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- Herausgeber: Elbwoodverlag
- Kategorie: Fantasy und Science-Fiction
- Sprache: Englisch
Join Aldrian on a thrilling journey! Smell the mossy forests, fresh juicy meadows, and the smoke that spreads throughout the region. Hear the clank of blades, the shattering of shields, the hissing of arrows, and the screams on the battlefield. Meet the noble and wise Elves. Enter the halls of the Dwarves. Explore the fantastic underground empire of the magic-talented Gimplings. Encounter the gigantic Ogres. You will also meet the lizard-like Cwards. Avoid confronting them, as they are cowardly, perfidious, and malicious. When you see the luminous eyes of the Garlags, hear the hissing of their dragons' wings, and the wild screams of their women, run for your life! But if you seek fame and honor, help Aldrian with his difficult tasks. Discover how a boy, who has just become a man, is swept from adventure to adventure, often unsure of how to master it all.
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Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024
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Aldrians
ADVENTURES
Part I + II
Author:
Ryan Elbwood
Aldrians
ADVENTURES
Part I + II
This is the beginning
of some
fantastic adventures,
other than everything,
which was ever written!
Author:
Ryan Elbwood
Impressum:
Elbwood Verlag
Horst Kaltenhauser
Heininger Str. 87
94036 Passau
Germany
Tel. +49 8519661227
Email: [email protected]
Freelance literary translator
German – English – German
Annette Bredendick
(authoress with forklift driving licence)
www.annette-bredendick.de
Cover & graphics:
Cover by lynniel
http://www.lynniel.com
All chapter pictures come from:
Stephanie Poschmann
http://www.stp-illustration.de/
Illustration of the
topographic map:
Sabine Wazinski
Index:
DIFFERENT ADVANCE INFORMATION:
Page 1 - 26
Chapter - 1:
WONDROUS STORIES AND PRESENTS
Page 27 - 44
Chapter - 2:
ALL JUST A DREAM?
Page 45 - 52
Chapter - 3:
THE ELB VILLAGE
Page53 – 70
Chapter - 4:
THE ENCOUNTER WITH GRUMMLOR
Page 71 - 82
Chapter - 5:
THE CONVERSATION AT THE FIRESIDE
Page83 - 88
Chapter - 6:
THE VOYAGE TO CROMLAUN AND THE HIGH ART OF FORGING
Page89 – 116
Chapter - 7:
A SHORT ENCOUNTER
Page 117 – 130
Chapter - 8:
THE MYSTEROIUS NARRATION
Page 131 –138
Chapter - 9:
JURDAN’S SECRET
Page139 - 152
Chapter - 10:
TO THE CHILLY BAR
Page153 - 164
Chapter - 11:
CASTLE OF GRIFFIN-AERIE
Page 165 - 176
Chapter - 12:
THE HOLY ALLIANCE
Page 177 - 180
Chapter - 13:
THE BIG PLAN OF BATTLE
Page 181 – 188
Chapter - 14:
THE FOREIGN EMPIRE
Page 189 - 202
Chapter - 15:
THE DECLARATION OF WAR
Page 203 – 208
Chapter - 16:
THE BATTLE OF WORRLACH
Page 209 – 218
Chapter - 17:
THE BEARDED WEDDING PRESENT
Page 219 – 228
Chapter - 18:
THE DAY OF TRUTH
Page 229 - 244
Chapter - 19:
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
Page 245 – 250
Chapter - 20:
A YEAR FULL OF WORK AND INVENTIONS
Page 251 – 260
Chapter - 21:
THE TOPPING-OUT CEREMONY OF HIGH-ADVICE
Page 261 – 296
Chapter - 22:
A NIGHT OF LOVE AND TENDERNESS
Page 297 – 302
Chapter - 23:
FEAR OF THE FUTURE
Page 303 – 310
Chapter - 24:
EIGHT LONG YEARS
Page 311 - 324
Chapter - 25:
HIGH-ADVICE AFLAME
Page 325 – 360
Chapter - 26:
THE TIME OF FAREWELL
Page 361 – 368
Note of thanks:
Page 369
SPECIAL:
STOP the gambling addiction with PC/console and online games!
Page 370
Information to the topographic map:
You see the country FARLAUN in the center of the lefthand edge (the north).
In Farlaun you find all cities, forests, mountains and also the swamp country MOORA.
On the western edge of Farlaun adjoins ZIRRNISCH (country of Cwards). BURLOG (country of OGERs) lies east from Farlaun.
