Interlude: Qucalion of
Celene
by Michael S. Webster
County of
Tillahi, Celene
Snowflowers
21, 5038 OC (Coldeven 21, 576 CY)
Four
elves, obviously weary from their travels, approached the crest of a rise in
the road. As the other side of the hill came into view, they saw a carriage
escorted by several armored figures. The figure at the head of the formation
spotted the elves and kicked his horse into a gallop. As he approached,
Countess Tillahi waved in greeting to her castellan.
Drawing
up to the group, the Castellan dismounted and bowed. “Countess, we were
concerned when you hadn’t returned. You were spotted on the road, and we were
alerted to your return.”
Sir
Juffer, consort to Countess Tillahi, spoke wearily, “Well-met you are,
Castellan Finrael. Although coming into sight of home had bestowed wings to our
legs, they are nonetheless glad to see you brought conveyance.”
“Well
said, love,” Tillahi replied, relief in her voice. “I trust all is well,
Castellan.”
The
carriage and the entourage arrived at the top of the hills and the mounted soldiers
dismounted and offered waterskins and a basket containing bread and fruit to
the travelers. “Yes, My Lady. All is well, despite a couple disturbances who
are now residing in cells.”
Sir
Juffer assisted their two companions into the carriage, turned to assist his
Lady. “Lord Castellan, I trust they can keep one more day so the countess may
rest and recover?”
“Indeed,
Sir Juffer. They have kept this long, a
day or two will not matter.”
“Excellent.
After a hot bath, a warm meal, and a cool bed, I should be set aright on the
morrow,” agreed Tillahi. Accepting Juffer’s hand into the carriage, he followed
her in.
The
carriage turned around and headed back to the manor. By the time it arrived at
the doors, the four elves were asleep.
Prisoner Cells,
Tillahi Manor, County of Tillahi, Celene
Snowflowers
23, 5038 OC (Coldeven 23, 576 CY)
Although
the morrow upon which Tillahi awakened was a day later than estimated, the rest
did much to recuperate her tired body and ease her troubled mind. Now, it is
time to return to business. Escorted by her castellan and consort, they entered
the cells beneath the manor house.
“The
prisoners here have been well looked after, Countess,” assured Finrael. “On an
unrelated note, I have dispatched a messenger to notify her Fey Majesty of your
return.”
“Excellent.
Know this, Castellan Finrael,” she turned to the elf with a smile, “While I had
concerns over whether we would return home, I had no doubts it had been left in
very capable hands. Let us meet our . . . guests, shall we?”
“Thank
you, Countess, and here are our first two guests. Siblings. Twins, in fact.”
Looking
into the cell, she observed a lanky wood elf. He appeared thin, gangly, and disheveled,
even having what appeared to be twigs and leaves in his hair. Reclining on the
pallet provided, he smiled a grin, not of congenial sanity, but one of insane
mirth. Raising a hand, he snapped his fingers and pointed in the general
direction of the viewers.
“D…R…T!”
was all he said.
“I
thought you said there were…”, Tillahi started to speak when from an adjacent
cell the countess heard the snapping of fingers followed by “Right there.”
“We
had to separate the two. They are given to arguing and fighting each other,”
explained Finrael.
“As
siblings do!” stated the male elf in the cell, followed by insane giggling from
both cells.
Tillahi
looked into the other cell and spied a mirror-image, although female, of the
male. “What are their offenses?”
“Disorderly
conduct, brawling, and attempted murder. They fought others with the same
intensity as themselves. Apparently, there was some disagreement over a contest
of archery, and they proved their point by placing several arrows into their
opponents.”
“They
all survived!” said the female elf.
“They
can walk it off!” chimed in the male.
“Just
rub some dirt in!”
“Their
names?” asked Juffer.
“The
male is called Arty’ll, and the female is L’ree, surname is Bhrygaid. They
originate from the Welkwood. They were tracking a bounty in the Kron Hills when
they arrived in the area.”
“Interesting.
I may have a job for them myself soon,” stated Tillahi. “You said there was a
third.”
“Yes,
Countess. This one, you may know…”
Stepping
up to another cell, Tillahi nodded. “Ridorr…”
A Barn, County of Tillahi, Celene
Tinklingice 7, 5037 OC (Ready’reat 7, 575
CY)
The
smell of hay stored for the winter months in the upper level of the barn was
fragrant and masked the scent of lovemaking lingering on a cloak in the straw.
The lovers reclined in the warmth of the barn supplied by the animals below
against the chill of the coming winter.
Airawyn,
youngest sister to the Countess Tillahi, lay her head upon the shoulder of her
lover, a half-elf named Ridorr of Gomel. “I wish we could be wed, Rid.”
Kissing
the top of her head, Ridorr smiled sadly. “If only we could. My bastard
heritage wouldn’t be overlooked by your sister. She would never countenance the
scandal.”
“We
could petition Her Fey Majesty,” suggested Airawyn.
“Our
chances would be better with your sister, Aira.” Both sighed. “We can steal
these moments and hope for the best.”
