Chapter 15: Legend of the Scrolls
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Alex was looking in front of her. The grove she was standing in was resplendent and pristine. The trees stood high and mighty, seemingly untouched by man. Yannick was beside her, holding her hand.
"This is amazing," she said, "where are we?"
"In an ancient forest it would seem," Yannick replied by her.
"But where are Gran and Oromir?' Alex asked, realizing that they were nowhere to be seen.
"From what I know of this spell, we will see them soon. This is an Elven spell," Yannick said, "She used it with me recently to show me a moment of her past. We are about to see events that happened in her life."
She turned around and found herself facing a small lake that was bordered by trees all around. Movement caught her eyes and she saw that a figure was sitting on a fallen tree by the shore. She could only see his back but his clothing and long black hair with a silver circlet around seemed out of place in the forest. Alex heard noise and turned around to see a person coming out of the woods. She recognized him almost immediately, Oromir.
"Nick? Is this really Oromir?" she asked in a hushed voice.
"I trust it must be," Yannick replied, looking mystified, "Seeing that he was also part of the spell and contributed to it, it would make sense that we are seeing some of his memories as well."
"Do you think they can see us?" Alex asked,
"Last time Gran used this spell with me, I was like a ghost and not seen at all," Yannick replied, "We do not even need to walk, the memories will do that for us."
Oromir passed by them, not looking at them but seemingly focussed at the figure on the fallen tree.
"Have they come to a decision Oromir?" the figure said, turning around to face Yannick's teacher.
Alex heard Yannick take his breath sharply. She looked at him, he seemed stupefied.
"What is it?" she asked.
"Alex, this is Lord Elessian Tirielen," Yannick replied, "This is Gran's father."
"Wow" was all she could say as she turned to look at the two Elves.
"Yes, my Lord," Oromir, replied, "The council has rendered its decision and just needs your final vote," he added.
"That was fast," Lord Tirielen replied, "I would have though it to take more time."
"I think Lord Deali made his point clear, my Lord," Oromir replied.
"Spare me the "my Lord", Oromir," Lord Tirielen said, "It does not fit me."
"I would be remiss if I did not use it, you are after all our High Councillor," Oromir replied, "Or I could use "master", which could fit as well."
Alex saw Lord Tirielen smile as he stood up.
"The next one that calls me master will take a fast plunge in the lake," he said, "It is still quite fresh at this time of the seasons," he added.
"I think Varneth still remembers that plunge," Oromir said, "You were never one for titles," he added.
"At least not with friend and family," Lord Tirielen said, "But I do understand the need for it. Shall we head back to the council?" he asked.
"Of course," Oromir said.
They started walking back in the forest, climbing a slow hill. Alex felt drawn with them but still decided to walk, feeling strange at the sensation it caused her.
"Speaking of titles and masters," Lord Tirielen said, "How fares your training?"
"Quite well, I would think," Oromir replied, "Although I am not used to fight without magic," he added.
"You might not always be able to rely on your gift," Lord Tirielen said, "Learning the ways of the sword and the bow can remedy that."
"I trust it does, my Lord," Oromir replied, "Although I am amazed by your daughter's knowledge of it," he added.
Alex saw Lord Tirielen smile at that.
"Alathea has proven quite resourceful in it," Lord Tirielen said, "and from what she told me, you are a fast learner too."
"I am nowhere near her level," Oromir said.
"That is true, but her mother is to blame for that," Lord Tirielen said, "She always was the fighter."
As he said this they reached the top of the hill. Alex suddenly felt overwhelmed by the sight that offered itself to her. Looking at Yannick, she saw that he felt the same. The forest did not stop and in it she could see many buildings, blending themselves perfectly with the trees, which provided a natural camouflage.
"Welcome to an Elven realm, Alex" she heard Yannick say.
"Was it where you went these five years?"
"Not exactly here, but the architecture and choice of setting is similar," he replied.
They followed the two Elves, who had not stopped and were now going down the hill.
"We shall do one detour before we go to the council," Lord Tirielen said.
