Meet with the Elven King
It was a few hours since the Hell hound attack. Shadows lenghtened across the forested city of Arborlorn. Night was steadily creeping upon them. The Elven King Alastor Ellessidil sat alone in his study. Fatigue lined his face, as he wearily crossed the room to lay down. Despite his eighty- two years, Alastor was in excelent health. He could still ride, and was quick and confident enough to be dangerous with any weapon. His mind was still sharp and always alert. He was also very decisive, a gift that insured his right to be King. Before laying down he caught his reflection in a dais of water. The eyes mirrored were startling blue, hard and penetrating, eyes of a man that has seen to many years and unpleasantness.
He sighed and layed down. He desperately tried to stay awake and think , but he was losing the battle and sleep was overcoming him. A distanced knock, knocked him out of his stupor. The Elven King stood up and walked to the door. He admitted the lean Elven hunter , Captain of the Home guard, in. The ready Elf bent into a bow in submission to his king. Alastor's sharp eyes noticed the fresh battlewounds the other had decorating his small body, all wariness leaving them.
" Rise, what brings you hear at this hour, Crispin is it?" The king asked impatiently.
" Sir, yes that is my name," he said nodding. " Your majesty, I have important news. While my party we..." The King cut him off.
" Crispin, this is no time for a long story, im weary right now so just get to the point!" The smaller Elf nodded.
" Well sir, their are Hell hounds loose in Elven territory!"
Utter disbelief crossed the Elven King's aged face. He crossed the room and sat down. he knew the stories pf Hell hounds. They were terribly vicious and extremely hard to kill. They also traveled in packs and if one was spotted than be ready for others.
" Have I lived to long?" He muttered. " If the Hell hounds get loose in the city how can I protect them? I am their King, the responsibility for their protection is all mines. I have always accepted that, Crispin. Yet for the first time in my life, I wish it were otherwise..." He trailed off reluctantly, then turned to Crispin." Well we must do what we can. I will need your help, you look as if you've had some experience with these creatures. I just hope the stories are not right about them being invincible." Crispin flinched, causing pain to shoot throughout his body.
" My lord, the stories aren't so true. They are very mortal, you want proof? Head northwest of the outpost until you reach a cave. Walk through the tunnel and see just how indestructable they are." The King waved off the comment wearily. " Captain, have my servent summon my most trusted advisors and have them gather in the Elven High Council room, one hour after first light. Tell no one else. See to it that the guard keeps watch without you. Remember one hour after first light. I will see you then." Urgency flashed across Crispin's boyish features. " My lord..." The King shook his head sternly." Elven hunter, tommorrow, and we shall speak!"
It was a few hours since the Hell hound attack. Shadows lenghtened across the forested city of Arborlorn. Night was steadily creeping upon them. The Elven King Alastor Ellessidil sat alone in his study. Fatigue lined his face, as he wearily crossed the room to lay down. Despite his eighty- two years, Alastor was in excelent health. He could still ride, and was quick and confident enough to be dangerous with any weapon. His mind was still sharp and always alert. He was also very decisive, a gift that insured his right to be King. Before laying down he caught his reflection in a dais of water. The eyes mirrored were startling blue, hard and penetrating, eyes of a man that has seen to many years and unpleasantness.
He sighed and layed down. He desperately tried to stay awake and think , but he was losing the battle and sleep was overcoming him. A distanced knock, knocked him out of his stupor. The Elven King stood up and walked to the door. He admitted the lean Elven hunter , Captain of the Home guard, in. The ready Elf bent into a bow in submission to his king. Alastor's sharp eyes noticed the fresh battlewounds the other had decorating his small body, all wariness leaving them.
" Rise, what brings you hear at this hour, Crispin is it?" The king asked impatiently.
" Sir, yes that is my name," he said nodding. " Your majesty, I have important news. While my party we..." The King cut him off.
" Crispin, this is no time for a long story, im weary right now so just get to the point!" The smaller Elf nodded.
" Well sir, their are Hell hounds loose in Elven territory!"
Utter disbelief crossed the Elven King's aged face. He crossed the room and sat down. he knew the stories pf Hell hounds. They were terribly vicious and extremely hard to kill. They also traveled in packs and if one was spotted than be ready for others.
" Have I lived to long?" He muttered. " If the Hell hounds get loose in the city how can I protect them? I am their King, the responsibility for their protection is all mines. I have always accepted that, Crispin. Yet for the first time in my life, I wish it were otherwise..." He trailed off reluctantly, then turned to Crispin." Well we must do what we can. I will need your help, you look as if you've had some experience with these creatures. I just hope the stories are not right about them being invincible." Crispin flinched, causing pain to shoot throughout his body.
" My lord, the stories aren't so true. They are very mortal, you want proof? Head northwest of the outpost until you reach a cave. Walk through the tunnel and see just how indestructable they are." The King waved off the comment wearily. " Captain, have my servent summon my most trusted advisors and have them gather in the Elven High Council room, one hour after first light. Tell no one else. See to it that the guard keeps watch without you. Remember one hour after first light. I will see you then." Urgency flashed across Crispin's boyish features. " My lord..." The King shook his head sternly." Elven hunter, tommorrow, and we shall speak!"