North from Farlaun you see the just unknown desert country SHANDAARA. To the west of Zirrnisch the volcanic country GIRALAD is to recognize. The southern and eastern border auf Farlaun forms the dragon ocean NEBULA.
Other names on the map:
I recommend you to regard the map again and again during reading.
The creatures and peoples of the country I describe you in detail and show you illustrations of every entity on the following pages of this novel.
You don’t like surprises? Then don’t read all this information. You should begin directly with chapter I.
The entities of the novel:
Dragons:
On the planet Reed live two entirely different kinds of dragons. The one kind is common animals. Their strength, their body height and their fiery breath aren’t harmless nevertheless.
The second kind is an old species of magic-talented creatures. They possess various knowledge and large might. Many Humans submit to their magic and become victims of their illusions. Mighty combat spells make dangerous enemies from these creatures in the battle.
The legend goes; they would be loners within their own species. Apparently there are dragons, which exist since time began. But so much is rumoured!
To the oldest of the dragons is attributed the magic of transformation. They mingle, they tell, among the nations and spread there discord. Hear, hear.
Elbs:
Elbs are tall, slender creatures from a Human shape. Usually they tower above Humans by more than one head. Their beauty and grace practice a special magic on many nations. As an outward characteristic their eyes stick out. These are very great and beautiful. Their pointed ears are slightly larger than Human ears. Her head hair grows long. They like to decorate it with twisted pigtails, beads, feathers, leather strips, fur, mussels and other jewellery. At the remaining body - except the head – Elbs are hairless. The men don't grow a beard. Dwarves love it to make them endlessly funny about it.
All Elbs have of their birth the talent of magic. That can be healing magic, natural magic as well as combat magic.
Elbs live in big clans, preferably in wooded areas. Because they are very neatly, Elbs sit down themselves in places, where flow through many rivers, streams or lakes. These entities live in absolute harmony with their environment. They let grow their houses with their magic out of the under wood.
Elbs respect all life. They eat animals. But they never hunt for the joy of hunting. For every animal that they killed they thank. The dead bodies they treat with respect.
Nobody really knows how old are the gender of Elbs. Legends say it could be more hundreds or more thousands of years.
Dwarves don't like Elbs - they are them abhorrent!
Elbs say the same about Dwarves: »They stink like rotten smoke meat. Their hairs are bristly like a nasty, old wild boar.«
Garlags:
The folk of Garlags migrates by the countries, lives by pillaging and enslaving succumbed nations. Their eyes are similar to those of feline predators. Instead of usual fingernails they have peaky claws. Their fingers are hairy. They are from a stature such as Humans. Their hair growth is decidedly strong and full. Both men and women have wild, mane-like head hair. Garlags are astute and proficient warriors.
They own horses, wolves and flying dragons. Their greatest strength is that they good can see in the dark. They always do their attacks against other folks in the dark. On the day they’re looking for protection in dark forests or hollows. Garlags are cruel. They don’t respect any kind of life. Often their women steal the children of defeated enemies and keep them as slaves.
Rumours tell that they gleefully eat up the same children when they are tired of them. But Garlags are a migratory folk. Travelling salesmen often speak of it and add some untruth. In this way they want to attract customers into their spell. But who knows the truth really?
Gimplings:
The folk of Gimplings lives deep under the earth. Gimplings don't grow higher than Human children with eight to nine years. Their skin is blue. Long, pointed ears adorn their childlike faces. In their subterranean kingdom grow gigantic blue mushrooms. These they use as dwellings, for food and as medicine. Strange plants and animals live in their mysterious world. Only very rarely these beings go up to the aboveground world.
Gimplings have magical abilities from birth. But each new generation brings forth one particularly magic gifted child. The doorways to their world are well hidden and often magically sealed. Gimplings are mixing themselves only indirectly in the issues of the overground folks. They have strict customs and rules. Since millennia this perpetuates their peace. Particularly well known is that strange laugh of this small, perkily and playful entities.
They bandy that everyone who once heard a laugh of a Gimpling, forever lives a happy life. But say; have you ever seen one?
Humans:
Also Humans live in Farlaun. They inhabit different towns or colonies. Among them are barbaric and noble folks, farmers, soldiers of fortune, scholars, and few, but very mighty witches, prophets and magicians. Humans love to do businesses with Elbs and other nations. There is also a very warlike folk of Humans. This belongs to the core of our history.
Ogers:
The nation of Ogers is commonly called modest and antiquated.
No, not the Ogre which you so far thought to know.
Their voices rumble, and to strangers their language seems very coarse.