Oromir did not say anything and just nodded, apparently knowing where the Elven lord wanted to go. They walked through the Elven settlement, Alex and Yannick following them. Alex was amazed by what she saw. The only Elves she had met so far were Gran and Oromir. Now she was immersed in their culture. Even if it was only a memory that was shown to her, it was so real that it was almost overwhelming. She felt Yannick squeeze her hand and looked at him before to smile. He had seen her reacting and was in a way comforting her. Right now, he was her only anchor to the real world.
Soon they entered a clearing in the forest and they saw what looked to be a training ground. She could see a few horses pasturing in enclosures and at one side of the clearing stood targets, some of them with arrows still on them. Before she could wonder why they were left there, movement caught her eye and she saw two figures making swift and precise moves in an empty enclosure.
It was two Elven women that were sparring against one another with swords. One of them looked young per Elven standards. She had long silvery hair tied in a loose tail that reached to her lower back. She was not facing them but something in her movement and looks was familiar to Alex. The other Elf was clearly older but had long honey brown hair that curled softly and were kept clear of her face by a leather headband. The way she was dressed and her face reminded her of a huntress picture she had seen once in a book of legends.
They continued to watch them spar and Alex was amazed by the speed they both had. At one point the younger Elf made an attack forward. The other Elf evaded the attack with surprising ease and made two other moves that disarmed and sent her opponent to the floor. The younger Elf tried to get up but found unable to, the sword of her opponent pointing to her fair throat.
"What did I tell you about that feint, Alathea?" the winner said her hazel eyes looking reproachful.
Alex suddenly knew why she had seemed familiar. The younger Elf was Gran. She looked at Yannick and saw that he was surprised but not as much as she was. He must have recognised her before that.
"Never attempt it on one who knows its parry, I know," Alathea said, "but I did not see any other way to beat you."
"This is why you have much to learn still," the other Elf said, helping her up, "I think we have trained enough for today. Besides, we have an audience," she added, looking at Lord Tirielen and Oromir.
"An impressive display, Galeina," Lord Tirielen said, "I trust Alathea is making good progress."
"Oh that she is, Elessian," Galeina said, smiling, "But I still need to wean her predictability out of her," she added.
"You'll succeed," Lord Tirielen said, passing an arm around her waist, "You are not our best fighter for nothing and she is after all your daughter," he added, kissing her softly on the cheek.
Alex's felt her eyes widen in surprise at that last sentence. Galeina was Gran's mother. Looking at Yannick, she was pleased to see that he was as surprised as her. He had clearly not been expecting this to happen.
"This is amazing," she whispered.
"You bet it is," Yannick replied, "But now I know where Gran learned her skill to the sword from, her own mother."
Alathea took the training sword from her mother and went to set it with her own on a rack that was nearby. She had a cross look when she came back and handed a sheathed sword to her mother, who buckled it around her waist.
"I feel a bit bad on being beaten in front of my own pupil," she said, looking at Oromir.
"There is no shame in losing in such situation, Alathea," Lord Tirielen said.
"I know father," she replied, "have the council come to an agreement?" she asked, changing the subject.
"Quick wits will get you far, Alathea," Lord Tirielen said smiling, "they have, from what Oromir tells me, and I wanted you two to be there to hear their decision."
"Let's not keep them waiting, then," Galeina said, causing them to start walking back to the woods.
Alex and Yannick followed them and after a few minutes walking, they started to hear a lot of noise. They soon saw that Elves were there, standing near a clearing and talking to each other, their conversation seeming very agitated. The noise died down somewhat when Lord Tirielen's group appeared and Elves stood aside respectfully to let them pass. Alex could see that some Elves were dressed differently from the ones the ones she had seen until now. Their clothes seemed more made for towns than for living in a forest.
As they came out in another clearing she suddenly saw what the subject of the conversations was. There was standing a huge castle, bigger than Hogwarts and quite taller. It was made of a stone that sent many shimmering sparkles with the light, as if it was made of rainbow crystal. Lord Tirielen's groups continued to walk towards it, heading to what seemed to be the entrance. It was guarded by two Elves in full armour. She could not see their face fully but they seemed impressive with their spears and long shields. The two guards cleared the way to let them come in, Alex and Yannick following them.
