Chapter 2

Hope

The woman searched each face for a sign that her question had a positive answer. They looked at her, at once unsure as to how to answer, and, for the most part, being themselves utterly doubtful as to the possibility of this feat. The Elves looked at one another, each face betraying the defeat that was felt in the heart of its owner. But an unexpected answer chimed in their ears.

'There is a way, but only one, known to bring one of Royal Blood back from the darkness,…' All heads turned to face the speaker. '…and it has not been done since before the time of King Balor's great grandfather.' The words were spoken by the King's advisor, the Wisdom-Keeper and Mage of the court. Six pairs of eyes gazed at him in hope. 'But this is very old magic and has specific requirements,' the Mage continued. 'Its use is only permitted in the most dire of circumstances, whereby our world would be left leaderless, with no legitimate heir extant. Therefore, I believe it is permissible in this case.' A hopeful smile passed over the faces of the party. 'But there is another proviso. It can only be performed with the help of one who has sworn the oath of allegiance to ALL members of the bloodline, and not the King alone, who rules at the time of oath-taking.' A great murmuring ensued, each Elf grasping at the hope given them by the words.

Some may be of the opinion that a King dying at the hands of his own son would be reason enough to negate any claim to the throne being made by his heir. But, in this case, and for reasons far outweighing the Prince's actions, the denizens of the Unseen Realm would have no other choice than to claim him as their rightful King. For the circumstances which had brought to an end the reign of King Balor were not the issue most requiring of action or debate, but instead, and most urgently of all, they had to address the very real threat of the Unseen Realm being left leaderless and as such all magical folk being consigned to death and ultimate oblivion.

The murmuring continued for a few moments as each Elf took stock of the requirements for this feat to be at least attempted, but at last they came to the realization that each of them had indeed sworn loyalty to King Balor…but as was customary at the time of declaration, the wording was such that their allegiance was sworn to the King himself, no-one else. Silence fell over the group again. Just as their hope was raised, they had to see it dashed once more. One individual shifted nervously, as if trying to muster the courage to speak.

'What about me?' It was the naively spoken woman again. The Elves regarded her once more, surprised by her suggestion. 'I know I am not an Elf, but when I was granted a place at court, I did swear loyalty, to all of you in fact. Not just the King. And that means my allegiance included the Prince and Princess too.'

The Elf who led the party stared at the woman, quite taken aback by her offer. But, as no other was forthcoming, he turned to the Wisdom-Keeper, not really expecting an answer which would re-kindle hope in his heart. 'Could she possibly be suitable? Would the candidate not have to be of Elfkind for it to work?'

The aged Mage regarded the woman curiously, mulling the idea around in his mind, analysing and re-analysing the wording of the requirements till he was quite sure of his answer. 'The ancient texts say only that the subject must have sworn allegiance to the entire bloodline, not just the King. They do not stipulate that they must be of Elven blood. I believe she may well be eligible, though I cannot say with any certainty that it would be successful.'

The Mage's gaze remained fixed on the woman. 'It appears that you may be the one to save us from our current misfortune. But it comes at a cost that you may find too dear.' All present waited in silence for the Mage to continue. 'This working is to be performed to bring the true and rightful King back from the darkness. But we have a complicated matter on our hands. If the Prince had died, and the Princess had survived, she would have become our legitimate leader. But, the link that existed between them as twins means that we have lost them both at the same moment. I truly do not know what the outcome would be. We may be able to revive them both...but there is the possibility that the Princess cannot be revived. We may have lost her forever.'

Still silent, the Elves looked upon the body of Princess Nuala, silver tears glinting on a many a pale cheek. The Mage continued, 'The loss of the Princess would be a heavy burden to bear. But we may yet be granted the return of the Prince. And if fortune decides to smile upon us, perhaps the Princess too.' The party listened intently as the Mage's words began to sink in.

'The cost of this working is the highest possible for one to pay.' The Mage looked the woman directly in the eyes, so that she would truly grasp what he was about to say. 'The price for the Prince's life…is for you to take upon yourself the wound which killed him. Nothing and no-one else can do this.' There were a number of shocked gasps from the Elves, yet the woman stood quietly, taking in the enormity of what had been asked of her. Time seemed to slow down as she reeled inwardly with sudden fear.

She would die. She looked from one pale Elven face to another, trying to still the panic she felt, trying to breathe more slowly. Her heart pounded in her chest. Yet as she looked upon the faces of these beings of an almost ethereal beauty, all of whom had become her friends, and loving them all so dearly, her thoughts slowed, stilled and coalesced into a calm and undeniable truth. If she did not do this thing, accept this price, they would themselves all fade into nothingness, they and all other inhabitants of the Unseen Realm. They would die. No more Elves, Trolls, Goblins, Fairies or other magical folk would remain, leaving the world dim, cold and heartless without them.

Die for them, or leave a world without them? The choice was suddenly the easiest she had ever had to make. 'I accept the price. If losing my life is the means of returning the Prince to you, then I shall give it willingly and with love.'

If it were at all possible, the silence seemed to deepen. All eyes were upon the woman. The Mage stepped forward and took her hand. 'This gift is the greatest that anyone could give our people. And we have no choice other than to accept it. But our hearts are broken by the loss of one whom we love. All honour and love is yours, for you are courageous beyond all reckoning.'

The Mage moved to the woman's side. 'We will have to work quickly. It is time,' he said gently.