Some of them are six to seven steps high. They’re from a robust stature. Usually they carry gigantic wooden cudgels or long, mighty lances with. Ogres shave their hair completely off. Some of them carry a long braid at their back of the head, held together with metal rings or leather straps.
Ogers don't live directly in Farlaun. Their country is called Burlog. It adjoins eastern to Farlaun.
Ogers are very strong and bravely.
It's confessed that they'd already fought together with the Humans in battles. But only few strangers understand and speak the language of these giants. Nobody knows whether they've magical talents.
Reputedly Ogers enjoy the meat of young Humans children, as well as that of the Elbs. But whether these horror stories are true, nobody knows exactly.
Cwards:
The folk of Cwards lives in the country Zirrnisch, west of Farlaun. Cwards are infamous for their recreancy and insidiousness. It's predicated that Cwards are teachable and often would speak umpteen languages. Their own language consists from hissing sounds. Only few strangers understand or speak it.
Cwards are looking like lizards. Their eyes are similar to those of alligators and snakes. Their ears are wide and pointed. Their teeth are spiky like needles. They’ve two arms and legs and are going upright. But their hands and feets are reinforced with black nails looking like claws. On their heads they wear instead of hair a narrow comb of dandruffs.
Cwards become as big as an average Human.
They master the weapons arts and are good horsemen. The art of magic is unknown to the Cwards. Also Cwards enjoy the meat of Humans and Elbs.
Unfortunally this isn’t one of the many hearsays from dealers and enemies. In times of great poverty they even eat the hardy meat of the Dwarves, when they get the opportunity.
Dwarves:
Dwarves live in the mountains of Farlaun. They aren't higher than a Human child of nine to ten years and have a very vigorous stature. All the pride of a Dwarf man is his beard. It's whispered that a Dwarf rather would sacrifice an eye before he shaves his beard down to the bare skin. Dwarves master the blacksmith art with divinely gifted perfection. Many of them are familiar with the elemental magic. With this they cover their weapons and other forging things. There are many stories of miraculous weapons and other artifacts that were created from adept smiths. Dwarves are known as very stubbornly. But behind their grim shell often hides a funny and quite wise core. They moreover excellently master the art to build brilliant labyrinths and vaults. Even in the art of trap edification Dwarves are undefeated. They use that talent often in conjunction with copious pranks.
Among their women, there are also prophets and healers. One whisper, their wives would have a fluff-like beard growth. They would cherish and treasure it, so long as they are by themselves. But as soon as they mix among other nations, allegedly they shave it off every day, because they don't like still to be lampooned more than it's already the case. In addition, it's reported their men would love this tender fur.
Dwarves enjoy it to lampoon the Elbs, because their men haven't any beard growth. They always smell after fresh bloom water. Often one hears teasing jokes about Elbs, if a Dwarf enjoyed too much of a bugle full of Met.
Chapter 1:
WONDROUS STORIES AND PRESENTS
This is the beginning of the story of Aldrian. He lives to another time with his uncle in the country of Farlaun in the region of Veldforest.
It's not an ordinary day in Veldforest. We write the 22nd June of the year 2222 in the second big time period.
As well and not least it's the 22nd birthday of the young Aldrian of Alfengrimm. Everywhere in the region he enjoys great esteem and not less sympathy.
His past was characterized of dark days and a lot of strange happenings. Every of them are worth to be mentioned.
The name of Aldrians mother was Loana. On his fifth birthday, she was walking into the forest to collect honey, berries and flour mushrooms. Also fresh water she wanted to bring. But she didn't come back. On that day she disappeared without any trace. At the big stone circle of Meadowlight the hunter Holdron just hunted wildboars. He was the last Human who saw her.
Swift like the arrow of an Elb Loanas disappearance got around. This stone ring, the inhabitants of Veldforest feared, had to possess magical mights! Everyone avoided that place since this fatal day.
Nobody knew something about Aldrians father. However, some female residents were whispering, Loana never had tampered with a man. The birth of Aldrian should be a true miracle. But women! What they don't tell everything in Veldforest!
Three weeks after Loanas disappearance a proud warrior on a beautiful horse emerged in Veldforest. He called himself Alarion from land of darkness, called himself a second-degree relative of Aldrian and took over henceforth the upbringing of the boy.
Alarion had a proud size and a slender stature. His face had exceptionally fine facial features. Two preternaturally large and equally beautiful, blue eyes gave his face a very special charisma. His bright blond hair he wore long. Despite his already 40 years his face was without any beard growth. Even any other body hair seemed to be missing. This fact gave the women of Veldforest a lot of conversation topic.