The doors closed after them and Alex was once again overwhelmed by what she saw. Inside the castle was completely made of stone. She could not see wood or other materials. It felt weird and bare but in a way the light that the stone emitted gave a warm feeling to the place. They walked up some stairs and as they went up, Alex looked closely to the stone. She suddenly saw that there were no seams to be seen anywhere, as if the stone had been shaped. She was about to ask Yannick how this was possible when she remembered that he could shape trees and that Gran possessed the ability to shape metal. The stone looking this way meant that Elves were also able to shape stone.
There were other Elves in the castle as well. They all stepped away as Lord Tirielen's group passed by and Alex could see that they were dressed with clothing that was similar to that of the other Elves she had seen in the clearing. She suddenly started to wonder how many Elves could actually live in such castle, but before she could ask Yannick, Lord Tirielen's group came to the entrance of a room.
At the door stood what Alex assumed was an Elf. He was dressed in full armour, as the guards of the castle entrance but his looked more impressive. His helmet sported a crest made of long black threads that came down behind him like hairs. His hands rested on a long sword which blade touched the floor and pommel reached to his chest. His eyes were serious but Alex could not see any animosity in them. He clearly looked like an Elf that was ready for anything and she felt safe to assume that he was not a warrior to trifle with.
"Lord Aneali," Lord Tirielen said, greeting the Elf.
"Lord Tirielen," Lord Aneali replied, bowing his head slightly, "Your council has reached a decision and is only awaiting you to reveal it."
"Let's not make them wait then," Lord Tirielen said.
Aneali turned and touched the door, causing it to open. The group entered a circular room. Seated at a throne-like chair, an Elf with long blond hair, dressed in blue clothes. Alex saw him smile when Lord Tirielen entered the room. Next to him was another Elf who looked older, with white hair. He was standing next to the first Elf and looked like an advisor. On the first Elf's left was an Elven maiden with jet black, tied in a pony tail. She bore a resemblance to the first one.
Seated around the room were other elves. They were however dressed in a way that told Alex that they were from the same group than that of Gran's. Oromir took his place in the room and Lord Tirielen did the same. Gran and her mother took a seat next to the door while Lord Aneali stayed standing next to them. Alex was next to him and she shot a look at Yannick. He seemed to be looking at one Elf in particular.
"What is it?" she asked.
"I have seen him before," Yannick replied, "But I can't seem to place it."
Lord Tirielen spoke before she could reply.
"Oromir has told me that the council has come to an agreement."
"They have, my Lord," an Elf to his left said, "The discovery of the Ship of Light by Lord Deali's people has brought back the age of travelling and discovery. The accident brought our kind at the wrong time to this plant. The ship will now enable us leave this world and meet our true destiny."
"So all Elves should leave then?" Lord Tirielen asked.
"No, my Lord," the Elf continued, "While many amongst us crave to leave the world, there are those who have come to call this world, home. It is of the belief of the council that all Elves be given a choice whether to follow Lord Deali's people or remain on this world here."
"It is a sound decision and I would be a fool to oppose it," Lord Tirielen said, "let it be announced to the rest of the Elves present."
The Elf that had first spoken nodded and stood, going out of the room with two others.
"Well Deali," Lord Tirielen said, "the council has reached a decision. When do you plan on leaving?"
"As soon as the ones who wish to leave are ready, Elessian," the elf on the throne said, "but we will wait the time it takes. There is no need to rush things either."
"Wisely spoken, my Lord," the Elf standing next to Deali said.
"There is however something I must transfer to you before this happens," Deali said, "A personal matter," he added, gravely.
"Leave us please," Ellesian said.
All the elves in the room stood, with the exception of the advisor, the Elven maiden next to Deali, Lord Tirielen's family and Oromir. Another Elf seemed to hesitate and looked at Lord Tirielen.
