The Last Praetorian by Christopher Anderson

Author:Christopher Anderson [Anderson, Christopher]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2014-06-19T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14: Revelation

“What did you do that for?” Tarion asked Alfrodel angrily, but when he opened his eyes, the ghost wasn’t there and he wasn’t at the riverside.

He stood inside a mighty woodland hall. Gilded pillars supported a lofty roof of carved beams and crystal panes. There were no walls. The manicured forest was as much a part of the hall as the beautifully worked wood and stone. As if to emphasize this, a clear stream ran down the center of the hall forming a clear pool at one end. Reflected in the pool was a raised dais of turf. Upon the dais was a gilded throne. The throne glittered in the beams of sunlight. It seemed to float on the slight morning mist wafting through the hall, lending the elven place an element of mysterious splendor.

“I’m sorry, King Alfrodel, what was that?” asked a smooth, powerful voice. Tarion turned to see an elf of dark complexion and penetrating eyes standing next to him. It was Ancenar. The elven lord looked at him, prompting Tarion to stop and look at his reflection in the pool. He was in the body of Alfrodel. This must be one of the elven king’s memories. He straightened and glanced behind.

With him were many other fair folk. Tarion said nothing, but continued walking, feeling as if the dream carried him along like a raft on an ocean current. He crossed the stream over a small bridge and as he reached the throne, the elves bowed to him. Tarion sat down. Ancenar and his peers began to report the events, rumors and business of the Tulari. At length, Tarion understood this was Alfrodel’s life. He followed Alfrodel’s existence and through him experienced the orderly world of the elves. It was a blend of mysticism and power wondrous to behold. He watched ages of history in short clips of memory, until the coming of the exiled Gods. Among the Gods, Alfrodel was closest to Tyr the Wise, a God of powerful intellect and deep understanding.

“Follow me, King Alfrodel,” Tyr said, “and I will forge the elves into the beacon of the new world with you as the torch bearer!” Tyr swayed Alfrodel and the elves waxed in new splendor even as darkness spread outside their borders. When Odin’s daughter, Freya, exposed Tyr as Naugrathur the Destructor, Alfrodel knew Tyr betrayed him. Though false, Naugrathur nevertheless enticed the elven king.

“Follow me still, Alfrodel, for what I said as Tyr is also true from the mouth of Naugrathur. The time of the Gods is over. Eternal order and absolute law await us in this new beginning. Under my dominion you shall be the light of the world!”

Alfrodel cursed Naugrathur and refused to serve him. War followed. For all his courage, Alfrodel’s realm fell along with the realms of men and dwarves. At last, Alfrodel conceded his pride and joined with men, dwarves and Gods to meet the Destructor on the field of battle. The free folk endured a crushing defeat and Alfrodel fled east with the last of his people.

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