Shadow and Sword by N. K. Carlson

Author:N. K. Carlson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Creative James Media

Chapter Eleven

The office was richly furnished. Wood panels covered the stone walls and created a welcoming environment. Rounded windows in the walls let in sunlight, the beams illuminating any dust particle in the air. Stairs continued up along the wall to the rampart above. Shelves lined the walls and were covered with books, scrolls, and loose parchment. A sturdy desk stood near the middle of the room. It was evidently carved by a master craftsman, as there were designs etched into the wood. Behind the desk sat a gray bearded elf with piercing blue eyes and short white hair. Around his neck hung a silver medallion.

As the humans and Pallin entered, the elf put down the book he was studying and rose to greet them. He towered above the others, well over six feet tall. Reith would have been greatly intimidated if not for the smile on the elf’s lips. Still, Reith was daunted in his presence.

“Welcome to Crain,” the elf said in a voice rich, deep, and strong. “My name is Gwandoeth, and I am pleased to welcome you, Heth and Reith, into our halls.”

“The pleasure is all mine,” Heth replied. “We humbly seek your mercy and your help.”

“My help you shall have,” Gwandoeth answered. “I spoke with Pallin earlier about your plight. He told me such an interesting and sorrowful tale. Heth, if you would, I would like to hear it from your lips.”

“Certainly my lord,” said Heth, and she began to explain. Reith, who had heard everything before, let his mind wander. He inspected the bookshelves beyond Gwandoeth, noticing some books titled A Concise History of the Northern Provinces, The Tales of Bergond the Warrior, and The Magistrate.

What I wouldn’t give for a few days alone with these books, he thought to himself.

He turned his attention upon Gwandoeth, who was listening intently to Heth. His eyes were focused on hers and he nodded along with her story. He even supplied “Hmm’s” and “Mmhmm’s” when appropriate.

Not only is he a leader, but he is also a listener.

Heth finished her story and Gwandoeth turned his blue eyes on Reith.

“Now, young Reith, your tale. I am most interested in certain aspects of your story.”

“Well, Lord Gwandoeth, my story begins in Coeden, which is some miles west of Suthrond. I am an orphan. When I was thirteen, I was taken into the service of a chronicler by name of Vereinen as his apprentice.”

“And how old are you now?” Gwandoeth asked.

“I am sixteen, sir.”

“Thank you, sorry for the interruption.”

“It’s fine. Not many days ago, I was out hunting, as I hunt three or four times a week. When I returned, Coeden was ablaze and my townsfolk were killed. I encountered a man who can only be described as gray. His skin, his eyes, his voices, all were gray. The Gray Man spared my life on a whim and I escaped. Before my encounter, I had discovered a note from my master instructing me to seek him in Erador, the ruined city. With nowhere else to go, I traveled west and crossed the river into Dragonscar.

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