"You too, Jorelien," Lord Tirielen said.
The Elf bowed his head in submission and left, but Alex could detect some regret in his eyes. She looked at Yannick and saw that he was under shock,
"Nick?"
"Alex, this was Andrelith," Yannick said, sounding shocked, "This was before he got cast out of the Elven race."
"No wonder he looked familiar to you," Alex replied.
Yannick nodded in agreement and they looked back at the remaining Elves in the room.
"You should be wary of that Jorelein, brother," Deali said to Elessian, "his lust for knowledge is evident and while it is a good trait, it can also become a menace."
"I know, Deali," Elessian said, "But it is a matter that can wait."
"Yes it can," Deali said, "What I have to pass on to you is something we thought had disappeared with the original incident. However, when the ship was found, it was there, untouched."
"What are you talking about?" Elessian asked, looking puzzled.
Deali smiled a little bit and extended his hand. Alex felt a slight tremor course through the room and gasped as she saw a hole form where had been a prefect floor. From it rose the two scrolls that she had seen in the room Gran had brought her and Yannick to. Looking at the people in the room, she could tell that they were surprised and amazed, apart from the two Elves with Deali. Elessian had stood up and gone near the scrolls, looking at them as if he had a hard time to believe they were there.
"This is amazing," he said turning to Deali, "The knowledge of the Elves, there, intact."
"Yes," Deali said, "But we cannot take them with us," he added gravely.
"Why not?" Gran asked.
"The scrolls of colours were designed with the ship, to tell the story of the Elves and how we came to this place," Deali's adviser said, "We cannot take them because the journey that brought us here in the first place is ended. Our new journey requires the use of new scrolls, ones that will tell our tale from this word to the next. This is why we are leaving these old scrolls here, in your care."
"Thank you, Aelh," Deali said, "There is another reason why we are leaving these scrolls in your care, brother. While we left our island, we had to take care of the final resting place four my daughter's husband. The scrolls show the way to get there."
"I was saddened to hear of Aedfili's passing, Aelene," Galeina said to the Elven maiden next to Deali, "he was a man of much worth and he will be missed."
"Thank you," Aelene said.
"Aedili was left resting on his ship, like he would have wanted it," Deali said, "The chest was left there as well."
Alex heard Elessian draw a sharp breath and look at Deali with something near to horror in his eyes.
"This is madness, brother," he said, "What is in it is much too dangerous to be left unattended. It could be discovered by anyone! And think what would happen?"
"Would you prefer that we take it with us?" Deali asked, "So it could fall prey to anyone we might encounter on our journey?"
"No, of course not," Elessian replied, "But why not destroy it?"
"Because we cannot," Deali said, "If it were in our power to do so, such artefact would have been destroyed the moment it was created."
"But then, why leave us with a way to find it?" Glaeina asked.
"Because as Elessian said, It is too dangerous to leave unattended," Deali said solemnly, "We are leaving the scrolls with you as safe keeping and in doing so passing the watch of the Orb to you and your people, brother."
Elessian looked at Deali for a while, not saying anything. He then nodded in assent.
"It is a wise decision, Deali," he said, "Please forgive my earlier outburst."
"You should have seen my first reaction when I first saw the artefact," Deali said, "Your reaction is fully justified."
"In the meantime we will be reassured to know the artefact under good watch," Aehl said.
"Only the people in this room are to know about it," Elessian said, "And if one shall pass away, the rest must instruct only the most trusted ones in the secret of the scrolls," he added.
"It shall be done so, my Lord," Oromir said.
"I hope you have a safe journey, uncle Deali," Gran said, "You too Aelene," she added to the Elven maiden.
"I fear I shall not leave on this journey Alathea," Aelene replied with a sad smile.
"Daughter?" Deali asked, looking surprised.
"My place is not in the stars father," she replied, "You know it since I married Aedfili, it is here on this world that I have come to call home."
Deali softly took his daughter by the shoulders and looked at her for a moment.
"I had feared you might say this, Aelene," he said, "But what shall you do then?"
