Chapter Eight: A Planning Council
Tranith Argan: Book 2
Felanar, his sister Kara, and the elf princess Alessa return to her father’s home where they find a council already in progress.
Upon their return, they found Ravesfel in conference with Llarand and Heléste along with several other elves unfamiliar to Felanar and Kara. Alessa whispered to them that they were leaders of her people. As she explained this, standing to the side, Llarand noticed them and waved Felanar over.
“Join us in conference, Felanar,” he said, and pointed to an open seat next to Ravesfel. Felanar sat down and Alessa motioned for Kara to join her elsewhere. But Kara shook her head, went over to the table, and sat down next to Felanar. Alessa looked for her father’s reaction and, seeing none, quietly sat down next to Kara. The three elf lords did react, to greater or lesser degrees. One in particular, Felanar noticed, looked disapproving. He was dressed in a loose blue garment with a green belt overlaid with gold. His bushy white eyebrows turned down as his glance went from Kara to Alessa and back to Felanar, who felt very uncomfortable.
The other two elves turned to Llarand inquisitively and raised their eyebrows.
“Yes,” Llarand said in response, “this is the young king Felanar, heir of the throne of Tranith Argan. He is the king who was lost and now has been found. Next to him is his sister Kara.”
Turning to Felanar, Llarand introduced the elves. “This is Lloánan, Lord of Faála. Next to him is Lledar, Lord of Casília. Finally, this is Llafála, Lord of Melanaré. Together we represent the Findára.”
The three elves nodded in response and smiled; though Llafála, the elf who had looked at the women in disapproval, seemed to be forcing his smile.
“Felanar,” said Ravesfel, “we have been discussing how to make your existence known to the world. What you need is the support of the peoples of Argan and Talenar. Llarand, with the approval of the other elf lords here, has assured me that the Findára will stand behind your kingship and will give what aid as they can. We can also be confident that the Erenár will not hinder our efforts, though they likely will not support us either.
“We first must make you known to the world. To that end, we are going to send Findáran messengers to Khrea, Talenar and Argan.”
“Khrea?” asked Felanar. “You mean to the Tranith cities of Khrea, or to the dwarves?”
“Both,” said Llarand. “Of course we must contact your people throughout the royal realm. But the dwarves will be needed too. Their support can prove decisive, so at least we must appeal to them at the start and hope for a positive response. If the Evil One starts another war in response to your appearance, the dwarves will prove worthy allies.”
“Do you think it wise, Llarand,” interrupted Llafála, “to involve the dwarves? Already we will stretch ourselves thin among the men and much that is ill may come of it. But to ask the dwarves for help! They are a greedy people, and will ask for much in return for that help.”
“Dwarves may have their appetites, but has it not always been for that which we find least dear?” answered Llarand. “Gold and jewels in the mountains are of no interest to us. Yet to leave them out would be a grave miscalculation. We will need all our allies if we are to be successful.”
“’We’ to be successful?” scoffed Llafála. “Our success is not an issue here. Only this boy stands to gain from our generosity. He is the one who will succeed or fail, not us.”
“Not so, Llafála,” said Llarand with a frown. “A strong kingship at Argan would aid us immeasurably in our struggle with the Evil One. Do not think we can hide in our land for all time to come.”
“We fear no one, Llarand, not even the Evil One.” Llafála folded his arms as he said this.
“Then you are a fool though an elf lord,” said Ravesfel, “for he who knows not fear knows not his enemy. Llarand is right, this is the time for all of us to ally ourselves for a common cause.”
“So we will ask the dwarves for help?” asked Felanar, wanting to turn the conversation back and ignoring the look of disgust on Llafála’s face.
“Yes, that will be essential, I think,” said Ravesfel. “The dwarves like to keep to themselves, but they can prove most loyal when they have a mind for it. Finer allies it would be hard to find, Llafála, though you may think otherwise.”
The elf lord stared coolly and steadily at Ravesfel. The guardian ignored that and continued.
“So, as I was saying, we will send messengers to each of the main cities throughout the three lands. We must let people know that a king has returned! This will be great news to most, and especially the common man. That support will aid our cause immensely.”
“Because of the resistance you expect from the Regent?” asked Felanar, thinking back to what Ravesfel has told him of the Regent’s reaction to the news.