Despite his size Alarion was sinewy and agile like no other man in Veldforest. Unbeatable he hiltd with bow and arrow. No one surpassed him in the hunt and at the annual shooting festival.
Often they asked him for advice, because he was a healer and herbalist and because of his skills as very skilful hunter. His wisdom in truly many things seemed to be endless.
Whatever of knowledge a person could learn in seventeen years, Alarion was teaching his pupil during this period of upbringing. Aldrian was an intelligent student. He interested in minerals, in the blacksmith art, in the stars and in foreign and old languages. Besides uncle Alarion only a few residents of Veldforest knew the scripture.
Aldrian grew up to an educated warrior. Neither him lacked skill at the weapons art nor at knowledge in all known sciences.
In his deep inside he felt a wonderful energy and passion, which he couldn't explain. Apparently he had also inherited his love of flute playing and melodic vocals of Alarion.
But there was still something else deep in his heart that he couldn't describe. He often had strange dreams. There were other places and creatures he'd never seen before. In his dreams he was a wise and mightful warrior, accompanied by legions of some strange entities and was beating big battles. Uncle Alarion smiled mysteriously when Aldrian told him from his heroic dreams.
Unlike as his uncle Aldrian grew a splendid, unusually thick beard. However, he remained somewhat smaller than Alarion. But he had a strong musculature, what he could use at his blacksmith works. He had beautiful big eyes. Like his uncle he loved it to hold his blond hair long. However, Aldrian apparently distinguished himself from his uncle in his artistic skill and his extraordinary talent in the blacksmith art of weapons and jewels of all kinds.
Also Aldrian was a very clever hunter. He respected every animal he killed. He cherished all life. Often in the late evenings, he sat in the forest and hearkened to the voices of the animals. Sometimes he thought he could understand them.
***
But now and today is the 22nd birthday of Aldrian. A big festival lies ahead. All residents of Veldforest are invited. Still some preparations have to be made. The wildboars already are hanging over the hot ember. The breads in the oven spread a delicious fragrance.
Unfermented juice of pressed berries and cool spring water are prepared.
Still they need enough wood for the big campfire. But today is also beside the twenty-second birthday of Aldrian the summer solstice. Following the tradition burns a campfire the whole night long.
Aldrian an Alarion walked together into the forest to collect dry underwood and to stack it in front of their hut. Not only the forest stood now in alarming calm. Also Alarion barely spoke a word. He seemed rather seriously and as somehow lost in restless tension.
Aldrian had grown to a stately man. Alarion hadn't changed himself in the last seventeen years. Not only Aldrian had it noticed. Alarion seemed to guard a deep secret. Until that day it wasn't disclosed. He never told about his past. If someone asked him about it, he always smartly understood to change the topic.
Finally they had collected enough wood and laced it. Then they started the path back to their joint dwelling with Alarions horse Whisperwind. Meanwhile, almost all the guests had arrived. All guests came with cakes and other delicacies, also with many gifts and a lot of firewood they'd collected at the path. There wasn’t much to be spoken. Year after year the same festival was celebrated here. Everyone knew his task exactly.
The women took care of the wildboars and the bread. This had now reached a questionable, but still acceptable brown crust.
On this wonderful day, all the tables and benches were embattled outdoors.
The men and adolescents crowd round the fire place. Everyone knew better than the other how the flame blazed up at the best.
Some men came with their instruments. They were playing already funny music.
When Aldrian and Alarion arrived, they were effusively welcomed and congratulated.
It was the tradition for the host to open the dance. Between all the beauties of the forest Aldrian was selecting to dance with the daughter of trader Garf. Her melodious name was Layrah. Her beauty was well-known far about the borders of Veldforest.
She had long, curly and auburn hair. To this shined two wonderfully green eyes. In her almost pale face they seemed like two living jewels. Her cheerfulness and femininity had an effect like the intoxicating fermented beverages who Aldrian always had shunned on the advice of his uncle.
But in Layrahs eyes stuck also something concealed. Deep in her soul she seemed to carry something unspeakable. Because of this Aldrian had always seen in Layrah only a beautiful resident of the forest. Layrah was known in Veldforest for her moods and spite. However, her eyes, her cheerfulness and her femininity could yet charm a man.
Alarion was happily playing on his flute. He danced very gallantly to this beat. With his dance he attracted the admiration of all women. Gradually, almost all the guests were dancing. The festival took its course.
Suddenly the smith was putting on one of the tables.
