Chapter Thirteen: An Ancient Tale Concludes
Tranith Argan: Book 1
Ravesfel, visiting Felanar and Kara at night while their parents are out, has just given them extraordinary news: they are both of royal descent, and he is the current King of Tranith Argan.
As he said this, Ravesfel stood up and his words echoed throughout the room. In the moment of silence that followed, neither Felanar nor Kara could find the words to say what was racing through their minds. In one moment their world had been turned upside down. Their parents were not their true parents after all, and their village not the home of their birth. The many implications of this news flooded their minds in that moment.
“You must excuse me for not telling you both sooner, my lord and lady, but your safety was at stake, and it was vital that you not know, that no one know.”
Felanar and Kara remained stunned. Kara turned to her brother, put her arm on his shoulder and said in a weak voice, “Didn’t I say you would be in Tranith Argan someday and I would be there with you?” She smiled as she said this, but she was still in shock and couldn’t stop shaking her head in disbelief.
“Truly, Ravesfel,” Felanar finally said, “I do not know what to say to this. To have my life taken away from me and a new one put in its place . . . How does a man respond to such news?”
Ravesfel answered kindly, “I know, it must be very hard to accept, but I assure you it is quite real, and I have uncovered the documents that prove it. I can now trace your entire lineage back to King Al-Supir. I will show you when we have the opportunity, but for now please accept my reassurances that what I have told you is the absolute truth.”
“I’m beginning to understand everything now, Ravesfel,” Felanar said quietly, staring at the ground. "The training, meeting with Llarand, this was all to prepare me for my future, wasn’t it?” He turned his head upward to face the old man who was looking down with pride at the young king.
“Yes, Felanar, if I may call you that– “
“You may call me what you will, my friend, for I’m no king, at least I don’t feel like one, and if you start calling me ‘sire’ I will become extremely embarrassed.”
“Very well, Felanar, I will try to remain as I always have, even though you now give the orders, not I. Yes, your training was no accident. I wasn’t at that festival by chance. I made an effort to watch you from a distance as you grew up, and when the right time arrived I had to find a way to begin your training. I chose the only excuse I could think of and depended on a young boy’s exuberance to carry the day.”
“I’m not to serve the Regent, then, am I?” asked Felanar with a wry smile, as all his old plans now seemed unimportant.
Ravesfel laughed, “Certainly not, my boy. In fact, he’ll be serving you when all is said and done, though he may not care to do so at that. Still, he can’t deny you are the king returned at last, and you are every inch the king. I’ve been proud of the way you have done your training. You have shown the qualities befitting a king.”
Kara whistled softly. “We are High Men! No wonder Alak could never keep up with you! He won’t feel so bad now.”
Felanar looked at her and said, “Oh yes he will. He’ll feel worse now. He may be the oldest, but now he’s third to a king and a princess.”
“Indeed, Kara, Felanar was no ordinary sibling, and poor Alak never had a chance.” Smiling for a moment, Ravesfel continued, “You, my dear, also showed us that you are a worthy princess, for that is what you are. Yes, don’t blush, for it’s true. Alessa is not the only princess known to Felanar. Still, as I once told Felanar, don’t put too much trust in the talk between High Men and Low. You are both descendants of kings, and so you are indeed different than Alak. But in every other way, there is no real difference between people living in Argan and those living here. This is merely prejudice built from isolation over time.”
Ravesfel’s face turned serious. “Still, time to discuss such matters will have to wait. We forget my reason for being here. Vélakk has found you out, Felanar. I do not know how, but found you he has. He seeks to kill you and rid the world of the royal line forever. You are not safe here any longer and must flee to safety or stand up to the forces of evil single-handedly. Now that his spies have failed, he will be sending others, and more. He may even dispatch an army and institute another massacre, this time destroying the region of Brindledown.”
At that moment the front door opened, and Chafrar and Sera walked in, their faces changing from pleasure to bewilderment as they beheld their children speaking with Ravesfel. They stared at the old man as Felanar and Kara stared at the people who until that evening had been the only parents they had ever known. In the silence, Kara glanced back at Felanar and then stood up and walked over to Sera and gave her a strong hug, burying her face in her mother’s shoulder before bursting into tears.
“My goodness, what is happening children? Are you all right, Kara?” Sera asked with concern. “Ravesfel, it’s good to see you, but what is the nature of your visit?”
“Ravesfel,” said Chafrar as he removed his cloak, “what have you been telling my boy and girl?”
Ravesfel said, “I’ve told them the truth, Chafrar. The time has come for them to know, for events are moving swiftly now.”
Sera looked at her daughter with fear and concern. She had known this day would come eventually and had long wondered how her adopted children would react. Would Ravesfel take them away again? Would they love her and Chafrar now, as they always had?