“Precisely, Felanar,” said Ravesfel. “What they may plot in secret can be overturned in public. Any resistance on his part will melt away if the people turn against him. To that end, Llarand and I will go to the Regent ourselves. Let him hear the news from two sources he will not dare to impugn.”
“So you are leaving me here?” asked Felanar.
“For a time, yes, but for a purpose,” responded Llarand. “You are not yet known, Felanar, and thus you have little support as yet. Before you enter Tranith Argan as king, let the people clamor for you first. It has been centuries since there was last a king in Argan. People need to be prepared. In addition, the intrigues surrounding the Regency need to be swept aside. If you went to Argan directly, you would be walking into a trap of the Evil One. Let us out-maneuver him with our calculations. Let us set a foundation that he cannot smash.”
“Besides,” said Ravesfel, “there is much for you to learn first, and while the messengers are doing their job, you can be absorbing the ways of the throne. Remember that I had planned to give you the proper training when the time came. Now that our hand has been forced, we must do your training right away. To that end, I have asked Bren to tutor you in the ways of Argan, and the court. He will explain the power structure that exists around the Regent, and on whom you can rely as well as whom you must view warily. He will also teach you the royal history and ways in a more thorough manner than before. You must learn to be king, after all.”
Llarand then added, “I also have asked Dalonír to impart our knowledge of your foe, and of his allies. You will be working closely with the Findára, so Dalonír will explain what you can expect from us.”
“How long will all this take?” asked Felanar, looking from Ravesfel to Llarand. “Will I be here long?”
“Long?” said Ravesfel. “Perhaps until spring, I would think. You need much training, and it will take time to spread the word thoroughly and to deal with the Regent. Don’t worry, you won’t be bored, I assure you. There will be much to do and many people to meet. For if my guess is correct, there will soon be many pilgrimages to Elaria in order to meet the king. I would expect you to host many meetings of importance over the next few months.”
Felanar, knowing that he had much to learn, was heartened by the news that he was now to get more training. He was also glad to hear that he would spend months with Alessa in this land of safety. One question did occur to him.
“What about my parents?” he asked. “When will it be safe for them to return home?”
Heléste spoke up and said, “They are more than welcome to stay as long as they wish. However, I would think that the immediate danger has passed, and if they insisted, they could return almost immediately. After all, your enemy knows you have fled, and are not likely to be returning soon. Brindledown, I would say, is one of the safest places now.”
“Perhaps you are right,” said Ravesfel, as he stroked his chin, “but perhaps it would be best for them to remain a little while. I’m sure the village is in an uproar over the recent events. If they return, it will not be to the same quiet village they knew. There will be many questions for them, and it might prove uncomfortable. Furthermore, if the enemy grows frustrated at his inability to reach him here, he may seek out those Felanar loves. It may yet prove to be dangerous in Brindledown. I would recommend they stay for now, though I do not doubt Chafrar will resist the idea.”
“I will speak with him and explain the problem,” said Felanar.
“We will do all in our power to make them feel at home here,” said Heléste with a warm smile.
Felanar smiled back and, the conference having drawn to a close, got up from the table to look for his family. The elf lords took their leave.
“What should I do, Ravesfel?” asked Kara.
“Hmmm . . . what is that?” responded the old man as he looked over. “What do you mean, Kara?”
“I mean, should I be trained as well? It seems to me that I don’t know what my place will be in the royal realm.”
“I should think your place will be decided by your brother,” said Ravesfel. “He is king, after all. But as for training, yes, you should probably go along as you always have and learn what you can. Should anything happen to Felanar, you would be the last remaining member of the royal family, and thus would take his place as queen.”
“Is there nothing more of note for one as high-minded as Kara than to be a possible replacement of last resort?” asked Alessa with a look of indignation.
“Alessa, we’ve told you to keep your ideas to yourself,” said Heléste. “The ways of men are no concern of ours.”
“I do not mind, Heléste,” said Kara. “I find Alessa to be a very sensible friend and I welcome her ideas. It seems to me that I can choose any companion I want and entertain any ideas I want – I am royalty, as I’ve been told. And although I do not seek prominence, I also do not seek uselessness. From the sounds of it, there will be much work to be done. I wish to aid my brother’s goals in whatever way I can.”