With his harsh voice he called loudly into the crowd:
»If here someone has birthday, then he should come to me! «
The hour of the presents had begun. Aldrian showed himself in almost shamed modesty, until some of the guests urged him in the direction of the table. The blacksmith pointed to a long leather bundle.
He spoke to Aldrian with a voice that aroused curiosity: »This is for you, my young friend. It's an old masterpiece. Legends are telling, the Dwarves should have forged it. «
Slowly and with all excitement, Aldrian rolled the leather apart. Suddenly, he and some bystanders had to cover their eyes. Nothing less appeared than a masterfully forged sword.
It was reflecting in the glaring sunshine.
»This sword is calling Draglor. It's a special work, forged from a masterly Dwarf in a secret procedure. But what the many symbols on the blade may mean, I can't explain to you«, declared the blacksmith.
To this furthermore belonged an artfully scabbard and a beautifully decorated waist belt.
The sword was lying in the hands of Aldrian as adapted. He used it as familiar as if he'd done nothing else from birth. The signs on the blade were doubtless old Dwarven runes.
However, not even Uncle Alarion was able to decode them exactly.
»Here stands something about a special design and powerful energy that's inherent in this sword. The other I can't decipher«, confessed Alarion.
Now the other guests also brought their gifts. Aldrian didn't believe his eyes. There were artful boots from soft suede leather, and in addition he got a trouser with the matching vest. Dishes and other clay tableware in abundance were brought in.
His dance partner Layrah pinned at him a beautiful golden earring. Her father had exchanged it with a strange magician for a large piece of best smoked meat. A short, sharp pain ran through him, as Layrah pinned the ring on his ear.
The ring was from artful design and ornamented with weird signs. But they weren't from any script he'd ever seen before. When he viewed Layrahs eyes in blink of an eye the pain was over.
Then Alarion stepped out. He gave his pupil a wound roll made from wolf fur.
»Open it! «, said Alarion with promising voice.
The guests waited impatiently. Alarion was well-known for surprises. Aldrian slowly wrapped the wolf fur asunder. The fur got always more a noble coat form. But not alone the cloak drew attention to him. Inside was hidden a bow made from the horns of a Gublon. This buffalos lose every seven years their splendid antler. This is perfect for making masterful bows. But ever since many decades no one had seen one Gublon!
The people from Veldforest knew these bows only from the old legends. Someone told that only the smartest Elbs from early periods understood to connect both horns and to drill special strings to tighten these bows.
A surprised murmuring went through the crowd.
This bow corresponded exactly to the descriptions of the oldest ones. Furthermore it was from such beauty that almost envy among some guests arose. Also a quiver with waist belt and many artfully worked arrows were hidden in the coat.
Nobody from the crowd risked to ask for the origin of the bow. One was however completely clear. It was an artistic masterpiece!
Alarion stepped out. With insistent words he spoke: »Span this bow! «
Aldrian needed all his strength in order to lead the tendon to their goal.
»Fire now at this thin pole you see there on the glade. Hit the bright point, which you see in the centre! «, demanded Alarion.
Over Aldrians jowls was coming an incredulous smile. The mentioned pole stood so far away that a usual bow couldn't reach it even with tail wind! Besides, Aldrian recognized that bright point despite its excellent eyes under largest effort only very vaguely.
Alarion noticed his hesitating.
He said: »On which you’re waiting? Do you want that the pole strives to you? «
A laughter went through the crowd. Aldrian felt ashamedly. Angered he strong stretched the bow and laid on to the pole goal. There was only a whirring in the air to hear and almost at the same time the fracturing of wood.
»THAT’S IT! Now you're a man! «, Alarion cried loud.
It was a masterly shoot with a masterly bow. Alarion started to run and was bringing the pole to the guests. The arrow had pierced exactly the bright place, which wasn't larger than the whole hand of a small child.
A surprised murmuring went through the crowd.
Holdron, the hunter, was asking Aldrian whether he allowed also to trying out an arrow in order to hit a near defunct tree. Naturally Aldrian consented friendly. But Holdron couldn't stretch the bow, no matter how much he strove.
After some unsuccessful attempts he also said: »Truly, my friend. Now you’re a man! Also I have a present for you. «
Holdron handed Aldrian full of tension a beautiful knife with leather sheath. It was perfectly applicative both for throwing and for cutting.
Aldrian rose now even to the table and spoke to all friends and acquaintance of Veldforest: »My dear friends. I don't know how I'm to thank you for all these wonderful gifts! «
»I've already an idea! Play for us one of your wondrous songs with your wondrous flute! «, was teasing Rupplin, the youngest son of the blacksmith and good friend of birthday child.
