Silvertree Chronicles Bk. 01 Ch. 36

He felt arms on either side of me, "Was wondering if you were ever going to come out?"

They chuckled, Charlemagne whispered, "You alright?"

He kept looking forward, "Ask me that after you see my eyes at the falls. You got a message back that I scared the shit out of her. That I did nothing but look at her and told her things I could not know."

She chuckled, "Pretty much."

He nodded, "I will not give you any details, especially tonight."

She clung to him tighter and the other ladies had arms interlocked.

He looked forward, "Which of the Blade Singers invited Jarron along?"

He saw the hand from young Silverbar.

He nodded, "The Queens doing."

She laughed in front of him.

Eldar smiled, "Good, it is time he had the shit scared out of him."

They got to the Falls.

He stripped off his shirt and handed it to Charlemagne and the top of his armor and handed it to Annette with his cloak, "Moon Blade and Moon Bow take the same position.

Apprentice Goldeagle dead Center. Apprentices, In the water. Lieutenant Silversong in the water."

He finished aligning the rest of them around the pool and he had Silver Moon in the water with Silverbar. "To all of the guests. I recommend centering on the Queen. His wives each took one of the Queen's arms. Then continue around the blade Holders on the shore. He looked at his apprentices, "Moon Ray and Strong Oak unsheath those swords.

Throw the sheaths toward the shore but in the water. At your feet, you will find a rock, get down on one knee on that rock. Lieutenant Silversong, there is a rock in front of you. You are facing. Apprentice Goldeagle and his Aunt the Queen. You are unfamiliar with this so I will explain it. Do nothing to take that sword out until I yell for you to do so.

You do not have to take it out all of the way off when the time comes. You keep your blade under the water pointed at Goldeagle. Each of you on the shore, unsheath your sword and point in the direction I told you too underwater. All of the guests. As I know what will happen here, I would ask everyone please take a knee."

While they were doing that, he placed the fourteenth sword on the floor on top of its new sheath at the bottom of the pool. Pointed at the back of Lieutenant Silversong. Everyone was ready, "Please breath normally for as long as you can and keep your eyes open."

Eldar, "Karti'Ros Left hand"

He knelt onto one knee. "Yell out 'ready' if you are ready."

He heard a unison, "Ready!"

He sighed out, "In the name of Corellon Larethian and Sehanine Moon Bow, we ask you to aid us in reclaiming our lost heritage. Prepare us for the upcoming war by activating, claiming, and cleansing of these blades." He took his sword and stuck it into the bottom of the lake right again his forward knee.

Eldar, "Karti'Ros Moon Fire on."

The line of light moved toward Moon Blade and Moon Bow. It forms the inner and outer lines of the double Crescent Moon in the water. His apprentices' swords were aglow. The light began to fill in the outer crescent and finally the inner crescent. Just as the last of the inner Crescent filled and the pattern completed. He yelled out, "NOW!" Lieutenant Silversong got it about an inch off of the sheath. When her sheath disintegrated into noting.

The entire pool of water exploded in the air and once again froze several feet above the now dry bottom. The light pierced and burned a double crescent into the clouds above the ceremony sent the clouds to dissipate. Nobody at the ceremony could see this at the moment as they were frozen in place as the form of Corellon Larethian appeared.

He walked around the bottom for several minutes looking over the group gathered. He extended a hand and the fourteenth blade flew into the air and into the sheath with runes glowing. He floated into the air above Apprentice Goldeagle and landed in front of the Queen.

He opens her hand and closes it over the top of the sheath, "The symbol of the new house will appear on this after you leave here. When you are in your Audience chamber alone. My Champion will return the box, the last four swords had been stored. The bearer will know you have it and you will see the symbol on the new house application.

You are the caretaker of this sword, as you are of the Elven people, the future ruler, and my next High Cleric. My champion has had a couple of issues with the interpretation of the Blade Singer Code. You will have it rewritten, to state that humans with no elf blood but the parent or wife of an elven citizen is considered to be elf-blooded by marriage or parentage if unmarried. Provided they are not an enemy of the Elven Kingdom.