Kara, seeing Sera’s concern, spoke softly, with tears still in her own eyes, “Don’t worry, mother. You were the best mother I could ever have asked for, and I will always love you as the only mother I know.” With that she again hugged Sera, who now also burst into tears.
Chafrar, too, had a tear as he approached his son. Felanar stood and wrapped his arms around Chafrar and hugged him tight. Chafrar was a simple, straightforward man, not given to a lot of emotion. Yet he had always been fair and kind to the siblings, and they felt a deep love and respect for him.
Ravesfel cleared his throat and said, “I’m sure this is a very emotional time for you all, and that is to be expected. However, I am here for a purpose, and that purpose involves something that not even you know, Chafrar.” With that, he briefly explained Felanar and Kara’s royal lineage. As the full import of this news hit home, Sera stood back from Kara in amazement, realizing she was hugging a princess, and Chafrar found himself not knowing what to do with his hands and body until finally he awkwardly bowed toward his son, mouth agape. Blushing, Felanar stepped forward and gently pulled his father upright again and said, “Please, father, there is no need for this. Ravesfel has told me I am to be king, but it’s going to take a long time for me to accustom myself to the idea. If you and mother act as you always have, it will be a great help to me and Kara.”
“Chafrar,” Ravesfel said, “your son and I have already been over this business, and he wants to be treated as he always has. I would trust Kara’s words and know that they will always think of you as their father and not as their subject.”
With that, everyone sat down, Sera repeatedly muttering to herself, “Royalty!” As she played with the idea in her head, Ravesfel began to explain to the parents the great danger that Felanar faced and the need for him to flee to safety.
“Flee?” asked Chafrar. “Flee where?”
“To Elaria, I would say,” answered Ravesfel. “Tranith Argan is where he belongs eventually, of course, but I think the time is premature. For one thing, he is not ready to be king, for the idea is still new to him, and we need to finish training him in royal matters in a safe place. There is little time now, and there is much to do.
“In addition, there has been much intrigue around the elderly Regent in recent years, and I suspect there are spies of the enemy even there. I would not hasten to put Felanar in that position until he has a base of power. For that, he needs to make himself known in a place of safety, where the enemy cannot reach him. Not even the deepest mine of the dwarves would be safe when the enemy exerts his will strongly enough. No, only Elaria would be a stronghold against whatever forces of evil he may unleash. Felanar can declare himself openly there and let his power grow and prepare himself to enter Tranith Argan, fully empowered to take the throne in the face of all who would oppose him.”
Sera, who had been overwhelmed by this turn of events and had been fanning herself with her hands as she listening to Ravesfel, now caught what he was saying. “Oppose him? Why would anyone oppose the king? Isn’t this what we have all wished for, to have a king once again? Wouldn’t everyone be overjoyed to know a king lives again?” She looked with pride at her son.
Ravesfel nodded gravely. “Yes, Sera, I’m sure most people will be beside themselves with joy at the news. Yet not all will feel this way. I well remember the attitude of the Regent when I told him some two decades ago of the possibility of royalty surviving. He was cold to the idea, and then it was that I realized his love of power might blind him to what is right. I’ve observed him since then as he has grown older and more set in his ways. Mark my words, he will not be an easy man to convince.
“Then, too, there are those who work for the enemy. I’ve tried hard to rid the realm of spies, but the work is hard and is opposed by the Regent’s men. They took offense at the very suggestion and have hampered my efforts. Truly, the work of a guardian is hard when his words are not believed. The enemy is cautious and sly, and his men are not easily discovered. Much work needs to be done in Tranith Argan, and that is why I feel he belongs in Elaria where he can build his power in safety. I’ve long ago spoken to Llarand about this, and he is agreeable.”
“What about me, Ravesfel?”
The old man turned to Kara. “Hmm . . . what do you mean, Kara?”
“You said that agents were trying to kill my brother, but what about me? Were they trying to kill me too?”
“No, Kara, I do not believe so. It would seem that the enemy does not know of your existence. Or maybe he knows of it but pays you as little heed as he would Alak since he would not think of either of you as royalty. Nevertheless, I do not think you are free of danger. Even if he does not know your true identity, he may – rather soon will – know that you exist as someone whom Felanar cares for very much. The same is true of both of you, I might add.” He gestured toward Chafrar and Sera, both of whom sat up in their chairs in alarm.
“He may not fear you as royalty, but he knows Felanar has a family, and if he cannot reach him in Elaria, he may think to strike at those whom he loves instead. I would venture to say that none of you are safe here in Brindledown.”
Chafrar looked indignantly at Ravesfel. “Come now, Ravesfel. Do you expect us to flee our homes and travel to some strange land all because of what two spies said in an inn? Those men were killed, so what is the hurry?”