Aldrian agreed with joy. He played most of all full of passion on his flute. The guests were enchanted. Directly they continued to dance merrily. Also the other musicians joined in an exhilarated manner.
Suddenly Alarion called in a loud voice: »Keep on! I hear a carriage with two horses! «
Aside from Alarion nobody heard something. But already soon his statement should be confirmed.
»Wait, wait my friends. I needed first to procure something! «, an old and deep voice called.
It was Norion, the probably oldest inhabitant of Veldforest. He was still extraordinarily sprightly and mentally actively in spite of his great age. Over that he never gave exact information.
»Where is Aldrian? «, he queried hastily.
»Here I am«, the young man answered.
»Here at our Veldforest one belongs from the age of 22 to the adults. On this occasion I want to give you a worthy present. Here, take yet, my friend! «
Norion handed over to Aldrian a leather tying bag. Full of tension all observers waited for the content. Aldrian opened the bag. In it was a hand carved wooden pipe, which was coated with tone in the pipe head.
In addition a pipe tamper and a lot of tobacco were there. The tobacco was very precious and in this region not available. That explained probably Norions delay.
»Now come, young man. Cram yourself a pipe! «, the old man called out and smiled impish.
»Now, dear friend. I want to try it«, answered Aldrian expectantly.
For surprise of all present ones he plugged the pipe so skilfully, if he had done his life long nothing else. He seized himself a bough from the fire and torched the pipe. Fully he enjoyed the flavour of the smoke.
Norion and Alarion were surprised. Norion had expected a strong cough. Alarion knew that Aldrian had inhaled still never before the smoke of tobacco.
»For healing it's o.k. But rather one shouldn't smoke this herb. No, one shouldn't truly smoke it! «, Alarion stressed.
Norion said only: »Spoilsports. «
He had looked forward in such a way to the cough accumulation as with all beginners! Only Dwarves are to never cough with their first pipe according old legends.
But Aldrian finally wasn't a Dwarf, even if he possessed the strongest and most beautiful beard of whole Veldforest. Aldrian pleased his gift obviously. This delighted Norion very much despite the missing cough.
»The meal is ready! «, called Layrah from the background. The daughter of the forest innkeeper was trust in the best ways with the preparation of meals.
Aldrian disappeared in the hut. There he decorated himself with all gifts, which he could carry at the body. So it was a custom since many generations in Veldforest. With its boots, the leather dresses, the wolf coat and all the weapons, with the leather bag, the pipe and the accessories he looked like a stately warrior or a young prince.
The attendees admired him strongly, when he stepped out of the door. Alarion regarded his pupil with dignified views, straight in such a way, as one renders homage to a nobleman.
»Oh oh. How should I eat with all these things at my body? «, Aldrian asked with serious worry. The guests couldn't suppress their laughter.
Soon the dignified appearance was forgotten. All devoted themselves to the plentiful meal and the cool beverages.
Some of the brought along drinks were fermented. Therefore soon broke out a laid-back cheerfulness under the guests. Only Alarion obviously was yet not in mood. He looked meanwhile after the large fire.
Old stories were excavated, of course also some about Aldrian.
They talked about Aldrians cleverness with the hunt and his familiar handling all animals in Veldforest. His talent in the weapon art was well-known. Regularly he practiced the most diverse combat techniques with the most different weapons.
Also his knowledge about old scripts, the stars and minerals were mentioned full of respect. Even in the medicine Aldrian was exceedingly versed. With support of his uncle he already had healed some inhabitants from fever and injuries. His helpfulness in all things made him still more popular. But also to his vivacious and humorous character as well as his amazing wisdom belonged the large sympathy of all Veldforsters.
Aldrian listened to the words of praise. In doing so he realized that he without his uncle Alarion wouldn't be the young man he was today. Alarion had been in the last seventeen years more than only an uncle for him. He was his teacher in many things, a good friend and almost like a physical father.
Who probably could have been his real father?
This thought dogged him since his childhood. Also his mother Loana he had never forgotten. He didn't want a mourning celebration as child, since he was convinced firmly of the fact that his mother still lived. He believed that at that time, and until today nothing has changed in this.
His mother had been a lovely woman of a very large, slim stature. About her bloodline the Veldforesters didn't know anything. Their hut was the first in total Veldforest. The woman never spoke about her past. However, the similarity to uncle Alarion nobody in the village could gainsay. This had been the reason, why nobody had doubted from the beginning the relationship between Alarion and the little boy Aldrian.
»Yes, where could my mother be probably? «, Aldrian quietly whispered to himself.