He walked over toward Jarron and bent down. He looked at him. "His father is gone. You are the closest he has to that who will be around for any length of time. He respects you more than you realize. I am inclined to agree with him. You seriously need the companionship of a good woman or two. One day you will produce strong children who will help to shape and change the world much as my Champion is doing.

His concerns with your mutual friends are valid to a point. They have an extensive history but to be better allies is not to fall on the errors of the past. If everyone fails to play by the rules? Then it is time to create new rules. To ensure the Elven people do not suffer any more than they are willing too. Carry that message back to Lord Regal.

He backflipped over the group and landed in-between Goldeagle and Silversong's blades. He turns to the bard. "This is one story you will have to share." He looked to the left and right. Then at Eldar, "Champion there training progresses nicely. Blooded in combat with less than a month of training and working together.

They will succeed because you will not let them fail. Push, drive, inspire, and love. Without ever crushing them. To all of the wielders of the powerful Moon Blades, you will find that the ability of your sword is no more. The least liked ability of the sword has been changed and is now locked into place. This is one less generation who will have to deal with the issue. If it is ever damaged and repaired it will be recovered.

To those who have new house blades, the ability was added. To my Champion, you have the ability already and it is now locked into place. Another ability has been added. From your personal tragedies, an ability it lacked is now available."

He turned around to the crowd, "The other ten blades have been destroyed by one means or another. These are the last of the Moon Blades. They are all purified and this ritual will never need to be repeated. Except, to assign a blade from a dead house to a new one or when one is repaired. Then this is the location and at least four blade holders will be required in recognition of the four blade holders who worked to bring the other 10 back and get them all cleansed. Sounds like something that belongs in a history book there Battle Bard Silversong."

He looked over as Elder Strong Oak, "You have a blade to carry on your family name. A virile young elf who can make that happen in time. You had an Elder ask, 'Why this location?' Tell him, 'Because I said so.'"

He put his hand onto Eldar's shoulder and he felt his body burning and he spoke to the crowd, "The days ahead will be filled with joy, anguish, violence, and love. Do not forget why you are doing this. Wielding these blades to help our people. Some will do that here.

Others will help halfway around the world in a cause and effect they will not be seen until after it passes. Eldar, follow through on your plan for the Blade Wielders. Their involvement will only increase in the coming years."

He released his shoulder, "I said last time, and it still holds true. What goes up, must come down."

The water came thundering back into the pool and like last time there were moonstones everywhere. He looked at his apprentices, "I will get your sheaths as soon as you have all these moonstones collected. That goes for you too Lieutenant Silversong."

He worked his way to his feet and had Tranosa and Goldeagle helping him out of the water as the power of the gods had slowed his movement. At least temporarily. He looked at the Queen and she had a death grip on the sword. He asked her, "Now you know what it feels like to carry the weight of one of those swords, your Majesty. To be touched by a god."

He reached into his belt and pulled out the crystal "Captain, Tell Karra Silversword to bring the box and my bag of holding with her.

You may start to bring the group forward. Normal walking pace. It gives me a chance to get dressed. How long did the lights last?"

He responded with a laugh, "A minute if that. There are no more clouds in the sky. They simply burned away. We are moving out."

He looked at Jarron who stood behind the Queen. "Jarron, did that scare the hell out of you?"

He looked white and pointed at his chest. The symbol on his chest no longer pulsed. The moons now looked like liquid pearls swirling with light in an ever-changing pattern.

He looked at Charlemagne and Annette, "Need to get to my feet so I can get dried and dressed."

Annette leaned in, "You have two sets of irises now. Inner purple and the outer are silver. Like all the silver in your eyes got pushed to the outer edges.

Eldar looked at Tiger, "Will you go to the Wood-elf village and let them know it is safe to move forward?"

He nodded quickly and headed off to the neighboring village. Eldar got to his feet and dried off. He took his gear and got dressed. There must have been 200 stones on the edge of the water.

He looked at his sword and asked Tranosa, "So which ability?"

He laughed. "It gave us the summon weapon ability."

Eldar smiled.

Eldar, "Karti'Ros what ability was added? Then give me a complete list."