“You have noble sentiments, my dear, as always,” said Ravesfel kindly. “And your skills are without question. I think there may be a place for you of importance, but it isn’t for me to say. I merely guard the kingship, not rule over it. I can tell you that throughout the past, women have not been highly esteemed among the royal family. It would therefore be unusual if you were given much of importance.”
“Then men know not how best to rule themselves if they waste a talent such as Kara’s,” said Alessa. “She will prove to be most useful in ways that we do not yet perceive, or I’m very much mistaken. Listen to my words! I will speak to Felanar myself about this matter.”
“You’ll do no such thing,” said Llarand sternly. “Argan is not something for you to influence, no matter how close you may have become to those who will rule it. Be careful, Alessa. Your emotions will cause you to overstep your place.”
“I mean no disrespect, father,” said Alessa more quietly. “I will not tell Felanar what to do. However, I find it unlikely that he will forget his sister.”
“Don’t worry,” said Kara as she put her hand on Alessa’s arm. “He won’t forget me. Thank you, however, for looking out for my interests. It seems I am always being overlooked unless I speak up for myself. But Felanar won’t do that, I’m certain.”
“I beg your pardon, my lady,” said Ravesfel seriously. “I, too, meant no disrespect. By all means, you should be trained. I will tell Bren myself.”
“Thank you, Ravesfel. I will study hard.”
“I’m sure you will, Kara,” he replied.
Alessa smiled at this, glanced briefly at her parents, and got up from the table. Kara excused herself and followed her. As they moved up to higher levels, Llarand sighed and said to Ravesfel, “She is going to cause problems one day. She is a wonderful daughter, full of light and life. That energy can lead her astray at times, though. She is so young and lets her emotions rule her far too often.”
“As does Kara, at times,” said Ravesfel. “Yet I have to say that her sense carries the day. I have never yet seen Kara’s instincts go astray. Felanar would do well to use her strengths to aid the royal cause. In that, Alessa is right.”
“She may be right,” said Heléste, “or she may not be right. That is no excuse for rudeness, and I apologize on her behalf, Ravesfel. She has no right to tell the rulers of Argan what to do.”
Ravesfel nodded. “Yes, yes, but such are the ways of youth, are they not? Alessa is but a child of the elves. Were she a daughter of men she would be considered a full-grown woman. As an elf, however, she is like a small child. We three have lived many seasons and we think we know all the best ways. Still, I think we may learn something yet from these young ones. Alessa included, if I am not mistaken. Her youth aside, I find her most wise.”
Meanwhile, Felanar had found Bren and Dalonír, and had arranged to meet the following morning to begin his training. That left the rest of the day free, so he decided to find his parents and spend the day with them. As he searched through the large tree structure, Kara caught up with him.
“May I ask you something, Felanar?” she asked.
“Yes, of course, Kara. No need to ask permission.” He gave her a friendly look.
“Well, you are king . . .”
“I’m your brother,” he interrupted, “not your king. Why are you acting this way?” He put his right arm on her shoulder and looked at his little sister with curiosity.
Kara smiled and said, “Thank you, Felanar. I knew you would react this way, and I love you for it. The others want to push me aside but I want to do as much as I can.”
“What others?” he asked in concern. “What do you mean?”
“Ravesfel and Llarand. They just overlooked me in that meeting, as if I have nothing to contribute to this endeavor. When I pointed it out, they seemed to think there was nothing unusual in this. That I, as a woman, would naturally be put off to the side. But I knew you would be different.”
Felanar smiled in embarrassment. “Actually, Kara, I also ignored you in there. For that, I apologize. I should have included you in the training. I will speak to Bren and Dalonír about this.”
“I know you will do what is right, but there will be forces against me, Felanar. I am a woman, and it appears in Argan this condemns me to a life of idleness. I don’t want to be idle. Growing up, I was determined to serve the regent alongside you. As you well know, I never sought a life as a fisherman’s wife. Now I suddenly find myself a queen and a warrior. Even in these roles, however, I am overlooked. I am but an afterthought to those who counsel. A ruler of last resort should you be killed. I don’t want to be an afterthought!”
Felanar now put both arms on her shoulders and stared into his little sister’s eyes. She stopped what she was saying and stared back. She could see her reflection in his eyes, as well as the concern he felt for her. Then his words spoke to her heart.
“I promise you this, my sister and friend: You will never be overlooked again. I will seek your counsel and aid in all that I do. You will receive all the training of a king. You will be used in important ways in the kingdom. I give you my word, Kara, that this will be so.”