A loud burping of Norion, the obviously oldest man, shook Aldrian from his deep thoughts. After all he had today birthday and wanted longer to listen at the words of the guests. Talking leader was meanwhile clearly Norion. He had drunk visually too much from the fermented grape juice.
The old person told the following story, who knew so far only few Veldforesters.
»You know actually, why your families pulled to Veldforest? It’s not everywhere as peaceful as here. There are places, which are really more fruitful than our meagre fields. Already since many generations Humans were hunted, pillaged and enslaved! In the fertile valleys close to High-Advice it’s still like in those days. Also in other regions prevails until today no peace«, Norion stressed loudly.
After a short pause he continued:
»Our ancestors preferred the poverty, in order to live in peace at last. Many came to Veldforest, because they hoped to find here refuge and peace. The father of my grandfather knew to tell stories about the folk of the terrible Vylans. These allied themselves with the Ogers, Cwards and Golems. They went out in order to loot the treasures and weapons of the Dwarves. They robbed the women of the Elbs and sold them as slaves. They stole the Humans nearly their total harvests.
All mugged folks had to live in largest misery! The legions of the Vylans and their allied were simply too powerful and too numerous, in order to offer resistance as individual nations.
The wise men of that time told of a holy alliance between Elbs, Dwarves and Humans.
A stranger from royal blood, from a remotely time, would achieve one day this miracle and unite all nations. Ha, ha! Only, unfortunately this foreign prince never came until today, and the thraldom continues until today! Only here in Veldforest peace reigned, because here’s nothing to gain. Ha, ha, ha. «
Norion approved himself a big gulp from the jug. Shortly thereafter he burped loudly like a mighty moose bull in the rutting season ritual.
Curiously Alarion joined again to the guests, in order to listen to the words of Norion.
»Don't take his words so exactly «, noticed Claria. She knew Norion since long times.
Norion let not confuse himself and continued with his legend.
»Elbs, Dwarves and Humans unite. Ha, that I don’t laugh! The Elbs carried on to trade with the Dwarves. But they didn’t like their impure and vulgar behaviour. Dwarves always work on the open fire. Because of this they often spread bad smells of smoke, sweat and sulphur in their environment. Only their beards they groom with respect and accurateness. Thus the Elbs spoke. But their smithy art, which already had created some wondrous swords and other ornate things, pleased them.
It should have given smithy masters among the Dwarves, which could achieve true miracles. In addition the Dwarves and Elbs joined the art of magic, although on different bases.
The Dwarves for their part didn't like the Elbs so much, because they were extremely cleanly. And the Elbs hadn't beards. That found the Dwarves extremely strange.
›They look almost like women! ‹, they claimed.
The average size of an Elb amounted to a good third part more than a Dwarf. Also this displeased the Dwarves. However, the Dwarves had respect for the magic arts, healing arts and martial arts of Elbs.
By the way people say the Elbs should become infinitely old. They age up to their twentieth year of life completely normal. Afterwards however it seems to come to stagnation. Only after centuries their appearance changes slowly, whereby ›slow‹ is to taken literally. By their great age they attain a matchless wisdom, which on the other hand seems almost innate to them. Their knowledge about herbs and other things in nature already often helped the Dwarves, if they were sick «, spoke Norion conspiratorial and took a further sip of his drink.
He rubbed his red tuber nose:
»Also Dwarves become several centuries old. How old exactly, nobody knows. But they reach the wisdom of an Elb only rarely, it's rumoured. Besides it’s not well-known whether ever an old man existed under them. This told the father of my grandfather! «
»Oh, what he tells only again! Those are all fairy tales and old legends! «, sounded a voice from the background.
But Norion didn’t let himself interrupt. With full conviction he went on to tell.
»The Humans for their part loved the music game and the beauty of the Elbs. It was reported about mixed marriages. I don't know more details about this. Humans and Elbs could be thinkable easily to ally, I believe. Only the Human greed and the warlike anger of the Human folks gave the Elbs always to think.
Also the Vylans are a Human being folk. Thus the Elbs in their judgment see themselves confirmed. However the Vylans come from the high north. They are a backward Human being folk, and they live only from pillaging and enslaving. There is this folk still today! I heard even that they allegedly eat their prisoners, if they have nothing else!
But the Elbs knew of course also that not all Humans are identical. The Elbs very estimated the exchange of ideas with ways and magicians of the Human being folk. It's told; Elbs should have already betrayed and divided their magic with some magicians or healers, if the insider carried the might of the magic in itself.