Karti'Ros, "Undead bane has been added, Activator of blades. The ability to be summoned to either hand is now locked. All Moon Blades are intelligent and telepathic with the wielder. Those don't count as rune abilities. Danger warning dream and telepathic warning. Immunity to fire and to mind control. Orc, ogre, giant, Drow, undead, and evil dragon banes. Moon Fire Also the God ability added which I do not have access to and cannot confirm."

Eldar, "Karti'Ros All of the swords are all activated and purified now. One is just dormant and awaiting the wielder to draw it. Set Mind control."

Karti'Ros, "Yes Activator of blades. Due to your work. The immunity to mind control is set for your choice."

He looked at the brides, "Was this what you thought it would be?"

They all shook their heads. He looked at Jarron, "What is it like to stare into the eyes of a god? Wait. Disregard. I know."

The ladies laughed and the Queen grabbed his arm, "That was so intense I still feel the energy coursing through me."

He looked at the Queen, "You saw my holy symbol and you see my eyes. I know all about feeling energy coursing through you, your Majesty."

She nodded, "Your eyes are going back to that floating silver now."

He looked around, "I would like all Moon Blade holders guarding the Queen unless you are getting married. Please move to the left side Blade Holders. The line forms behind these six ladies."

He looked at Rachel and Dorothy, "Satisfied with the answer?"

They both nodded. He looked over, "Commander Tranosa, for the moment take charge of the Moon Blade holders. Ensure the Princess and her Military Adviser is next to the Queen and Jarron. I want the Duke and his family next. I want the mounted units behind them. I want the other two units on the other side near the Wood Elf village.

Have them directing those who are getting married into line with those coming in from the other village. I would like the Centaurs next to the mounted units. The two village units with our ground units behind all the waiting brides and grooms."

He looked at the ladies, "Wait here a moment I need to find Karra. See how the other village is progressing forward. Apprentices. I want you standing in front of the Queen. You two are short in addition to being Moon Blade Wielders."

That got a laugh from the Moon Blade holders, "Be sure to dry off BEFORE getting near the Queen."

He saw the Captain still way off. He walked back to find Karra and she saw him and handed him the box and bag. He headed back toward the front and he saw the Princess. "I am going to move forward of this column a bit and I want you to see just how protected you are."

He went a good 100 feet ahead of the Captain. "Protection force Archers! Warning shots in front of me NOW!" Arrows came flying in from three directions. "Protection force ground units in the woods and Centaurs units in the woods please move out to the edge of the clearing and stand by until our visitors are to the Falls. Another twenty Centaurs and forty ground units step out of the woods.

He grabbed all the arrows and walked back to the military advisers, "Those are Archers watching from the trees that you cannot see." He handed him a stack of sixty arrows. "You ever see an arrow at your feet in Wood-elf domain it means stop grab the arrow and hold it in your right hand they will have someone meet you. They rarely miss the target. They are the best archers in the land.

Keyno is an exceptional human archer who is on par and in some ways better with her focused skill. He looked at the stack of arrows and he showed them to the Princess, "You are safer here than in the elven city. Nobody knows you are here and you are guarded by some of the most skilled fighters and casters around, Princess."

She nodded. He moved ahead and got back to the Moon Blade holders. "Moon Ray and Strong Oak, your new sheaths. Lieutenant Silversong your new 'I have to be different' sheath.'"

The guys chuckled. "Your Majesty, The box."

He looked over at the piles of moonstones. He started scooping them up and putting them in the bag and put it on his belt as all the units got into place.

Cook worked on setting up with Karra in the back. He looked at Charlemagne, "You have the rings?"

She nodded, "I have two, and Annette has two."

Everyone had filed in and he sighed and yelled out, "Everyone, take a knee for the Lady of Dreams! KATA!"

All of the Elven War Horses bowed as well. The light appears behind the waterfall and the curtain parted. The Lady of Dreams walked through with her feet never touching the water. The Lady of Dreams walked to the middle of the lake, "Everyone please stand. Eldar please come to me with your ladies, all of them."

He held their hands. "Have faith." He stepped out onto the surface of the water and Queen gasped as she saw them walk along the surface of the water.