As tears formed in her eyes, Kara sighed. “I am so grateful to have you as a brother. I just want to feel useful. I yearn to help the cause, and to hear you say these words to me makes me –“ She began to sob quietly. Felanar brought her close to his chest and put his arms around her.
As she grew calm again and the tears had been wiped from her eyes, he said to her, “I have the best sister I could hope for. I trust you, Kara, and I rely on you. Together, we will succeed.”
Kara sniffed, smiled, and said, “Wasn’t it just a few hours ago I was encouraging you, by the brook? Now here you are strengthening me.”
“That is the way it will always be with us, Kara. Together we will conquer whatever is in our path, for when one of us weakens, the other can offer aid.”
“Don’t forget Alessa,” offered Kara. “I believe her when she says she will stick by our side.”
“I believe her, too, and I’ll not forget her. Never will I turn down the services of an elf. I’ve seen what they can accomplish. Now, if you are feeling better, let us go find our parents and see if we can convince them to avail themselves of elven hospitality.”
Chafrar and Sera were in their quarters and were glad to see Felanar and Kara. Sera stood up and walked over to Kara with arms wide open.
“There you are!” she said. “We’ve been wondering what we are supposed to be doing now and no one has been by to see us since this one elf told us to expect a meal soon. But he said that about an hour ago and we thought we had missed it.”
“We’d probably get lost trying to find our way back down this tree,” said Chafrar gruffly, looking around his surroundings with an uncertain eye. “Living up in the air! What kind of people do that?”
“A very good kind of person does that, father,” said Kara soothingly. “Or I should say an elf does, for they are not persons like us. At any rate, they are good hosts and are not to be criticized.”
“No, no, I don’t mean to be harsh,” said Chafrar. “They have been kind to us and all, and I appreciate it. Just not used to walking around a tree, that’s all.”
“Speaking of walking around trees,” said Felanar, “how would you feel about doing so for a while longer?” He briefly explained the reasons it was felt they should remain in Elaria, and the offer of hospitality that had been extended. Though Chafrar seemed a bit doubtful, both parents did agree to the offer.
“I do want to get word to Alak, though,” said Sera. “I need to know he is safe, and he must have all sorts of ideas about our fate by now. Can this be done?”
Felanar agreed and explained the plan to send messengers throughout the realm to proclaim his kingship. “I’m sure I can convince Ravesfel to send someone to Brindledown to speak with Alak. The region is on the way to Talenar for someone traveling from Elaria. I will arrange for this to be done. Don’t you worry.”
As they spoke, the elf Sera had spoken of reappeared again to escort them to the meal. The four of them followed the elf down two levels to a clearing where a small table had been set up just for the family. Two elves served the meal and then left them to their privacy, a thoughtful gesture not lost on the parents. Sera especially appreciated the opportunity to have a family meal once again, after all their adventures.
The next day Ravesfel and Llarand set off to Tranith Argan. Many other elves also set off to various points of the royal realm. Traveling in pairs, groups were dispatched to Delendor, Joar and Rascanan, Anslo and Whitescar, Irular Istan, Tranith Toar, Tranith Heron, and a small delegation to Krant in Khrea. Two of the elves were sent, at Felanar’s request, to Brindledown first to check on Alak and to assess the damage from the fighting.
While Chafrar and Sera were given a tour of the region, Felanar and Kara began their training. Meeting Bren at the base of Llarand’s tree, they walked to a nearby glade and sat in the sunshine while Bren began to outline the ways of Tranith Argan and the palace. All morning he explained the functions of the regency and the power structure that had been built up over the years. He filled them in on the squabbles that had developed and the party lines that had been formed on various matters. Felanar and Kara listened intently and asked many questions.
In the afternoon, Dalonír met with the three of them and briefed them on the Llaráin preparations for war. He gave them what news had been gathered on the movements of the forces of Shanaar, as well as the history of the tri-cities of Shakaart in the west. The autarch of the tri-cities was no friend to either man or elf, but was not known to be allied with Vélakk. It was uncertain what the kidnapping attempt on Felanar was supposed to accomplish. Elf spies had already been sent to try to ascertain this.