"I am hardly defenseless, father" she replied, "Besides, I was hoping to be able to remain here, at least for a little while if it is possible."
"Elves have never closed the door on other Elves, Aelene," Elessian said, smiling kindly, "You can remain with us for as long as you wish."
"Then I am relieved in knowing that my daughter is staying amongst family," Deali said, "And I approve of you decision, daughter, as I approved of your wedding," he added, kissing her on the forehead.
"Thank you father," Aelene replied, looking somewhat relieved.
"Come then," Elessian said, "Let the scrolls rest here for the time being. I shall see later that they are transferred to a safe place. For now, we shall rejoice and celebrate the return of the Ship of Light and the new horizon that it offers to the ones who will answer its call."
Deali smiled and with a wave of his hand, sent the scrolls down in the hole they had risen from. The hole closed right after, leaving a smooth looking stone that left no clue of what was there. He joined with the group and they left the room. As they did so, ale saw that her vision was starting to blur and soon, she found herself back into the circular room, along with Yannick, Gran and Oromir.
"This was amazing," Alex finally managed to say, "I had heard that such spell existed but I did not know they could show tings so vividly. I heard that the wizards of Atlantis had a similar spell,"
"Yes they had," Gran said, "and it derived from our own. This is all the more logical when you know that they were neighbours to my Uncle's people."
"So these scrolls," Yannick said, "These are what Andrelith is after?"
"Yes, they are," Gran replied, "As you saw, Andrelith had a minor role in the Elven council, and you saw that he was present the day the scrolls were handed to my father. While he never was into the secret of where they were kept, he must have figured that it had passed on to the Silverleafs, seeing that I was my father's only child."
"Andrelith was cast out of the Elven race for the reasons you know, Yannick," Oromir said, "His thirst for knowledge never was a problem until the War of the Unicorn. When he got captured and tortured by our enemies, something must have broken in him and he became the monster you now know. We did not see it at first, for he kept it hidden and I must admit that we were blind to some of his moves. His cold blooded murder of Lord Tirielen was unfortunately the event that opened our eyes to his madness, and the reason we cast him out."
Alex felt Yannick's hand tense in hers. He had told her before of the truth about Andrelith but to hear it again, having this time just seen Lord Tirielen and his kindness was hard to bear, even for him.
"And now he is back," Yannick said, "And we hold what he wants."
"Yes, Yannick," Gran said, "Although it pains me to say, we have had what Andrelith seeks all along now."
"Andrelith was always thirsty of knowledge," Oromir said, "Even before his capture in the war. His torture however corrupted him and we saw that only too late. Lust for power drives him now."
"And he seeks the scrolls?" Alex asked.
"Yes," Oromir replied.
Alex saw Yannick's eyes widen in realization of something.
"I came to realize one thing during my investigation of the case," he said, "there was one common link to all the murders, except one."
"What do you mean, Yannick?" Aidan said, gliding closer.
"All the people murdered were either historians or archaeologists," he said, "And at the last scene of the crime, I found a book, filled with legends, both Muggle and Wizard ones. It contained a word for word transcript of the Elven Way, in Elven."
"A coincidence?" Oromir asked.
What was the victim's name, Yannick?" Gran asked.
"Mc Shane, Arnold Mc Shane," he replied.
Alex saw Gran pale at the name.
"The name on the book," she said, "it was Algesiam Mc Shane, was it not?"
"Yes," Yannick said, "I remember seeing the same book in your study," he added.
"I had feared this would happen," Gran said, "I had asked Algesiam to not write this book, but he did. He gave me the copy I have, saying it was the only one. It would seem that he lied."
"Do you think Andrelith knew?" Yannick asked.
"He must have in a way," she answered, "and all the other victims connect you say?"
"All of them to history," Yannick confirmed, "Except one, a Muggle with no ties to the Wizard world or history, killed by magic."
"Like the others?" Oromir asked.
"No, he choked to death," Yannick replied.
"I can think of a few curse that would cause that," Aidan said.
"Uncommon for Andrelith to use them though, his methods are usually more brutal," Gran added.
