a better phrase—magical FaceTime. He was quite excited to see the stone in action.

  “Lady Elle, I am honored to have you here as long as you wish.”

  “You are my quest, Lord.” She said plainly, spreading her hands. “I am your only link to the Hollow Mountain at this moment.”

  “Very well then. Repairing the stone is clearly a matter of importance.” Elle nodded intently.

  “It is. Our kingdom and your territory must have a way to speak quickly in order to coordinate should the need arise.”

  “I agree, communication is extremely important. I am glad you arrived safely to deliver this news and to assist us in repairing the stone.”

  “We were blessed, much as I am loath to say it, considering the circumstances of my arrival,” she snorted, shaking her silver head. The small group continued to chat for some time. Jasper wanted to know more about her encounters with the goblins, but the elf was so tired from her travels that she excused herself after a while and turned in for the night. Jasper offered his hand for shaking as she stood to leave, and Elle took it after only a moment’s hesitation.

  “I look forward to working by your side in the future, Lady Elle.”

  “And to secure it, Lord,” she sighed. “With the time I had getting here, I wonder if the latter will be as easy as the former.”

  “Well, we will have you with us,” said Jasper, trying for a lighthearted smile. “That will certainly count for something.”

  “Indeed.” Elle glanced at Calian, who had stood quietly by while the others spoke. She clearly sensed something different about the steward but said nothing. “Goodnight, my Lord. Sers.” The elf bowed and followed Shanis, who had stood by, to her quarters. Jasper, Calian, and Titus watched them go.

  “She is a unique creature,” observed the vampire. “And I’ll thank you for not mentioning my nature, Lord. Not all races are as understanding of us less lively types.”

  “Of course,” said Jasper. “Elle certainly does strike a cord, but she seems reserved to me.”

  “Stone elves can be like that,” explained Titus with a chuckle. “Not all of them are as open and polite as our friends at the Tower.”

  “I see. Well, maybe she will loosen up as things progress.”

  “I hope so,” said the knight, sucking air through his teeth. “She still hasn’t seen the stone yet.”