Ravesfel responded angrily. “Have you not listened to what I have said? The enemy, Vélakk, will not rest now that he knows of Felanar’s existence. With the death of his spies making such news, he will hasten to act lest his prey should be frightened off. Listen to me, Chafrar, for you do not know Vélakk. I do know him, both as he was and as he has become. He is evil in a way you have never experienced or even imagined. I will not chill your heart with tales of his dungeons. I merely ask you to trust me when I say your lives are in grave danger. He would think nothing of razing Brindledown to the ground if he thought it would kill Felanar. He certainly won’t hesitate to kill his family, even if it’s merely out of spite.”
Sera put her hand on her husband’s shoulder and said, “Please, dear, we must listen to Ravesfel. This is a confusing night, but perhaps it will make more sense in the morning.”
Kara turned to her mother and said, “You will love Elaria and the elves. I believe Ravesfel when he says we will be safe there. The Llaráin have a power that is unsurpassed in this world. I would trust them with my life.”
Sera struggled with her emotions, but she managed to respond to her daughter’s words. “Yes, I know we will. We will be safe there.”
Chafrar was confused by all of this. He never did care much for talk about elves and powers. He enjoyed his life, simple though it was, and the thought of leaving it all behind was too much to bear. “What will we tell our friends?”
“Tell them you are visiting relatives,” said Ravesfel, “that you are going on a trip and will return soon. Tell them whatever you need to tell them other than your true destination, but you must leave soon. Haste is called for. You have a journey of several days ahead of you, and there is no telling how closely the enemy is following. I've been seeking word from the Findára in these parts, and so far I've heard no news. But this will not last, and every day you spend here is another day in danger’s path. I’ve worked too hard to preserve the royal line to have it undone by a fisherman who doesn’t want to take a holiday!”
Chafrar glared at Ravesfel at these words, but they also gave him some hope. “You mean we will return to our home?”
“Yes, yes, of course you will return! Think of this as an extended holiday. When it is safe, you may return and spend the rest of your days on your boat, if that is what you wish. For that matter, if you are stubborn enough to stay here in the face of a host of enemies breathing down your neck, I would say do what you will! But for the sake of your children, please go and go quickly. I’ll not have our future king fretting over the safety of his parents with all the other concerns he’s about to have. Please, Chafrar, I urge you to do as I say.”
“What about Alak, and his family?” Sera implored Ravesfel.
“He may be safe since he lives elsewhere for it is hard to say just how much the enemy knows. However, I will be happy to speak with him and offer him and his wife the opportunity to join you. I do not think he would enjoy the prospect any more than Chafrar seems to, but he is family, and he may go.”
“I will speak with him,” said Sera.
“Do so quickly. I’ve sent word to Bren to meet me here, and he should arrive in a day or two. As soon as he arrives, I want to be on our way.”
“Will you be staying the night, Ravesfel?” asked Kara.
“No, my dear, I have to meet with some Findára nearby. I suspect we may need their help during our journey, and I want to contact them as soon as possible. I will ride west tonight into the Heatherwood and should return by tomorrow night. If Bren arrives in the meantime, give him the message that he is to wait for me until the dawn following tomorrow and no more. If I am not back by then, you are to go without me, and I will catch up to you on the way.”
As Ravesfel prepared to leave, the family continued to talk about the amazing events that had transpired. Felanar broke off from the conversation and walked over to Ravesfel and said quietly, “Thank you for all you have done for me over the years. You have truly proven yourself to be a trusted guardian. You saved my life, and Kara’s, and I will not forget it. Please, Ravesfel, take care of yourself. If the dangers are as great as you say, I fear for you alone in the woods.”
Ravesfel smiled and put his right hand on Felanar’s shoulder. “Do not fear for my safety. Guardians may appear as old men, but we have more fight in us than you would expect. I will not be harmed. It is you who need to take care. That reminds me: be sure you and Kara bring your horns with you. If ever there may come a time when you will need them to summon the elves, this is that time.”
With that, he waved goodbye and stepped outside the front door, reminding the family one last time not to delay once Bren arrived. Then the door closed behind him, and the family was alone. For many hours they stayed up discussing what had befallen them that evening and the dangers they were facing. None of them had any clear notion of what the enemy was capable of doing, but Ravesfel’s warnings had made an impression. They were convinced and spent the rest of the evening planning what to take with them on their journey on unknown length.
Late into the night they finally went to bed. Felanar tossed and turned, with much on his mind. How could he accept the news that he was the ruler of all the lands and peoples that he has known? How could he accept that someone wanted him killed? His thoughts turned over and over, until finally he drifted off into an uneasy sleep. He found himself dreaming of a throne, and a king sitting on a throne, but it wasn’t him. Felanar stood before the throne and grappled with the man sitting on it. Later, when he awoke, he could recall nothing more of the dream.