"But they are not beneath him," Oromir said.
"No, you are right my friend," Gran said.
Alex looked at the scrolls, floating at the centre of the room, bathing it with the light that reflected of them.
"But why the scrolls?" she asked, "What's so special about them that would make him want to get them?"
"Do you remember what their purpose is?" Gran asked.
"They are a record of the Elven history, even before the accident," Alex replied.
"Yes, but what else?" Gran asked again.
"They give a map to the artefact," Yannick said in a low voice, "The one that Deali gave your father's people to watch over."
"Exactly," Gran said.
"And the artefact is what Andrelith is trying to get?" Alex asked.
"We are not sure," Gran said, "I somehow doubt that he has even knowledge of its existence. But he is after the scrolls of colour, that's for certain."
"And if he gets his hands on them, then he would be able to find the artefact, is that it?" Yannick said.
"Yes," Gran replied.
"I do not know what that artefact is," Yannick said, "But seeing your father's reaction to Deali's decision to leave it here on earth, it must be powerful, and too dangerous to leave in his hands."
"The artefact is known as the Orb of Aedfili," Gran said, "And it is the last known remaining artefact of the Builders."
"The Builders?!" Alex said, clearly sounding amazed.
"Yes," Gran said, "I can see by your reaction that you are familiar with the subject," she added.
"There are a few books about them in the Hogwarts library," Alex said, "I must say that I was always eager to read anything on them. The simple fact of wizards being able to do magic without wands was a fascinating concept sounded too otherworldly and I tried to understand it. The books do not really clarify it though."
"I doubt that they would," Gran replied, smiling lightly, "The builders suffered a catastrophe much before recorded history started in the wizard world."
"What happened to them?" Alex asked.
"They were wiped out, by their own stupidity," Oromir said, "Very few of them survived and Aedfili was one of them."
"So he was the last of the Builders," Alex said.
"The last of a powerful line," Gran said, "But the gift of the Archimagi is coming to life again. There has been one born to this world that possesses the power of the Archimagi and he has used them for much good. He is known as the Entropist."
"I know him!" Yannick said, "I met him at the Hogwarts reunion. He seems to be a good man."
"He is," Gran replied, "As we have kept watch before on the Archimagi, we have kept watch on the ones who possessed the entropy gift as well. The Entropist is the first to be that powerful since the last King of Atlantis. But he is by far not the last one. More are being revealed with each passing year. Entropy is slowly coming back amongst us. I only hope that this time, the folly of the Archimagi will not re-occur."
"Wise words, Alathea," Oromir said, "We will keep watch as always. But this time, we will be prepared to act if events require it."
"I hope it never comes to this, my dear friend," Gran replied, "But you understand now Nick, why Andrelith must never put his hands on the scrolls," she added, turning to face him.
"I do," Yannick replied, "And I believe it is more than urgent that we catch him to prevent this."
"I know you will manage, Nick," Gran replied with a small smile. "But I must still caution you to not underestimate him. Who knows how strong he has become since the last time he was seen. Not to mention that I sincerely doubt that he has all his senses anymore. Andrelith is dangerous, in many more ways than you can think. If Andrelith acquires the scrolls, he may find where the Orb is hidden. If he seizes the Orb, I fear all will be lost," she added darkly.
"I know, Gran," Yannick replied, "And it is one more reason for me to find and stop him. I am sure that Sean will help me on this. It is his case after all."
"Stubborn but not stupid," Oromir said, "He reminds me of you at that age, Alathea," he added.
"Thanks you my friend," Gran replied with a smile, "You now both know the legend of the scrolls and why they are the Elves' most guarded artefacts."
Alex looked at Yannick. He seemed as impressed by her by what Gran and Oromir had just revealed to them. But she still had one question she wanted to ask.
"Yes Alexandra?" Gran asked before she could say anything.
"In the vision, we saw an Elven lady named Galeina," Alex started, "I also understand from the vision that she was your mother. What happened to her, if that is not too bold to ask."