The
lovers stood and returned their clothing to their allotted positions and
climbed down from the hay loft. As they opened the door, Ridorr turned to his
love, “If I had the chance to prove my love…”
“It
will be difficult to prove from a cell, Ridorr of Gomel!” stated an
authoritarian voice. Suddenly the lovers were surrounded by guards commanded by
the Lord Castellan. “Ridorr of Gomel, you are under arrest for …”
“…for
the crime of being in love above my station?” Ridorr suggested.
The
castellan was taken aback by the tacit accusation of class bigotry. Ridorr took
the discomfort on the castellan’s face as a minor victory.
“…for
the betrayal of your refugee status to the Countess Tillahi, seduction of her
sister, and the rape of…”
No
one was prepared for the slap to the face of the castellan. Least of all the
castellan himself.
Airawyn
shook her sore hand and glared at the scarlet handprint she left behind. “Take
care, castellan. I may only be the younger sister of the Countess, but I will
not truck what lies about me and my love you might make up!”
Castellan
Finrael refused to give the satisfaction of rubbing where the young elf
maiden’s hand landed. He picked two guards, “You two! Escort the Lady Airawyn
home. The rest, place this bastard in chains and take him to the cells.
Countess Tillahi will deal with him when she returns!”
Struggling
against the grasp of the guards, Airawyn was led away while manacles were
placed on the compliant Ridorr. A small smirk appeared on the half-elven face.
“Smirk
all you want, Ridorr. We’ll see how well time in the countess’s cells will cure
you of that amusement.”
Prisoner Cells, Tillahi Manor, County of
Tillahi, Celene
Snowflowers 23, 5038 OC (Coldeven 23, 576
CY)
“Hello,
Countess.” Ridorr stood and gave a slightly mocking bow. “I am genuinely glad
for your safe return.”
Tillahi
turned to her castellan. “So, he is in here for his dalliances with my sister,
yes? As much as I detest his laying his hands upon her, and how much I would
like to seal this cell with stone, I fear…”
Finrael
interrupted. “Ahem. Countess, there is a, um… a complication.”
Tillahi
turned to him. “A complication.”
“Yes
ma’am.” Leaning closer to the countess’s ear, he whispered. The shock on Tillahi’s
face matched Ridorr’s!
“She’s
pregnant?!” shouted Ridorr in a mixture of shock and joy. “I’m going to be a
father! Now you must let us marry!”
Tillahi
glowered at the half-elf before turning away and returning to the upper levels
of the manor.
Council Chambers, Tillahi Manor, County of
Tillahi, Celene
Snowflowers 23, 5038 OC (Coldeven 23, 576
CY)
“That
damned half-breed bastard!” The anger Tillahi expressed was palpable. Stopping
and calmly breathing, she said calmly, “Perhaps I have a way to resolve this in
a more noble manner.”
“What
do you have in mind, love?” asked Sir Juffer.
Before
Tillahi could relate her plans, the doors to the chamber burst open as a herald
stumbled in and started to announce the guest who barreled past him.
Her
Fey Majesty, the Faerie Queen, Lady Rhalta of all Elvenkind, and Ruler of
Celene, Yolande had entered the room like a storm. She immediately embraced the
her cousin with the force of a refreshing summer storm.
“Cousin!
We had feared the worst but are most joyful our fears were for naught!”
Returning
her embrace, “We were fearing the worst as well.” Both Tillahi and her consort,
Sir Juffer, became visibly calmer and more relaxed. “We were rescued in time
before our fates could be decided. Such courage must be rewarded.”
Yolande stepped back and took her
Tillahi’s and Juffer’s hands in hers. “I look forward to hearing your story. We
must celebrate.”
“Thank you, your Fey Majesty…” began the countess.
“Please, we can forego all the honorifics,
Tillahi, Juffer. Taking care of you two after your traumatic experiences is
more important than protocol.” Yolande embraced her cousin again.
“Thank you, dear cousin,” sighed Tillahi
wearily. “We’re grateful for your generosity as much as we are grateful for
being back in Celene.”
***
A small feast was prepared, and the four
noble elves shared in it. Countess Tillahi and her consort, Sir Juffer sat
across the table from each other. Taking
the remaining side was Queen Yolande and Castellan.
Yolande contemplated the wine in a crystal
goblet. “I wholeheartedly agree these souls should be rewarded for their
gallantry. I also think sending those three to deliver the reward to its destination
is a good plan. However, I would like to make a small change…”
Reception Hall, Royal Palace, Enstad,
Celene
Snowflowers 21, 5038 OC (Coldeven 21, 576
CY)
“Mother…”
Queen Yolande was adamantly against her
son’s plans for adventure. She was well aware of the dangers the Flanaess proffered,
and noble status was no safeguard. “Qucalion, I cannot have you become a vulgar
‘adventurer’ and risk your death.”