They stopped a few feet from her and the sphere of white appears. She looked at Eldar, "This will be the last time we meet like this Eldar. You will hear me in your dreams and the prophecies will dwindle but never go away. You have 6 very beautiful and pregnant ladies here. Loss will come to you. You will be mad at even the Gods when it occurs. Some things are destined.

Some changed and some could be avoided. You are nearing the end of those things YOU will be able to avoid. Some things have changed, like your necklace and the need for so many wives so soon. You will make decisions based upon those future losses. They are yours to make. You will have more children than you think possible, but not all that you expect.

Your fight with the Dragons over your father is regretful but not unexpected. You could not change the outcome. They might have been able to do so but it would have been contrary to their nature. The answer you are wanting to know was he destined to die just then? The answer is no. What you did for Victria and those things you did do for your brothers are very noble.

The lich will surface again in the future. From that day forward it will no longer be your destiny to deal with him. It will fall to another. You will look into the eyes of the one who is destined to do so at some point after that. You will not live forever. You are not indestructible and one day a champion of another deity will come hunting you.

You have challenges ahead but the biggest ones you have dealt with. Your town will grow, your children will thrive, your students will continue to inspire others for generations. Your vision for the people, which we embraced, is coming to pass. It was your vision that we adopted, not a vision that we gave to you. The ideas are yours.

The best ones always are. You will have more successes than failures. Trust your wives and the advice they give you. Trust them and your children to know their own hearts and where their future is pointing them. You have issued as many warnings as you can. Not all will be heeded. You change a society one mind at a time.

When someone like you comes along society changes in a big jump. Hundreds of minds seeing what you see. It made sense, they just had to be told to look at what was going on around them. You have a question, one last question you wish to ask."

He looked at her, "You said the Lich will pass to another which tells me that I am not meant to champion that cause. Just as the pursuit of my father's killer cannot consume me. My father was consumed by the search for my mother. My Sword had an ability added to take on the undead. Does this mean the next destined wielder is the same one I will be looking into the eyes of?"

She looked at him without trying to be direct, "I forget sometimes just how observant champions can get. You will know who when the lich strikes again. Destinies can change, but it is likely you will be looking into the eyes of the next wielder. You will know when you see them. They may or may not take up the sword in the future. That decision will be their choice. They may pursue the lich before they are ready or the sword is available."

He nodded, "Which means my daughter the Blade Singer will not be destined to carry the blade forward. Her destiny appears tied to mine."

She smiled, "Some things might change. Right now, that is not her destiny. Her destiny is to be the guardian of the southern border, you will train her for us. Now the one question I was expecting was not those. It was the question of the Silvertree at the Estate. It is special, it will live as long as House Silvertree lives.

When you die far into the future, we hope. It will provide one seed for every year of your life. Then it will seed every 40 years. Only seconds have passed to everyone else we have several marriages to get through."

Epilogue

On Junta 12th 7023

The goddess married more than 100 couples that night. Much to Jarron's surprise, Eldar brought every Moon Blade wielder into the Knights including his apprentices. He brought the Duke back as a Captain to help rebuild the order in Grand Falls. Given the knowledge that his father's death could have been prevented only added fuel to the fire inside of him in regards to Lord Regal and the rest of the Dragons.

His growing mistrust with the Order's responses drove him to force change and to take action. He took what authority he had been given and exercised change, he never consulted Lord Regal on his activities. Sending changes in ranks and members through Charlemagne to Lady Silver Hair. The Queen and Princess both had a small view of Eldar's life with the visit by the deities that night.

Junta 23th 7023

The Elven Ambassador to the humans retired from corp. The Queen did not let it go and had him integrated to find out about his relationship with the Lich. He was executed for providing material support to a necromancer. A distant cousin of hers and she felt the weight of taking the action as well as the burden that one of her own family members helped to create that monster.

She had all volumes on restricted material cataloged and required the head of the Academies to approve access with notification to the Royal family to that information. Being accessed and by whom. She never told Eldar but suspected he knew because of the warning to quit the corp Eldar gave the Ambassador. The former Ambassador kept repeating it as he was executed days later.