"I figured you would ask that," Gran replied, smiling kindly, "Galeina was my mother. She was also one of the best fighters of our clan. My father learned from her and so did I. I passed on my knowledge to others, Aidan and Oromir being two of them. Both her and my father were firstborn on this world. This means they were part of the first generation of Elven children this world saw. While my father developed a magic gift, she did not, but on the other hand became a very skilled huntress and warrior."
"I could definitely see that," Yannick said.
"I am sure you could," Gran said, "She trained with me everyday, without fail. Even the Ship of Light coming back to us did not break our routine. I know that her training is what saved my life countless time."
"I don't recall seeing her in the first vision you showed me though," Yannick said.
Alex knew what he was referring to. He had told her about that vision earlier this day.
"I know, Nick, and there is a reason for that," Gran said, "She was leading or scouts. That day, they had to actually capture an artefact from the Warlocks, one that would doom their goal. They succeeded, but not without a cost."
"You mean that…" Alex started.
"No, she survived," Gran said, "But one of our own was captured that day and while he later returned, this event changed him forever."
"Andrelith," Yannick said.
"Yes," Gran confirmed, "He managed to escape from his captors, but not after suffering horrible torture from them. This led him to nurse a deep hatred for humans afterwards. This hatred, compounded with his lust for knowledge created the perverted being that we know now."
"Like Deali predicted," Yannick said.
"Yes," Gran replied darkly, "And the day he murdered my father, his prediction hit us with even more reality."
She paused for a moment, apparently searching for her words. Alex could see that the memory still caused her pain.
"My mother blamed herself a lot for this event," Gran continued, "You see, she was the one in charge of the scout group that captured the artefact. Andrelith was part of that group. My mother saw his capture as a failure on her part. When he came back to us, she was relieved to see him alive. His heinous act some centuries after was a sharp blow for her. Not only did she lose her husband, but she also blamed herself for not having seen Andrelith for what he actually was in the first place."
"But it was not her fault," Yannick said.
"True, it was not," Gran replied, "But after my wedding with Aidan and the funeral of my father, my mother grew more distant with the clan. She started to explore more around Brocéliande and always alone. We respected her vow for solitude until one day she disappeared in the Mist."
"The Mist?" Alex asked.
"Yes," Gran replied, "They are a mysterious event in this forest that many believe linked to Merlin. It is thought that they were created by Nimue herself. She was a powerful Elf, also known as the Lady of the Lake and was Merlin's love. She disappeared around the same time as Merlin. No one really knows what happened but one can only suspect."
"Another unsolved mystery?" Yannick asked, smiling lightly.
"Indeed," Gran replied, "And it is one that I will be glad to resolve one of these days," she added, smiling as well.
"I trust you will, love," Aidan said, "And I will be there to witness it with you."
"I hope you will let me know when this occurs," Alex said, smiling as well, "I have always been fascinated by the Arthurian legends."
"Then the Silverleaf library has many books that will be of interest for you, Alexandra," Gran replied, "Some that I am sure that the Brotherhood of the Unicorn would pay dearly to actually have," she added.
Alex was about to reply to this when Nimloki came at the centre of the circle they still formed. The white wolf looked at her with it golden eyes.
History is known, the time for action has come, Alex heard clearly in her head.
"I heard that!" Yannick said.
Gran smiled, apparently having been able to hear this as well.
"This is because of the power of the scrolls," She explained, "They are magical artefacts and enhance the power of those near them. I think Nimloki is reminding us of that. It is best that we go back to Silverleaf Manor."
"I shall ready the portal," Oromir said, standing up.
The Elf soon had summoned the portal and after looking back at them, stepped in it. Nimloki followed him and so did Yannick and Alex. Gran was last, closing it behind her and leaving again the Scrolls of Colour, untouched by time and guarded by the powerful Elven wards.
--
Galeina: I looked a while for a name for Gran's mother and finally found this. It is Elven for "to celebrate happiness".
The story and legend of the Builders can be found in the fic Harry Potter and the Seal of Chaos from Entropist. Link to it is on my website, ficworld.