The Elf King by Sean McKenzie

want to
argue. “You will call if you need me?” Ankar watched his mentor
nod, already knowing Shadox would not need him. “I will rest
then.”
    Shadox gave Ankar a
reassuring smile and a pat on the shoulder. “It is nice to be home,
Ankar Rie. I have missed you.” With that, he turned and left the
room.
    Ankar watched him go,
feeling his eyelids grow heavy. He did need to rest, and was
grateful for the chance to do so. He poured a large glass of ale
and drank it down. Before he rose, he ripped a hefty chunk of bread
off and stuffed it into his mouth, then walked to his
room.
     
    S hadox was in the lower chambers,
standing in the corridor where he had found Ankar upon arriving. He
stood in reflection. He knew how close he had come to losing his
friend. And with time slipping away, he wanted to make sure that he
lost no other to the hands of the Dark Elves creation. He entered
the room and walked for a narrow door in the far corner. Opening
the door, he descended down a flight of stone steps in the dark.
They ran a great length, bending and twisting deep below Illken
Dor. Finally coming to an end, Shadox reached a small landing.
Steps were carved into the granite rock, turning away, leading into
a dark cavern.
    Shadox did not hesitate.
Walking into the center of the chamber, he motioned to the walls
and several dim torches lit. The room was a hollow portion of the
granite slab surrounded by Night Well. At its center stood a small
table holding a pool of dark liquid. It was centuries old, made of
Night Well water and magic. Sorcerers had created a tool, pouring
all of their knowledge and wisdom into the water, allowing them to
seek what others had to offer by releasing their energy into it and
letting their thoughts drift with their questions. Shadox walked
over to it, pressing his chest against the hard wood, and sinking
his hands into the cool fluid. His eyes closed. His mind focused,
clearing his thoughts on everything but one.
    He began to initiate
contact then, spilling a small amount of his magic into the fluid,
calling for it to wake and aid him. He said his troubles through
his mind, his thoughts focused on the Mrenx Ku and the power needed to
destroy it. After a few moments, the water began to turn hazy and a
thin mist dissipated over its surface. When it cleared, Shadox
stood looking at a map. The water was showing him his
answer.
    Shadox stared at the
tropical formation, the waterfall and the brilliant blue lagoon.
The water flashed views several times, showing Shadox pin point
locations. LifeWaters , whispered back to him. Then the waters honed in on a
waterfall, panning up high enough for him to see the Shard Peaks
far to the west and the Upper Krune to the east.
    Shadox withdrew his hands.
The magic needed lived somewhere within the Pikes. He left the room
at once, hastily ascending the steps up into Illken Dor once again.
The torches blew out on their own, leaving the Well to settle back
into the darkness.
    Ankar Rie’s nightmare had
taken root almost as soon as his blonde hair hit the pillow. He was
trapped in Illken Dor fighting Takers . He was yelling for help, but
his voice carried no sound. He thrust forth his hands to call upon
his magic, but failed. Takers attacked him as one, holding him fast to the stone
wall, while the biggest of them crept forth, appearing only as a
large shadow, but feeling more powerful than Illken Dor itself. He
struggled to break free, watching the Taker begin to ease its fingers into
his skin, further and further, deeper and deeper. Ankar could feel
a wave of nausea wash over him. He fought it for as long as he
could, but he knew he couldn’t win. It was killing him.
    Ankar was so deep into his
dream that he never felt the hand brush his shoulder.
    “ Ankar,” Shadox spoke
softly, nudging him again. “It is time.”
    Ankar’s eyes opened, still
clutching a terrified look. “What?”
    “ Ankar, you’re
safe.”
    Ankar swallowed hard,
looking around the room,