Qucalion sighed. This was a common
argument between him and his mother. It didn’t help she was the Queen, not only
of Celene, but of all Elvenkind. He felt restless and a burning desire to see
what was over the hill, and then the next and so on. Wanderlust.
“Mother, I have no real responsibilities
in your realm. I have four brothers and sisters who will ascend the throne
before I would. All the titles and honors have gone to them, and rightfully
so. I’m not jealous of them. I just want
to explore the world. Like my father did.”
“Qucalion, I can accept you have more of
your father in you, but I do not want to lose you like I did him. It is out of
the question, and I will sooner consign you to house arrest than allow you to go
‘adventuring’. I have spoken!”
Qucalion recognized the Official End of
Discussion. It came earlier than normal this time. Perhaps the worry over her
cousin Tillahi disappearing had something to do with it.
As the young elf strode to his quarters,
he planned his escape…
Courtyard, Tillahi Manor, County of
Tillahi, Celene
Snowflowers 27, 5038 OC (Coldeven 27, 576
CY)
Countess Tillahi looked over the motley
group. If anything, they looked like the part adventurers.
Castellan Finrael addressed the group.
“You have been selected to carry out a promise the Lady Countess Tillahi has to
reward her rescuers. While each of you have your own separate reasons for
going, you will go nonetheless to carry this reward to the Heroes of
Hommlet. Some of you have additional
missions which you will carry out.”
Finrael waved to the guards holding the
manacles of the two wood elves, who then removed them. “Arty’ll and L’ree Bhrygaid of the
Welkwood. You will serve as guardians of
this party, leading them to Hommlet.
After your mission is accomplished you WILL return to the Welkwood and
stay out of Greater Celene for the remainder of your lives.”
 |
| Arty'll (or is it L'ree?) |
The twin elves shouldered their bows and
quivers and shrugged noncommittally. “Whatever,” they spoke in unison.
“One, two, three – jinx!” shouted L’ree.
“The next round is on you!”
Arty’ll simply grumbled.
Shaking his head, he turned to a young
grey elf in the liveries of a cleric of Corellon Larethian. Shorter than most
elves, Finrael looked down at the cleric, almost apologetically.
“Tyroc, you have been charged with
escorting this group to Hommlet after which you will return to Tilac to
continue your ministrations. Hopefully, some of your wisdom will be absorbed by
these others.” Tyroc simply nodded.
Finrael approached a young grey elf and
bowed graciously. “Prince Qucalion. You have been included in this party by
decree of Her Fey Majesty in order to represent the nobility of Celene. You
have the responsibility of leading this group to their destination as well as
to distribute the rewards to all involved.”
Qucalion simply nodded with a wry
grin. He understood this was to “cure”
the wanderlust he felt. His own suit of elven chainmail and the magical shield
once wielded by his father was for his protection, as well as the longsword and
bow he carried. Being a fighter and magic-user, he also had his spell book to
aid in the defense of his party. After this delivery to Hommlet, Qucalion was
expected to return…
Finrael turned to Ridorr as the half-elf
was checking the gear on his horse. Before the castellan could speak, Tillahi
stepped forward.
“Ridorr Fenbalar of Gomel,” Tillahi’s
voice cold and stern. “As we have discussed, you will continue past Hommlet and
join the Heroes of Hommlet in their quest and bring honor to you and your
house. After which I will positively consider your petition.”
Countess Tillahi used other language in
private conference with Ridorr. “If you have any honor, you will go to Hommlet where
you will join the Heroes of Hommlet in their quest. Should you earn the Badge and Title of
Fencing Master, I will knight you as Protector of Celene and grant you leave to
marry my sister Airawyn’s hand including her dowry. I hear rumors you have about 100 of your
people still scattered about. They live
here and there as refugees. Bring honor
to Celene and my sister Airawyn and they shall be granted citizenship here in
Celene.”
Ridorr made a courtly bow to the countess.
He understood the mission.
The party then mounted their steeds and
Qucalion was about to give the order to move out when Arty’ll spurred his horse
onward.
“Last one to Hommlet is a dirty, stinking,
goblin-whore!”
“You mean your mom?”
“She’s your mom, too!”
Qucalion shook his head and motioned for
the others to move out at a more relaxed pace.
Entering the open countryside and catching
up to Arty’ll and L’ree, “I must ask a favor of you all. Do not call me “prince” or any such
honorific. I am simply Qucalion and I hope you treat me as an equal with you
all.
Ridorr smiled sadly. “You casually cast
away what I would have for myself and my love.”
“Ridorr, I will help you earn the honors
for the sake of you and your love. This
I promise you.”
“Humility is a good lesson to learn for
pauper or prince,” said Tyroc sagely. “Hopefully this adventure will bring us
humility as well as experience.”
Gratitude is expressed for the use of their characters:
Mark F. Anderson
·
L’ree
Bhrygaid
Fredrick J. Rourk
·
Ridorr
Fenbalar of Gomel
Michael S. Webster
·
Arty'll
Bhrygaid
·
Qucalion
of Celene
·
Tyroc
of Tilac