Dalonír also outlined the structure of the Llaráin society. He explained how the three elf lords of the Findára led their peoples in the regions of Elaria, yet looked to Llarand and Heléste in the end. The Erenár were discussed, and the extent to which the water elves could be counted on in a conflict. It was best, Dalonír said, if they could be appealed to on the basis of keeping the waterways clear of enemies. This the Erenár took most seriously, and could be counted on to fight fiercely to protect their interests. In a land conflict, however, it is unlikely they would prove useful. The Findára, on the other hand, would willingly aid Felanar’s cause.
The days passed in this fashion, with Felanar and Kara spending their time learning the information they would need. Dalonír took them throughout Elaria to meet the mighty ones of the Findára. During these visits, they saw again the three elf-lords from Llarand’s meeting. This time all three were courteous and friendly, even during their visit to Melanaré when they met with Llafála. Kara noticed, however, that Llafála dealt only with Felanar if at all possible. Even when she asked him a question, he would answer by looking at Felanar.
Felanar and Kara were encouraged at the reception they received by the Findára in general. Many of the elves seemed genuinely interested to learn of an heir to the throne of Argan. When discussing it with each other in the evenings, Felanar and Kara felt they could count on a sizable number of elves in support of their cause.
Bren, meanwhile, continued his explanations of the nature of palace life and the duties of a king. He also continued his combat training with Felanar and Kara, focusing now on very advanced techniques. In this, he was aided greatly by Aren, the elf knight. Alessa had asked him to provide Felanar and Kara with elf fighting skills and he had agreed to do so. Some of what he had to show them impressed Bren greatly. It was clear that the elves did not excel at combat by physical strength alone. Their skills were exceptional and Felanar and Kara struggled to keep up with this new training.
Felanar continued to be distressed by the attention Aren showed Alessa. Alessa usually attended the classes Aren taught, and Felanar noticed how attentive Aren was toward her. She seemed to enjoy this, and this disturbed Felanar, though he said nothing to her. He was still grappling with his feelings toward the elf princess and couldn’t fully put them into words, even in the quiet of his mind.
Word began trickling back from the realm of Argan and Talenar. No word had yet been heard from Ravesfel and Llarand, but other cities had been reached and elves brought back news that was tremendously encouraging. The peoples of the land were in a joyous uproar over the news of a king! Word spread quickly from the cities to the nearby towns and outlying areas. Everyone, from the great to the small, could talk of nothing else. As Ravesfel had predicted, people wanted to meet this young king, to see him with their own eyes. Delegations were said to be in the process of being prepared and soon they would sail to Elaria to meet their king and to pledge their fealty.
However, before any of this could happen, and only a few weeks after they had been in Elaria, Dalonír sought Felanar and Kara during one of their morning training sessions with Bren. He looked agitated and out of breath, if such could be said of an elf.
“Felanar! Word has come! It has begun. A ship of Erenár has sailed into the harbor with news. A fleet of ships have set sail from Shanaar. They say the Evil One is going to invade Tranith Argan!”
Felanar and Kara stood up in alarm. “This is ill news, Dalonír!” cried Felanar. “Has there been word from Ravesfel and Llarand? What is the regent going to do?”
“No, no word has yet come from Argan. We’ve only just this moment heard of the invasion fleet. Argan may not even know of this yet for the Erenár sail with urgency when the need arises."
Felanar stood there stunned at this turn of events. Even as they had been making their calculations and maneuvers, Vélakk had been doing the same. Evidently he wasn’t waiting for this new king to act. Vélakk would take the initiative and crush the opposition before it had time to grow strong.
“What shall we do, my lord?” asked Bren. Felanar turned to face his instructor. Bren’s expression had completely changed. Whereas before he had been tutor and friend, now a concerned subject was looking for guidance. He wanted his leader to give instructions, to lead the way.
Felanar saw that Dalonír, too, was uncertain. His father had not been heard from and now the Findára would have to decide on a course of action under the three elf lords. He knew that these elf lords were not fully supportive of aid toward Felanar. To involve themselves in a defense of Argan against an invasion would be more controversial yet. These thoughts ran through Dalonír’s head, and Felanar could see it clearly.
Felanar turned to Kara and found support in her eyes. She looked to him for guidance as well, but did so with an air of confidence and determination. Felanar took a deep breath and knew what must be done. What he must do as king facing a threat to his kingship.
“I will go to Argan immediately, with any who will follow. Argan must be defended and I am the one to do it.”