However, the Dwarves had practised for a long time trade with Humans. They estimated their goods since aeons. Only the gibberish about their low size and their long beards was for the Dwarves always a nuisance. Humans for their part appreciated the tools and weapons as well as the tasteful tobacco of the Dwarves. Their merriment about their size, however, they couldn't gainsay. «
»Yes, yes, the little bearded Dwarves. Thereof, everybody has already heard, I'm sure. In Veldforest, so it was said, many years ago a small clan of them shall have lived for a short time. It rumoured, they were on the lam and have overwintered here. Near of Meadowlight they shall dwelt «, interrupted Harion, the barber.
Norion listened and then he continued to talk.
»Who shall unite these folks with all these differences and with all the discord? Who shall be this poor king, which stands before this almost insoluble task? Ha, I don't want to interchange with him! And besides, who knows already, what's true at the old legends? Elbs and Dwarves shall still exist, but so exactly it doesn't know anybody. Also the cruel and cowardly Cwards are said still live in small clans. Allegedly even one saw some gigantic Oger outside from Veldforest… Oh, these old stories, yes, yes… «
Norion took a new gulp from its freshly filled up jug. His burp also this time could put so some cow moose into largest rapture. Then its head sank on the table. Sounds as from a saw followed in regular intervals.
On the one hand the guests were glad that now the old stories were finished. On the other hand some had become curious. Others twaddled eagerly about the rumours.
Some of the women whispered, after Norions descriptions Alarion would be not dissimilar to an Elb.
When Alarion heard this, he said briefly and bone-dry:
»However Elbs have pointy ears. «
All held themselves before laughter hardly still on their banks. Even Alarion couldn’t repress a strange smile.
Only Aldrian had become pensive. Behind Alarions thick head of hair were truly hidden two ears, which nobody could call round. Since the other guests didn’t know this, Aldrian wanted however to stay silent about it. That again spoke for his wisdom.
Aldrian saw questioningly to his uncle. A nearly fearful glance came back to him from there. Aldrian decided to let the affair be based on itself.
»My uncle should be an Elb … how can I only believe something like that? «, he whispered quietly to himself.
Gradually the guests became tiredly. Of the fire remained only a heap of red glow, from which now and then a few small flames flickered.
Some of the guests wanted to sleep in this beautiful night here near the glow under the stars. Others said goodbye and made themselves together on the way home.
Many attendees were already sleeping on the benches or under the tables. Alarion fetched blankets from the house and wrapped the early sleepers carefully in. For the other guests he distributed likewise plentifully blankets and cushions.
The ceremony was turned out well, this was sure. The meal and all beverages were completely consumed up to a small rest. Aldrian felt a deep satisfaction.
Together with other wakeful guests Aldrian helped his uncle to eliminate the grossest impurities.
After done job Alarion still wanted to stretch his legs. He went alone to the forest. Something seemed obviously to depress him today.
Aldrian took himself one of the remaining benches and sat down into the proximity of the ember. Those would glow surely still up to the morning.
Gradually all sank in deep sleep.
Only Aldrian didn't find calm. The events of the day went him through his head. Such beautiful presents he hadn't imagined in his boldest fantasies. Whether this unsurpassable bow shot had been happenstance? Aldrian carried still all his gifts full of pride at his body.
He observed the ascending sparks of the ember and watched their flight toward stars.
Suddenly he heard the neighing of a horse and the sound of many hoof beats in the distance.
He had to find the reason of this thing! Neighing came clearly from direction Meadowlight. There stood the mysterious stone circle. Slowly Aldrian crept further away from the house and closer toward Meadowlight.
Now he could it see: a white stallion stood accompanied by six mares!
The animal was from indescribable beauty and elegance. When the stallion noticed Aldrian, he approached him proudly and trended his head before him, as if he wanted to express his respect.
With careful movements Aldrian approached. He talked calmly to the wonderful animal. The stallion didn't move from the place, so that Aldrian could touch him. He seemed to be tamely. But in his large eyes were shining a wild nature and unrestrained strength. Aldrian approached the side of the animal. The mares fell back. The stallion stood however completely motionlessly and waited to the coming events.
Aldrian was going to the outermost. He jumped up on the stallion. The animal winced briefly and joggled itself. Aldrian got on horseback. The stallion acquiesced, but only briefly. Like lightning the animal reared up and started to run. Aldrian clung at the mane. This seemed to make the stallion still more raging. He galloped and galloped, and the mares always behind them. He ran directly in the direction of the stone circle from Meadowlight.
Should Aldrian jump off?
